Ever heard the phrase, a dog’s not just for Christmas? Well, it’s true. Looking after a dog is like having a child as it’s completely dependant on you feeding it, making sure it gets the exercise it needs and has plenty of social interaction. So when you’re finally ready to make that commitment, how do you pick out the right dog for you?
Consider The Breed
Every breed of dog is different, whether that’s their size, the behavior of the dog and their personality. Golden Retrievers, for example, are one of the most popular breeds but they can often be big dogs, so if you live in a small residence with not a lot of roaming space, this breed is not going to be best for you and your living environment. When deciding on a dog, make sure you’ve researched your favorites to make sure they’re right for your lifestyle as a whole.
Adult Dogs Or Puppies?
Puppies are very similar to babies in that they need a lot of training. From teaching them to pee outside to interacting with other dogs, puppies can require a lot of time and patience. And if you don’t necessarily have the time for that, an adult dog is likely to be a better option. It’ll likely to be house trained and settle into home life much faster. Some adult dogs might not be suitable around children but having a puppy means that this won’t really be an issue.
The Physical Maintenance
Just like us humans, dogs may need a certain amount of grooming or have varying levels of health conditions throughout their lifetime. Therefore, it’s important to consider the physical maintenance of the dog. Some breeds can be known for their underlying health problems or may require more trips to the grooming salon than normal. This should all be considered when picking out your dog because you’ll be the one paying for the cost of looking after it. If you don’t think you can afford it, then it might be worth rethinking!
Age
Dogs can live to different ages, so whether you take on a dog as a puppy or one that’s already past the prime of its life, it’s worth factoring this in when you make your decision. You may have plans for the future that might make having a dog difficult, so always think about the age and how that can shorten or lengthen your commitment as a dog owner. Don’t forget that they become part of the family too and the more years that go by, the harder it will be when they come to the end of their life.
A dog will bring you so much joy and happiness to your life, but it’s a major decision that shouldn’t be taken too lightly. Sacrifices may need to be made in the future from owning a dog, so make sure you and your household are ready and that you have the right lifestyle to look after it now and in the future.
Currently, I pay attention before adopt a dog 🙂