Are You Ready For A Dog?

Many people decide the onset of the new year is perfect timing for adding a canine companion to their families. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most common times of year for people to surrender pets to shelters. Why? Because they were not prepared. Before you run out and buy a leash, consider if you are truly ready to provide a forever home.

How attached are you to your stuff?

Particularly if you are interested in a puppy, understand now that nothing is off-limits. Puppies and bored and/or high-energy dogs will target and destroy the most random of things – many of which you’ll be baffled as to how they got to in the first place. Things will get chewed on, dragged around, knocked over, and torn. You may have to rearrange your home for your dog’s safety as well as the safety of any possessions you value.

How do you feel about bodily fluids?

There will be urine. There will be poo. There will be vomit. Before spaying and neutering, there will be blood and discharges too. Inevitably your dog will eat something they shouldn’t and you’ll wake at 3 a.m. to a Jackson Pollock-esque scene painted in the most unseemly browns, yellows, and greens with smells to match on your favorite rug, brand new carpet, and furniture. An intimate relationship with cleaning supplies and poo bags is part and parcel of life with a dog. Can you stomach that?

Are you home enough?

Even lower-energy dogs require time and attention. Dogs are social creatures. They are wired for life in a pack and should not be left alone for long periods of time. If you work away from home, you need to account for your dog’s needs during your time away. A bored, lonely, cooped-up dog will likely develop health and behavioral issues that will make you both miserable. Will you be around to regularly give them the mental stimulation and relational time they need? If not, do you have a village? They say it takes a village to raise a child. Having a “village” of people for your dog to socialize with on a regular basis and help look after them when you must be away is a vital aspect of responsible dog ownership.

If you get a puppy, prepare to be largely house bound as training and early bonding require a great deal of time and energy. You wouldn’t leave a newborn baby home alone for hours at a time. Puppies similarly need that focused care.

Can you afford it?

Even if you get a dog for free, you must be prepared to feed, pay medical bills, board, and provide supplies for 8-15 years. Veterinary visits are not cheap, and your dog will need heartworm medicine, flea and tick treatments, spaying or neutering, possible allergy medications, and treatment for any injuries, illnesses, and accidents that may occur. Different breeds are particularly susceptible to health issues, many of which are costly to treat. Then there are costs like grooming supplies and services, crates and beds, toys, bowls, etc. Are you financially prepared to provide not only basic, but extra and unexpected costs for your dog’s needs?

Can you live with hair everywhere? And I mean EVERYWHERE.

Up your nose. In your food. On your clothes and furniture. It will travel with you and on you. Even short- and thin-haired dogs shed. You’ll likely spend more time than ever vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting your home. Dog owners must be willing for pet hair to become their most-worn accessory. As you research breeds, be aware of their coat types and their grooming requirements. If the idea of dog-fur tumble weeds rolling across your floor puts you off, avoid double-coated breeds like German Shepherds, Rough Collies, and Pomeranians. Instead, consider short- and curly-haired breeds like Basenjis or Poodles.

Will you live by the Postal Service Creed?

"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." Your rounds as a dog owner will be potty breaks, walks, and play times in weather you would much rather stay out of and often during inopportune moments. Let’s face it: dogs aren’t convenient. Are you willing to sacrifice comfort and ease for the wellbeing of your dog? Just like parenthood, there are no weekends off.

Are your expectations realistic?

If a quiet, active but calm, non-shedding, low-maintenance, affectionate but protective, good with being home alone all day, ready-trained, obedient dog sums up what you’re looking for in a canine companion, maybe start with a fish. This paragon of canine perfection quite simply does not exist. Many first-time dog owners begin their search with idealistic expectations only to have them shattered when that perfectly adorable pup gets in the door and immediately chews a hole in the sofa or nips at a visitor. Instead of setting yourself and your dog up for undue frustration, familiarize yourself with breeds, consider your lifestyle, decide how much work you’re willing to invest in training, and adjust your expectations accordingly. First time owners should consider taking in an older dog who has outgrown the reckless puppy stage and is more used to human interaction.

What allergies do you have?

Some breeds have saliva that can cause allergic reactions on human skin. Many people are allergic to dogs full stop. You must also consider that dogs will carry in environmental allergens like pollen. If you have extremely sensitive skin or any pet allergies, breed research is an absolute must. Looking into hypoallergenic dogs is a great place to start.

How much do you value your sleep?

This is particularly relevant for puppy owners. Be prepared for heart-wrenching whining and cries in the night until they’re acclimated and trained. Elderly dogs may need late night or early morning potty breaks. If you plan on co-sleeping with your dog, remember that canine sleeping patterns are different to that of humans. Can you stand having a restless bedfellow moving around, licking, snoring, scratching, and possibly trying to get your attention in the night?

Are you physically capable?

Different dogs have different needs, but they all require care. If you will not be able to walk them, transport them for vet care, exercise and play with them on a daily basis, a dog is likely not the pet for you.

Generally speaking, if you aren’t ready for a human baby, you probably aren’t ready for a puppy. A great step forward before committing to a dog is fostering. Contact your local humane society or shelter and sign up to foster a dog in your home. You will get a taste of what living with a dog is like and can gain experience with different breeds. In the end, both you and your dog are looking for a forever pairing. Putting in the preparation now will go a long way in making the ideal match later.