The saying ‘A dog is for life, not just for Christmas’ couldn’t be truer. Dogs are absolutely incredible, but you must remember that this is a big commitment and not one to be taken lightly. Dogs, like humans, are pack animals that bond deeply with their family. Just like starting a family, do not get a dog if you haven’t fully committed to making changes and adapting your lifestyle. Things to think about to help you decide:
Think About Before Getting a Dog
1. Are You Ready For A Long-Term Commitment?
Dogs can live ten to twelve, or more, years. A dog will be part of your family. You will be committed to a loyal and caring relationship with your dog as much as any other family member. They need time, attention, exercise, training, playtime, cuddles, routine & love just like us. If you think you haven’t got time for that or a dog will interfere with your lifestyle, maybe a dog is not a good idea. If you find it doesn’t suit you, could you leave a family member who adores you at a shelter and abandons them? Please don’t do this lightly. Please make sure you think hard first.
2. What Sort of Dog Do You Want?
Size – how big a dog can you and your home handle? If you’re living in a one-room flat near the top of a block of flats, then you should probably pick a small dog. Alternatively, if you have a large garden and plenty of room, larger breeds can be great too. Look into each breed, as personalities can also differ quite significantly between small and large dogs. Lifestyle – do you like lots of outdoor exercises? Then a larger working dog might suit you. If you like a lap dog that you can take to most places easily, a small chihuahua might be for you. Do you need a good family dog with an even temperament & lots of fun & patience? Allergies – are you allergic to dog hair? If so, you can choose a hypoallergenic breed. Work – what do you want a dog for? Do you want a guard dog or herder, show dog or breeder or all-round family dog? Coat length & type – can you cope with lots of grooming & hovering up dog hair? Or do you want a short-haired or non-moulting dog? Lifespan – how long will you realistically be able to care for your dog? If you rescue, you can get dogs of all ages, so not only do you bring joy to a being who will love you forever, but you also can choose exactly what age and personality you need. Health issues – some dogs have been bred for specific looks & suffer many health problems. Each dog has different traits where they may be less or more susceptible to certain conditions. Generally speaking, mongrels (i.e. dogs of mixed type) tend to be healthier than some purebreds. If you buy your dog from a breeder, be aware, if they are not reputable, inbreeding can cause health issues. Mongrel or pure breed – Which do you want? Pure breeds come with a piece of paper with their kennel name on and some people like dog competitions which if you do you may need to have a pure breed for, e.g. Crufts. But some pure breds may have genetic problems from over breeding. Mongrels are very varied but may have fewer problems. Breeder or rescue – do you want a purebred puppy or do you fancy rescuing a dog? At Life On Paws, we recommend rescuing where you can. There are so many wonderful dogs all over the country needing homes, yet people continue to breed more and more and customers who are unsure sometimes buy these because they don’t realise rescuing is just as safe, easy and fun. Not only that, but it is a lot kinder and you could save thousands of pounds. If you want a puppy, are you aware kennels often have puppies too? First time pet owners sometimes worry and have a misconception that is not as easy in some way, or the dogs might be ‘damaged’, yet this is usually not the case in the slightest. In fact, you often end up with the best friend you could truly ever have. Have a look here for a rescue near you and have a visit to get an idea. www.tinyurl.com/dogstovisit. Visits are free and the carers often give excellent advice so you can make up your mind. Breeders can do two things that rescues can’t; they can provide proof of one type of breed and a kennel club name. You have to think, is this critical to me? Am I wanting to compete in Crufts? If it’s important to you the dog you want just wants breed and don’t want mixed breeds, you can probably still rescue, save yourself a lot of money and save a life. In rescue centers across the country, there are dogs of all breeds and all ages, from puppies to older dogs. You can visit and get an idea for the personalities. Most have a kind, sweet temperments and they just to have a family where they can love and be loved. They often are not through any fault of their own –they may have been loved but the family member died and they were put into care, or they may have been bought as a fun “Christmas gift” for someone who didn’t take having a dog seriously and quickly changed their mind. Then they are put into care and suddenly no one wants them. At the end of the day, only you know best. Both rescues and kennel club purebreds can be wonderful dogs. But where you can save a life, please do. You will probably end up with the best friend you’ve ever had in your life.
3. Can I Afford A Dog?
There are regular expenses with a dog – food, vaccinations, dog care if you’re out for long periods or go on holiday, pet insurance. Vet bills can come unexpectedly and are pricey, unlike the NHS. Even if you have pet insurance there’s usually an XS to pay. Be sure you can afford what you will need over the dog’s lifetime.
4. Can You Keep Up with Them?
Dogs are wonderful, but they still have a lot of needs; feeding, watering, cleaning, exercising, taking them outside to use the bathroom and caring for them if they are unwell. Dogs are social animals & can’t be ignored. They can feel emotionally neglected if not looked after, just the same as humans. Dogs have at least the same level of intelligence and emotional needs as a two-year-old child. Would you ignore a toddler because you’re tired or busy or they’re not as cute as they once were? If yes, maybe a dog is not the best choice. In some ways, dogs can be more vulnerable than children. Dogs can’t speak, and there are more people who can intervene on behalf of children: schools, doctors, family and friends and so on. You and your family will be the dog’s sole support day in and day out. That’s why you need to think seriously before getting a dog.
