Last Updated on January 31, 2022 by Dogs Vets
Things You Need to Remember Before Getting a Dog
To put it simply, dogs make the greatest companions. They are fun, energetic, and can be very gentle and affectionate if they are well looked after.
But owning a dog isn’t always as glamorous as it may seem, especially if you’re cleaning up after your dog on a walk, or dealing with a canine temper tantrum. As a result, it can be a time-consuming, expensive, and frustrating experience at the best of times.
In the end, however, it’s more than worth it to have a loyal friend at your side.
There are a few important things you need to remember if you are seriously thinking about getting a dog.
This includes the overall cost of owning a dog and a consideration of the amount of schedule adjusting you’ll need to undertake in order to accommodate a dog within the walls of your home.
Dogs Are A Lifelong Commitment
On average, dogs live between 8 and 15 years. And if you choose to get a dog, you are making a commitment to nurturing their emotional bond with you and your family whilst also caring for their physical well being until they reach the end of their natural lifespan.
This bond runs so deep that a change in ownership can be extremely traumatic to the physical and mental health of your dog.
They Need a Safe Space
Whether you are simply “dog-proofing” your home or crate training your dog, creating a safe space where your pet will feel comfortable and be able to roam free is an essential part of being a dog owner.
To achieve this, you should remember to remove any potential hazards from your home before getting a dog. These include houseplants, batteries, coins, and particular foods such as chocolate.
A crate can be viewed as a personal haven for your dog. Not only is it a private sleeping area, but it is somewhere they can retreat to if they feel overwhelmed or need a bit of quiet time during the day, too.
However, you need to remember that dogs aren’t born loving crates.
So, as a pet owner, it’ll become your responsibility to teach your dog to love them, and to appreciate having their own space without becoming territorial.
Unfortunately, this can be time-consuming and difficult, especially if you find your dog whining in the crate to express their discomfort. This may occur more often than you’d like at the beginning, but they will eventually settle into a routine.
Playtime is Important
Stimulation is a critical part of keeping a dog feeling safe and comfortable in their new environment. So, to keep your dog as happy as possible, you need to figure out the type of stimulation that really makes them tick, and incorporate it into their everyday life.
While some dogs like to be left to their own devices to play with toys, you need to remember that some may prefer being up close and personal with you or your family members.
In this case, your dog may benefit from playing games such as tug-of-war that require them to be in closer proximity to you, their family.
Other forms of mental stimulation including basic training and fun tricks (think “paw” and “sit” commands) may also help to keep your dog feeling calm as they adjust to their new space.
We’d suggest carrying out your own research to figure out exactly what your dog likes!
The Necessity of Socializing
Dogs are also sociable creatures. This means they require regular interaction and playtime with people and other dogs to help them react healthily to the world around them.
Dogs are also cherished companions, meaning they don’t cope well with extended periods of isolation, and they want to be around us whenever possible. So you will need to work on finding the perfect balance to manage your busy schedule and the demands of a dog.
Their Well Being Matters
You have a duty to fulfil your pet’s most simple needs whilst also making them feel loved and cherished. But this doesn’t have to be difficult! By acknowledging that you must take them on daily walks, feed them regularly, and supplying adequate equipment and training to help them settle into their new life, you are already providing for your dog!
It Can Be Expensive
Finally, you need to remember that owning a dog will be a considerable financial commitment. Before committing to bringing a dog into your life, you need to factor in the potential cost of everything they will need.
From food and toys to worming treatments and bedding, you’ll need to cover the cost of many things for your pet.
You will also need to think about the additional costs of grooming, veterinary practice fees, and any emergency treatment that they may need.
Conclusion
These are several of the most important things you need to remember before getting a dog.
From buying the right kind of toys to keep them entertained, to providing a comfortable sleeping environment, being a pet owner can be very difficult at times. But having a loyal canine companion at your side can also be extremely rewarding – especially if you are living alone.
As long as you remember to be patient whilst your dog adjusts to their new environment, then everything else should settle into place!
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