Getting a dog is a big commitment and I often get asked what the main things are that people should consider before getting a dog. Here are my top 6 recommendations for things to think about:
The Time Commitment
A dog is a long term time commitment and I think many people often forget that when they look into getting a dog. It takes time to house train a dog, especially a puppy and this is something you should be prepared for. A dog will also need walks, so you should consider if this is something that you can factor into your daily routine. If you work long hours and are going to be out of the house all day, think about whether you will be able to devote the time needed to look after your new pet.
The Breed
A lot of people make the mistake of simply picking a breed that they like the look of without researching whether it will be a good fit for their family. If you have a young family stay away from small, snappy dogs and opt for something like a Golden Retriever or Labrador. Find out the traits of the particular breed, how much energy that dog has, how many walks they will need. These are all important factors to consider.
The Hair Type
Something that is also important to consider is the type of hair you want on a dog. If you don’t want to be brushing up nearly everyday after your dog. Get a short hair type that won’t shed. Consider whether your dog will need to go to get groomed and how often, this is something you should research beforehand.
The Costs
Having a dog can be expensive, things you need to consider are vet bills, food, dog supplies, kennel costs if you will be going on holiday. Make a list of all the costs that you will have if you get a dog and make sure it is something you can afford.
Where You Will Get Your Dog
My number one piece of advice is don’t buy a dog online, a lot of the time these come from puppy farms and you don’t have enough information to judge whether it will be the right dog for you. If you are going to buy a dog from a breeder, you should ring up the breeder and ask to see the dog in person and then you will have a chance to ask questions and find out more about the dog. Another option is to rescue a dog, these will likely be older dogs but will be less expensive than a puppy from a breeder and you will have the piece of mind that you helped that dog.
What Questions You Should Ask
People often aren’t sure what type of questions they should be asking the breeder. So the main things you want to know about are the pedigree and the mother. You should ask to see the mother of the dog you might choose and find out about her breed. You should also make sure on the day that you pick your dog up you will be provided with the pedigree, that the dog has been wormed and has their first injections. This is vital.