If you want to get a dog but you aren’t quite sure if now is the right time, then you’re not alone. It can be difficult to know if you should add a dog to your family, but if you follow this guide then you should be able to make the right decision for you and your family.
You’ve Done a Lot of Research
The best way for you to know if you’re ready to get a dog would be for you to educate yourself. One of the most important things you can do before you go ahead and adopt a dog is to do as much research as you can.
Talk to people who might have adopted a dog before, and find out what the process involved. If you want to adopt a dog that is a mixed breed then this is great, but you should still talk to people who have a similar dog.
This will help you to make sure that you are making the right choice, and that you are choosing a dog that is right for your family.
The main thing you must remember is that there’s no such thing as being overprepared and that you should always try to gather as much information as possible. This will help you to make sure that adding a dog to your life is the right thing to do.
You’ve Got Time
If you have a rigid schedule that has absolutely no flexibility, then you may not want to get a dog. When getting a dog, you need to make sure that you have time for them, and that you take into account vet visits, playtime and walks.
Even on days when the weather isn’t great, your dog still needs a walk. There will also be times when you don’t feel like going out, and although there’s nothing wrong with this, you have to make sure that you are still giving your dog the love and attention that they deserve.
You’re Willing to Get Up Early
If you have time on your hands, then this is great, but are you ready to get up in the early hours of the morning? Are you willing to go out late at night if your dog needs the bathroom?
If you get a puppy then they will need to go out every few hours until they are fully trained. You will need to anticipate some sleepless nights here. If this doesn’t seem like something you could cope with then you need to take this into account when getting a dog.
Your Home is Safe
If you have got your heart set on a puppy, then you have to make sure that your home is puppy-proofed. Put away any shoes, valuables and anything that your puppy may be tempted to chew on. Cover any outlets or exposed wires and ensure that the bin is inaccessible.
You have to remember that your puppy doesn’t know the difference between right and wrong, and it’s your job to teach them. Using a baby gate is always a good idea and you can make them work in your favor when you are trying to keep everything safe.
If you don’t want to train your dog, or if you are getting a dog for protection purposes, then why not look up protection dogs for sale?
You’ve Had the Talk
One big indicator that you’re not ready to own a dog is if you are trying to juggle your life in order to make getting a dog, viable. You do need to have an honest talk with yourself so you can make sure that you’re ready to become a responsible pet parent.
Sit down, look at your family, your job, and anything else, and make sure that you’re willing to make sacrifices. If you don’t want to change your lifestyle or if people in your family are not willing to make changes to accommodate the dog, then this is a major sign that something has to change so be mindful of that if you can.
You’re Willing to Learn
It’s so important that you are willing to learn when getting a new pet. You have to learn how to read your dog and you also need to understand their body language. They will always tell you when they want a walk when they’re hungry, bored or even in need of a bathroom break.
You need to make sure that you are able to pick up on signals such as this, so you can then make the right decisions. Do some research and make sure you know the signs so you can pick up on your dog’s discomfort, and so you can help your pet in the first few days, or weeks.
You’re Happy to Deal with Mud
Dog parenting ultimately means having to deal with all kinds of fluid. You will have to deal with vomit, urine and even drool. If you are particularly anxious about this part of having a dog, then you may need to rethink your decision.
If you have a pup that is particularly mischievous, then this can be a major problem too. Prepare for this part of pet parenting by ensuring that you have a ton of wipes, carpet cleaner and even dog bags.
You Have Money
From dog food to dog toys and more, it’s safe to say that having a dog is expensive. You have to account for any medication they may need as well.
Some dogs may have had their first round of jabs or they may have even been neutered by the time you bring them home, but ideally, you want to check just in case so you know if you’re going to have to pay for this yourself.
If you can’t afford to pay such expenses, this is a major sign that you are not quite ready to add a dog to your family. It may be that you need to wait until you are more financially stable before you make the commitment and that you need to try and save up some money to pay for their initial expenses.
