Everything You Need to Consider Before You Get Your First Dog

Deciding to get the first dog in your life is a very important decision and commitment. There is no point to get a dog just to find out a week later that you are not able to look after it. Therefore, before you decide on a new furry member of your family, you need to carefully consider this big step and all factors that may affect your decision before and after. In this article, we will help you pay attention to some essential aspects worth considering before you get a dog.

Are You Really Ready for a Dog?

The most important thing you need to consider before you rush out to get a dog is considering if you are actually ready to get a dog. You may really want to get a dog, however, this does not mean that the current situation you live in is suitable for you to get a dog at the moment. You need to think and remember that getting a dog is a huge responsibility and also one that will last for at least ten years and often longer. Ask yourself and answer yourself truly – are you ready for this commitment? Maybe you are too busy with work at the moment and you just don’t have the time to take care of him or her. In addition, owning a dog is a commitment in many aspects, including financial, emotional, and physical, it takes time and energy. However, at the end of the day, it is all worth it because the dog will give you unconditional love and friendship, so if you have the time and energy to take care of a furry fellow, go ahead and experience this great happiness.

What Kind of Dog Is Right for You

Dogs come in a bunch of different forms, shapes, sizes and breeds. Before you get a dog, you need to consider what dog breed is the most suitable for you. You may be a fan of larger breeds such as Huskies and Labradors, however, if you are living in a smaller house, your accommodation might not be the most suitable for such dog. Before you settle on a dog breed, make sure to consider some of these factors: size – small, medium or large; age – puppy or a senior; activity level – high energy, low energy, or in between. Each of these dog breeds has its pros and cons and each dog deserves your love and care. However, this does not mean that each of them is suitable for your lifestyle and living situation. And you should get a dog only when you are sure you can provide it with the care and attention it deserves.

Adopting a Dog

Before you decide on buying a dog from a breeder or a pet store, make sure to consider the option of actually helping a dog in need and adopting one. Adopting a dog from a shelter or a rescue group is a great way to give a loving and warm home to a dog in need. By doing so, you are not only giving a dog a chance at a loving home, you are potentially saving its life since many homeless dogs end up euthanized.

Meet Dogs for Adoption

In case you are in doubt about whether you want to adopt a dog or not, it is always a good idea to meet dogs for adoption, which will potentially help you make a final decision. Shelters and rescue centres are where a lot of different dogs live – different sizes, different breeds, different ages and even different personalities. Once you meet with these dogs, you might be able to find a dog you fall in love with and want to adopt. If you are looking for a specific breed, give homeless dogs a chance as you may be able to find purebred dogs and the exact breed you are interested in rescue centres and shelters.

Responsible Dog Breeders

In case you decide against adopting a dog and you go for buying a purebred dog, make sure to get a dog only from a responsible and certified breeder, otherwise you are supporting an unethical activity. If you want a puppy with a well-established pedigree, make sure to get it from a reputable breeder as you will be able to get information about the parents and you will be able to get papers that prove the bloodline of the puppy.