The idea of getting a new dog is fascinating but there are some things to know before adopting your first dog. Having a dog is such a thing of joy but this joy comes at a price. Don’t start visiting shelters and meeting different types of pups just yet, read on to know things you should consider before getting a new dog.
7 Things to Know Before Adopting Your First Dog
Below are 7 things you should know before you bring your first dog to your home.
Adopting a Puppy or a Dog?
While puppies are adorable, they’re also a lot of work. Crate training, potty training, and teaching commands are full-time commitments. You’ll need to dedicate time to teach puppies how to behave at home.
Living with puppies is like living with children, they come with a huge responsibility. More so, dogs will never be able to grow up enough to take care of themselves.
Adopting an older dog is still a challenge, but it’s not as difficult as training a puppy. Older dogs are most likely potty trained and able to understand basic commands, something to consider when picking between one or the other. A dog would be fine or a pup a better option is one of the most important things to know before adopting your first dog.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Just like how all dogs are different, all people have different lifestyles. When you decide you want to adopt a dog, you need to consider how this pup will fit into your daily routine.
Taking care of a dog brings more responsibilities. While you’re taking care of yourself, you also need to make time and put in the effort to give your new dog a wonderful life! This means giving them the time, attention, and love that they need and deserve! You can’t expect to bring a new fur friend home without considering how they’ll fit into your routine.
Some dog breeds are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time. Moreover, dogs need adequate mental stimulation to keep them mentally healthy. You can make toys at home that will keep your dog entertained for hours.
Do You Have Enough Space?
People need a place to eat, a bed to sleep on, and a space to move around. Dogs require the same necessities! Before adopting your first dog, it’s important to ensure your home has the available amenities your dog needs.
Your dog needs regular exercise or physical activity to stay happy and healthy. It’s easier to open the backdoor and let your dog run free when you’re a homeowner with a large backyard. But when you live in an area without an enclosed outdoor space, you’ll want to find a place to take your dog on walks and a place to potty nearby.
Find the Right-Sized Dog
Each dog has a unique personality, and some of those traits are based on their size. Knowing the space you have available will help you determine how large of a dog you can adopt.
Large dogs take up more space and need frequent exercise—otherwise, they may engage in destructive behaviors. Smaller dogs are ideal for those who live in an apartment or have a busy schedule. Smaller pups won’t take up as much room, but they will need frequent walks and play sessions.
Expect Frequent Costs
The next question you must ask yourself is if you can afford to adopt a dog. You can expect to pay for the following:
- Adoption fees
- Veterinarian visits
- Dog food
- Collars, leashes, and toys
- Monthly medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworms
As you examine your monthly income, make sure there’s wiggle room in your budget to accommodate taking care of your new dog!
Prepare Yourself for Damages
One of the things to know before adopting your first dog is the curious nature of dogs. While you can do your best to train your dog, there will be days when accidents happen. Your space will also become your dog’s space, after all. Apart from other preparations for your pet, you should keep a first aid box ready all the time. This box should have bandages and pain-relieving medicines.
You’ll need to find ways to protect hardwood floors from your dog. Additionally, you’ll want to learn how to clean the carpet and protect your furniture. It’s important to understand things will get messed up, but do your best to prevent them in the meantime.
Make your home Pet-friendly
You’ll have to prepare your home for the safety of your furry friend. This means covering wires and other “chewables” that can attract a curious dog. Shift these things to a higher level that your dog can’t reach. If your lawn has plants that can be toxic to your dog, remove them or block the access of your pet.
Take good care of your dog to keep it physically and mentally healthy. Take your dog to the vet for regular health check-ups, this will help you in extending the life expectancy of your dog.
There’s no need to rush! Take your time to prepare yourself before welcoming your new furry friend into your home. Once everything is ready, consider everything that was mentioned, and go get your new dog!
If you have brought your new dog home, let us help you with some cool dog names. After reading this article, we are sure you now know all things to know before adopting your first dog. If you think we have missed anything, let us know in the comments.