Many of us have always thought of getting a pet dog once in our life. Seeing all those dog videos on social media, we get to imagine how playful it is to have them around, how they love you unconditionally, how they will do anything to protect you, and crawl up in your bed when you’re feeling low. However, having a dog is a life-changing experience because they are amazing companions who require considerable time and energy.
Below are certain factors to consider before deciding to bring home a dog.
Consider your living situation
Whether you live in a home, an apartment, in the city or the countryside, all these aspects will have an effect on which dog breed will best suit you and your lifestyle. It is not just about where you live; it is also about who is living with you. For example, you might be living with young children, older people, a partner, or you may be single. Those facts matter because some dogs are known to be single-person dogs, and other dogs enjoy living with families to keep them company. Your specific living situation will go a long way in informing you about the type of dog breed that you should get.
Consider your abilities
Do an in-depth assessment of your dog-owning abilities, meaning understanding yourself physically and mentally. Can you walk, run or ride a bike with a dog? How much weight can you pick up? Some dogs can be physically too much to deal with for some people. When it comes to your mental state, ask yourself if you are emotionally stable, how you feel about yourself and your environment. Some dogs can be emotionally challenging, meaning that they might be stubborn, independent, or not as loving as another breed.
Health insurance
You should consider having health insurance for your dog. Veterinary care can be very costly. Look for the best policy and coverage you can get. Similar to your spouse, children, or partner, you need to make sure you have the money to take care of your dog whenever health issues arise. Once you get close to a dog, it will become a significant part of your life. You will find yourself willing to spend far more money than you may have thought you would pay before getting a dog.
Consider community infrastructure
You should enquire about the availability of veterinary services close to your place. Get to know if there are veterinarians and veterinary hospitals near you, as emergencies can happen at any time. Note that veterinarians and veterinary hospitals differ. Veterinarians are typically closed on the weekends, and some veterinary hospitals operate 24/7.
You also need to look for recreational groups or spots, like dog groups, clubs, and parks. Those will make your dog-ownership more convenient.
Consider your daily schedule
It is essential to take into account the amount of extra time you can afford to spend with your dog. Every dog will need interaction; it will need to be exercised and fed. You are meant to set aside time from your daily schedule to devote to your dog.
Consider activities your dog will need
Take into consideration the type of exercises your dog will need and how much time is required for the activities. Some breeds need to be run, and others need to be worked. Make sure you have access to facilities to provide your dog with the appropriate amount of exercise. Dogs need to be walked every day. Backyards are nice, but dogs with a high prey drive need to walk in a forward direction and not in circles, which is exactly what happens when they try to run in a fenced-in back yard. Dogs are extremely athletic and need exercise to maintain mental and physical health.
Consider how much you can pay for a dog
Think about how much money you can afford when purchasing a dog. Owning a dog means you will spend more money after buying the dog. If you can’t afford an initial cost (buying), you can still visit your local shelter where there are plenty of lovable dogs that need a home. Shelter dogs will provide you excellent companionship and even as great guard dogs.
The breed
You have to inquire about the breed’s history, its current purpose, and the reason behind why people keep breeding the breed for today. For example, many dog breeds were bred to work on farms, but today they are bred just to be companions. Understand, do your research, and make sure you identify the breed which suits you and fulfills what you want in your next dog.
Consider feeding a raw diet
A healthy and happy dog is directly related to its diet. A raw diet has a higher water content than dry pet food which results in better digestion, dental health, and healthier weight.