10 Important Topics to Discuss Before Getting a Dog
To raise a well-trained dog, you need a great plan. The best ones include communicating with everyone in your family about the basic expectations you have of your dog, the goals you hope to achieve, and the strategies you’re ready to use to get there. In short, you need to talk honestly and openly about what to expect from your dog and how you are going to train them – all BEFORE you get your dog.
Having a dog is a lifetime commitment. That’s why it is important to understand what’s really involved with having one before you make that choice. Take a few minutes to consider what you want from your new dog and how you are going to introduce the dog in your home.
Thinking about the following points can really make the process of getting a dog and helping them transition into their new home a successful and happy process.
1. Do you know what to expect from your desired dog breed in terms of energy levels, behavior, temperament, and health needs? Really consider whether this is consistent with what you want in a dog or have time to address.
2. If you expect to place limits on your dog’s behavior (as most people do), you will need to invest time in training your dog. What rules will be in your home?
o Where do you want your dog to sleep (dog bed, child’s room, your bed, a crate)?
o Where do you want it to eat (kitchen, laundry room, another room)?
o Will you feed them table scraps?
o Will you tolerate begging? (This answer should be consistent across the family.)
o Will you leash train your dog?
o Do you want your dog to know commands e.g. “sit” or “stay”?
o Do you want to be able to trim your own dog’s nails or brush their teeth?
o How will you respond to inappropriate barking, jumping, or nipping behavior?
3. Understand the importance of consistency in training and rules. If one person in your family discourages bad behavior and another rewards it, your puppy can easily become confused. For example, if one family member ignores the dog when they bark but another tries to comfort the upset pet, that attention functions as a type of reward and the dog can easily become confused by the inconsistent reaction.
4. What is the punishment for bad behavior? One effective and humane way to correct bad behavior is to simply withdraw your attention when your dog behaves in an undesirable way.
5. Learn the basics of crate training, including what size crate to purchase and how to make your puppy love the crate. The use of a crate can be a huge help during housetraining and other crucial parts of your dog’s training. The time to prepare for crate training is BEFORE you get your puppy so you can start training on day 1.
6. What, when, and where will your dog eat? Who is responsible for purchasing the food and feeding the dog?
7. Don’t forget to think about treats: how many, what kind, and when your dog will get them. Again, it is very important for everyone in the family to stay consistent.
8. Who will train the new dog (you, your entire family, a professional trainer)? Who is responsible for any costs incurred?
9. Understand the process of housetraining a puppy, especially the amount of time that a puppy can hold their urine. Many owners fail at housetraining their dog because they overestimate how long a puppy can hold their waste. For example, a 4-month-old puppy can only wait about 5 hours before needing to go to the bathroom. If you are going to be gone for 12 hours, it’s almost unavoidable that your puppy is going to have an accident.
10. Can you afford a dog? To that end, do you know how much having a puppy costs? Really think about this; puppies are expensive and veterinarians constantly see sick puppies and well-intentioned owners that can’t afford to treat the problem. Consider the cost of not just food and toys but also routine healthcare, any boarding or training costs, as well as an emergency fund for treating injuries and illnesses. If medical costs are a potential concern, pet insurance is a great option for owners that want the best for their puppy but are on a budget.
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING A DOG
1. Dogs are for life
The average lifespan of a dog is 13 years so make sure you are ready for a long dedicated commitment to your new furry friend. That means loving your pet after the puppy stage, into their naughty energetic teens and then the golden years of Fido’s life.
2. Breed research-
Before you go out and choose the first adorable dog you see, it is important that you do your dog breed research. You need to find a suitable breed for your lifestyle and surroundings. You need to take into account the size of your living arrangements, your surrounding area (whether it’s the city or countryside), and your family structure (if you have small children, you’re living alone etc.)
3. Time-consuming-
Get ready to sacrifice your time. Similarly to having a small child, bringing a new puppy into your home means you take responsibility of having a living being whose needs often come before your own. This means you might have to sacrifice more time and energy into this small creature than you first thought or that you are accustomed to. You can’t just up and leave for a fun weekend with friends at the last minute like you may be used to. You have to take the time to plan who is going to feed, walk, and watch over your dog in your absence.
4. Lifetime costs-
Dogs are expensive so ensure you have the funds to take care of them from the time they are puppies to when they are old. The expenses don’t end after the initial purchase of your dog which tends to be around £400-£900. They need to go to the vet, have plenty of food and water, a bed, collar, lead and other accessories to keep your pet happy and safe. The average lifetime cost of owning a dog is around £16,900 but could be higher or lower depending on the breed, size and health of your dog.
5. Pet healthcare-
There is nothing more important than your dog’s health and happiness so be sure to know a good vet nearby. There will be healthy days and emergency medical days in your dog’s life that you need to be on top of. Your dog can become sick and hurt just like any human so you need to keep track of the vaccinations they receive to ensure they remain at their healthiest. To help with this, it is always a good idea to buy health insurance to help cover large unexpected health bills.
6. Exercise needs-
Dogs have a lot of energy and need daily exercise. This means taking your dog for a walk at least once a day to your local park or having a game in your garden. Some dogs require more exercise than others which is very important to bear in mind when choosing a dog breed.
7. Child-friendly-
If you have children, the idea of a puppy popping out from under the Christmas tree will seem like an amazing gift. However, it is important to have your children meet the dog and for your dog to meet your children before adopting it. There are many dogs that don’t get along with young children so it is essential to have them interact before making a surprise purchase.
8. Pet-proofing your home-
Your home will be changed forever once your little pup arrives. You will need to “pet-proof” your home in order to keep your dog and your furniture safe. Make sure any toxic foods for your dog are out of their reach, and that things such as hanging cords and vertical blinds are tidied away to avoid any accidents. If you have expensive furniture, a cover or throw is a good idea to protect your sofa or you can train your dog to not jump up.
9. Dog training-
Following the above, your dog will need lots of training especially if you’re buying he or she as a small puppy. It is highly likely there may be a toilet incident or two on your rug and don’t be surprised to find some teeth marks on your favourite pair of shoes. To prevent bad habits like these, your pup will need extensive training either at puppy school or in-home training.
10. A family member
Your dog is a part of your family. Treat them as such! They need love and affection, and will give it back to you tenfold.
Dogs are amazing. They are man’s best friend, and we share almost every aspect of our human lives with them, from working to companionship.
Welcoming a dog into your home is a big commitment, though and not a decision to take lightly. Just take a look at your local rescue centre to see the results of people buying on a whim or without research. The number of dogs left homeless is shocking. So, if you are considering welcoming a new dog into your home, please consider these ten points first.
Is this the right time for a dog?
Whether you are thinking about a young puppy or an older rescue dog, a new dog will require time to settle into your home. Make sure all other areas of your life are in order so that you can concentrate fully on helping your new dog to settle in. If you are about to move to a new home, welcome a baby, or even host a busy family gathering, now may not be the time. Think: is it fair to expect a dog to cope with this on top of a new home?
Can I afford a dog?
Dogs are expensive; the initial adoption or purchase cost is only the start. They require feeding, worming, and vaccinations as standard, with the potential for further expenses in the case of accidents or illnesses. Your dog could be with you for fifteen years and, like us, elderly dogs often require medication. Whether you choose to open a savings account to prepare for nasty surprises or buy pet insurance, the overall lifetime cost of your dog is a crucial thing to consider.
Do I have time for a dog?
Dogs need your time, from regular walks and cuddles to training, veterinary appointments and socialising. They shouldn’t be left alone all day and need care while you are at work or on holiday, so you need to consider who will look after them when you can’t and the cost implications of this. Many services are available but take time to make sure you find a responsible one.
Do I have space for a dog?
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but even the smallest dog requires space, from somewhere quiet to relax to an area for play. Consider whether you have access to a garden for your dog to go to the toilet and green space a walk. A safe space for your dog to enjoy time off lead is also important.
But, it is vitally important to choose based on lifestyle rather than appearance as all breeds have very different needs. Siberian Huskies, for example, were bred to run so won’t be happy left in a flat alone all day with a ten-minute walk to the shop in the evening. Many purebred dogs are also prone to certain health problems that you’ll need to research carefully before choosing.
What age of dog is right for me?
Adult dog or puppy? Both require investment and training. An older dog, for example, will probably be house trained, neutered and have some level of basic obedience training. However, they may have had negative experiences and therefore have behavioural or medical issues. Puppies, on the other hand, need to learn everything from you. Training is hard but rewarding work. You’ll need to introduce them carefully to lots of positive new experiences, and they will make plenty of mistakes as they learn!
Where will my dog come from?
Dogs should only come from reputable breeders or rescue centres. NEVER buy a dog online. Puppy farming is a major problem, so take someone experienced with you when you visit. Warning signs include being unable to see puppies with their mother, mixtures of litters and breeds or any signs of illness. If in doubt, walk away and report it. Be prepared to wait – responsible breeders only have a few litters each year while rescue centres require home checks. They should match you with a dog based on your home and lifestyle, not allow you to choose any dog you want.
What facilities are available for my dog?
Before you go ahead with bringing a dog into your home, find out what facilities and support are available where you live. Your dog will need a good veterinary clinic and responsible, positive-based training classes to attend, as well as potentially a groomer, dog walker and boarding kennels. Ask friends where they would recommend and visit to get a sense of the places your dog will be spending time. A negative experience can have a massive impact on any dog so far better to do your research now and avoid problems later.
What do my family think about a dog?
Strange as it may seem, not everyone is a dog lover! Unless you live alone, your dog will be sharing his new home with other family members who should be involved in the decision-making. Some people may be allergic to dogs or even scared of them, and don’t forget to think about regular visitors and any current pets. Cats can live harmoniously alongside dogs, but this is something you would need to discuss with a rescue centre, as some dogs may not be suitable. Rabbits, hamsters and other small prey animals are important too and need to be kept safe from what is a natural predator!
Do I have the commitment required for a dog?
Dogs are an incredible commitment. If you are house-proud, consider that a new puppy will have toilet mishaps and chew illicit objects (even adult dogs are not immune to this)! If you are a fair-weather walker, consider that your dog will need walking every day in all weathers and will become unhappy and potentially destructive without. If you are impatient, remember that your dog will not understand shouting and will require kind, patient and considerate training throughout his entire life. Dogs are not machines and, like each of us, they make mistakes!
