Dogs are the most popular type of pet in the US. More than 40 million American households have a pet dog. There are myriad benefits to adding a furry friend to your family, but it’s crucial to understand that getting a dog is a big responsibility. In this guide, we’ll go through the ins and outs of dog ownership to help you decide whether now is the best time to welcome a canine companion.
Is a dog the right pet for you?
Dogs are incredibly popular pets, but they’re not the best choice for everyone. Getting a dog may seem like the most wonderful thing to do, but there are downsides. Dogs are demanding in terms of time and energy, they need space, and they are active, sociable creatures. They also need a lot of care and attention. It’s always beneficial to ask yourself if a dog is the right pet for you before you agree to buy or adopt a dog.
Essential considerations include your lifestyle, the amount of time you have available, the cost of caring for a dog and the kind of pet you want. If you already feel like you’re chasing your tail, you work long hours or you’re never at home, it’s not a good idea to add a dog into the mix. It’s also wise to consider other types of pets if you don’t enjoy being outdoors and exercising, you love to travel and spend long periods away from home, or you want a pet that doesn’t require a lot of looking after. Getting a dog means taking on a lot of responsibility and it may require you to change your lifestyle or spend more time at home. Cost is also a crucial factor, as the average dog owner will spend more than $15,000 on their pet during their lifetime.
Dogs are often the first animal we think about when we talk about pets, but they’re not the only option. Cats are often an excellent alternative for owners who have less time or spend less time at home, as well as those who have more sedentary lifestyles. Cats are more independent than dogs, they don’t crave affection all the time and they can be left during the day or overnight. Other options to explore include rabbits, hamsters, rats and mice, fish, gerbils, reptiles and guinea pigs.
Finding the right dog
If you’ve decided that you want to get a dog, the next step is to find the right pup for your family. There are hundreds of breeds to choose from and you’ll also need to think about whether you want to get a puppy or an adult dog. Choose a breed that complements your lifestyle and makes sense for your living arrangements. If you live in a small flat, for example, it’s best to avoid large breeds like Great Danes, St Bernards and Irish wolfhounds. Small dogs are better suited to apartments and townhouses and they’re also a good choice for owners who don’t want a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Some breeds are much more active than others and they need several hours of exercise per day. If you don’t have the time or the inclination to walk for miles every day, focus on breeds that don’t need an active lifestyle. Examples include pugs, bulldogs and chihuahuas.
Before you choose a dog, research different breeds and think about what you’re looking for in a new best friend. Some breeds are known for being placid, docile and affectionate while others are bundles of energy. Create a shortlist and start searching for breeders or visiting shelters if you want to adopt or rescue a dog. Spend time with different dogs and get to know them before you make a decision. You may find that you have an instant connection or that you gravitate towards a specific breed or dog.
How to look after a dog
Looking after a dog is often compared to raising a child because it’s a full-time job. Dogs are reliant on their owners to eat, exercise and drink and they also love attention. As well as feeding your dog once or twice a day and ensuring they have clean, fresh water to drink, you’ll also need to walk your dog, play with them and give them plenty of cuddles. As a pet owner, you’ll also need to take your best buddy to the veterinarian’s office regularly and keep a close eye on their health. Provide a safe, secure, comfortable environment for them and make sure they have a healthy, balanced diet. Choose food products that are suitable for the breed and size of the dog and avoid overfeeding them. More than 50% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese and this is largely due to overeating and low activity levels.
Taking good care of your dog can lower the risk of injuries and health problems, but it is important to be aware of health issues that affect dogs. Dogs are vulnerable to injuries because they enjoy playing and they run long distances at high speed and they can also be susceptible to diseases and health conditions, especially during their senior years. Veterinary care is evolving all the time and veterinarians and surgeons can achieve incredible things today like treating dog Achilles ruptures with braces, but dogs have a relatively short lifespan. Even with innovations like surgery, orthotics and prosthetics and laser treatment, most dogs will only live for around 10-15 years. Breeds with the highest life expectancy include Jack Russell terriers, Yorkshire terriers, border collies and springer spaniels.
What to expect as a dog owner
It’s impossible to know what life is really like as a dog owner until you bring your new pet home, but there are some common observations among pet owners. The first thing to be aware of is that dogs are demanding. They want all of your love and affection, they like to play and they have bags of energy, especially when they’re young. Dogs will often get excited, they can be boisterous and they can be noisy. It can take time for puppies and adult dogs to settle in new environments and they may be timid and shy at first. Some dogs will chew, which can be frustrating for pet owners, and they may also bark a lot. Toilet training can be an issue for some owners and it may be weeks before you feel like you don’t have to watch your dog every minute of the day.
Being a dog owner isn’t easy and it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. There may be times when you feel like you’ve taken on a 24-hour job, but having a dog can be life-changing in a hugely positive way. Dogs are incredible companions. They are fiercely loyal, they protect and support their owners and they’re always there if you need a cuddle. You can expect a roller coaster ride, but you’ll always have a best friend.
Preparing your home
If you don’t already have a dog at home, you might need to make some changes to get your house ready for a new arrival. If you’re buying or adopting a puppy, it’s beneficial to put valuables away and keep anything you don’t want to get chewed away from paws and inquisitive noses. Use gates to section off areas of the house you want to keep pet-free and store chemicals, medication and food in locked cupboards or units. Tidy wires and cords away and cover carpets with old bedding or puppy training pads for the first few weeks. If you have a garden or a backyard, check fences and gates and make sure the area is safe and secure.
Make a list of essentials to buy for your dog before you bring them home. Examples include a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, a collar and lead or a harness, dog food and toys. You might also want to buy a crate if you want your four-legged friend to sleep in a crate at night or you plan to take them in the car with you.
Training
Training is hugely beneficial for all dogs. Training helps to encourage good behavior and it can also help dogs to learn how to socialize, obey commands and adjust to different environments and scenarios. You can opt to train your dog yourself or explore local puppy training or obedience classes. Search online, read reviews and ask friends and family members who have dogs for recommendations.
Over 40 million households in the US have a pet dog. Dogs are amazing animals and they make wonderful pets, but it’s not easy to look after a dog. If you’re thinking about adding a canine companion to your brood, it’s important to make sure that you understand what is involved in looking after a dog and ensure that you’re ready to take the plunge. Think carefully about whether a dog is the right pet for you and take your time to research breeds and find the right dog. Prepare your home, calculate costs, invest in the essentials and ask for recommendations for veterinarians, training classes and pet insurance providers.