There are few things in life as joyful as the relationship between man and dog. The understanding and connection built by both species has exceeded what humans initially thought. As the number of dog owners continues to rise in the United States and around the world, dog lovers are making the big decision of whether to get a dog or not – or get another one! Owning a dog is an exciting experience but a big responsibility. The life of that dog is in your hands as its leader, provider and protector. Specifically, owning a puppy comes with several responsibilities and the decision to start this journey needs to be made responsibly. Here are some ways to identify if you are ready to start a furry friend journey!
Timing
Growing with your furry friend requires time, love and nurturing. Similar to raising a child, puppies are little bundles of energy waiting to start this journey of life under your guidance. Before starting this new adventure, ask yourself, will you have time to actually care and raise your new puppy?
It’s necessary to be prepared to train your puppy and invest ample resources and time to cultivate the relationship. The puppy will have to learn how to live in your environment and adapt to different human behaviors. Potty training and overall physical health are integral parts of a dog’s childhood, so ensuring you have time to meet your dog’s needs and give them a healthy life is part of being a responsible dog parent. Getting a puppy means that you accept the commitment to be a part of its life. If you find yourself having time and yearning for a new spark to add to life then getting a puppy could be the answer for you!
Environment
Living in a healthy environment to share with a pet is equally important. Make sure your physical environment is able to meet a pet’s needs and you can ideally set up a plan to get them ample amounts of fresh air and time in nature. If you live in an apartment it’s important to check with your homeowner’s policy before getting a dog. A common problem is people are enchanted by the cuteness of a puppy and impulsively get one without recognizing the responsibility.
It’s important to remember that larger breeds grow quickly and to considerable sizes, they can be stronger than their owners as well as more expensive for maintenance. Will you be prepared to handle that responsibility long term? The worst possible outcome is creating a situation where a dog may end up in a shelter when it could have found a forever home if the family who abandoned it planned responsibly. For this reason it’s extremely helpful to get the people in your immediate household on board with this plan. They can have a significant impact on a dog’s development and future behavior. Once that is accomplished, create a structured plan to teach your pet how to operate in your environment while respecting other people and receiving it in return. If you check the boxes with an environment suitable for a dog it’s a big step in the direction of adding one to your family!
Financial Stability
As mentioned above, taking care of a puppy requires time and resources, unfortunately that includes money. Being financially stable allows you to not only provide your puppy with the best tools and items to grow, but also allows for more enjoyment between you two. According to Forbes, the lifetime cost of owning a dog often ranges between $17,650 and $93,520. Making up these numbers are expenses such as food, extra money on housing, training, vet visits and supplies such as leashes, toys or dog beds.
But emergencies can always happen. Being prepared financially for freak accidents or events will ease the burden of stress, improving quality of life for both human and dog. Many veterinary offices provide pet insurance to allow for lower monthly costs and vet visits.
Research
The most important thing to do before getting your new puppy is research, research and more research! It’s good to learn how to prepare, what steps to take and how to know if you are ready! Like you’re doing now!
There are a variety of different types of dogs and choosing one that complements your lifestyle has major benefits. Different types of dogs need different types of health care, dog behavior, toys, training gear, and grooming materials. They are just a few of the household items that you should consider checking out and acquiring ahead of time.
Providing the best possible diet for your situation is one of the most important ways we can improve both quality and quantity of life for the dogs we will grow to love. Learning what your options are and how to make smart choices in this department will pay off in the long run. It’s also a good idea to explore any pet-friendly areas near you to be prepared when the need to use one arises. This includes dog parks and learning local laws related to them, veterinarians and emergency clinics that are open overnight. Being educated on how to properly take care of your puppy will both make life easier and more fun for your dog and you!
If you’d like to learn more about dietary needs check out our articles on what to avoid in dog foods here.
Final Stages
Getting a puppy or dog is an exciting event. However, with great reward comes great responsibility. Researching about your new furry friend will make everything easier, so you can focus on enjoying life with them! Puppies require time, effort and devotion. Everything you do with them will be a loving memory for a lifetime. That’s why it’s also important to make sure you are ready for this commitment. Once you make that decision wisely, you won’t have to look back and think about what could have been. So, are YOU ready for some puppy?
