The holidays are around the corner and you can start to think about what you want to get as gifts for the family. One thing that is always a popular thought, especially for families with children, is getting a dog. It could be the ultimate gift for the holidays and make a lot of people very happy.
The thing is, falling in love with the idea of a dog, or dog itself if you have seen one you like, is the simple part; it is easy. Having a dog in the home can be something that brings a lot of joy, so there is no doubt that you can get a lot of loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love from your dog or puppy. In fact, having a pet in the home, especially dogs, has shown to relieve stress after a long day. When it comes to getting a dog, though, you need to think carefully about it. It isn’t something that you should do on a whim or something that you take lightly. It is a big commitment, not only because you will have the dog for the rest of their life, but it is a commitment to time and money. The average lifespan of a dog is fifteen years, so you need to be in it for at least that length of time.
Having a pet in the home can be very enjoyable and very satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a playmate for the kids or for a companion in the home, it is something that is very gratifying. It is a big commitment and responsibility, though. With all of that in mind, here are some of the things that you need to think about now, before you dive in headfirst to get a pet dog. When you plan it out and think carefully, you’ll know that you’re making the right decision for your family or not.
What are your reasons for wanting a dog?
This is something that you need to think about deeply, as it will help to answer if you’re ready for a pet dog or not. If you don’t ask yourself this before getting a dog, then it could lead to problems or you wanting to rehome the dog after a little while. If you just think that it will be a fun thing to do or everyone seems to have a dog so you should get one too, then it is likely to be for the wrong reason. If the children beg for one then it could end up being a mistake. You will have a new member of the family to care for so you need to know what you’re in it for the right reasons and want to get a dog to really meet a specific need.
Do you have enough time for a dog?
Dogs will become part of the family. However, unlike little children, they can be left alone from time to time. That being said, leaving them for hours on end isn’t going to be a good idea. You can’t just forget about them or head out to work all day without putting plans in place. Dogs do require a lot of care, so if you’re not able to commit that to them, then it may not be the best decision that you make. If you can afford to have a dog walker come in through the day to help out, then that could work. But otherwise, you need to think wisely about how much time you can realistically afford to give.
Can you afford a dog?
As much as dogs can offer love and affection, you still need to think about the realistic costs of having a dog and if you can afford one yourself. Getting a dog is a life commitment, and over their lifetime, there are a number of different costs to think about. You need to consider food and insurance costs, as well as toys and accessories like bedding. Not only that, but you may need to take your dog to training classes, get them groomed, as well as thinking about dog walker costs of boarding costs for when you’re out of town.
When it comes to the costs, you can essentially spend as much or as little as you’d like to. You can choose to make your own food or buy in bulk, and how many extras you get is up to you. However, you need to understand that there are some costs upfront to think about, so dogs should never be seen as something that is cheap to have.
Is your living situation conducive to having a dog?
You might be in it for all of the right reasons, but you also need to consider your living situation to check that will work for you too. For example, a lot of rentals don’t allow dogs to be there, or if they do, have some specific rules around it. If you are renting, then this is something to consider so that you don’t end up being kicked out of your home. Even if you own your home, you might need to be realistic about if it is a good place for a dog to be. A small apartment can work if you choose a small dog, but a larger dog would be better suited to a home with a backyard, for example. Are there places to walk the dog nearby? If not, then each time you need to take them out, it can be a big drive to get to somewhere suitable.
Is this the right time to get a pet dog?
If you have a baby, then getting a dog on top of having a new baby could feel like a little much. Some people do it, but it can be a lot of work. If you have young children, then as much as they might like a dog, it could be a good idea to wait for a couple more years until they’re able to help out a little more.
Many dog breeds will be full of energy, which can be too much for some children. You also need to make sure that if you have children, that they are mature enough to care for the dog in the right way. You should consider your lifestyle too. If you travel a lot as a family or go away for work a lot, will it be a good time to get a dog when you’ll have to keep putting it in boarding kennels? If you are in the military, then that is something else to consider as you could have long deployments overseas and military housing might not work with a pet.
A dog is for life
This might feel like a long list of things to ask yourself, but it will help you to be in the best place to decide whether getting a dog is what you should do or not. There are several responsibilities that come with having a pet dog and you shouldn’t forget about them or think that they aren’t as important as they are. Many dogs can end up being rehomed or put into a shelter because people just got a dog on a whim and didn’t take into account the full duties they would have as dog owners. Think about how life can change when you have a dog, because although very rewarding, it is a big change and a big responsibility that you need to be ready for. Additionally, considering options like open banking and revenue based loans can provide financial support for pet-related expenses, ensuring you can meet your obligations as a responsible pet owner.
