Here are 6 great tips to consider when taking care of a dog.
- Hours spent at work:
Many people work shift work or are out of the house for up to ten or twelve hours a day. Dogs are very social animals and need and crave our presence. If you can’t be home you’ll need to arrange for someone to spend time and care for your dog.
- Your financial situation:
Dogs cost a lot of money. There are vet bills, groomers, dog walkers, boarding situations, dog beds, toys, food and the list goes on. If your dog is injured in a major accident and you haven’t purchased insurance you need to be sure you have the finances to cover the bills. A dog is yours for the rest of its life and it’s a big responsibility that should be taken seriously.
- Do you have children or plan to have children?
Many people think that having a dog will be good preparation for having a baby. What they don’t realize is that bringing a baby into the dog’s life can be incredibly stressful down the line. Not all dogs are great with children. Consider waiting awhile until your kids are older or make sure you research your breeds or find a good rescue that screens well for aggression towards children and babies.
- How you spend your leisure time:
When you get a dog you now have another living being depending on you for all of its needs. You will no longer be able to stop at the pub for a pint after work and you’ll have to make arrangements for your dog to stay somewhere if you want to stay overnight. If you’re a person with a very active social life and lots of time spent on vacation you might need to give it a bit more thought.
- Do you have other animals:
Sometimes navigating relationships with multiple species and even other dogs in the house can be complicated. If you’re comfortable taking on the challenge then jump in, but be mindful that it might take some extra planning and management.
- Breed:
Although we don’t want to generalize, it is true that certain breeds have certain tendencies that can either make them a good fit for your home or not so great. Do your research to make sure you’ve chosen the right breed for your life situation.