There’s plenty of reasons why you should get a dog. For starters, they’re a lot of fun, plus if you fill them up with love, then they’ll give it back to you and then some more, too. They’re also terrific for kids, and have a whole host of under the radar benefits too, such as improving physical and mental well-being. But of course, anything this awesome comes with certain responsibilities, too. While it’s fun to be impulsive from time to time, or at least not overthink things, getting a dog is definitely not one of those times! Below, we take a look at a few essential things to remember before making the jump.
There’s a Cost Factor
A dog’s love is free, but the dog? Not so much. If you’re going to bring a canine into your life, then you need to ready yourself for certain expenses. Base costs will include vaccines and food, but then there’s the matter of toys, bedding, trips to the vet, boarding fees when you’re traveling, and more. You’ll want to ensure you’re able to comfortably absorb the costs into your monthly budget.
They’re Animals
You’ll have visions of lazy evenings on the couch, pleasant walks through the woods, and all the other good moments we associate with man’s best friend. It’s important, however, to keep in mind that your dog won’t naturally know how to act perfectly. They’re dogs, not humans! In order to live the doggy dream, you’ll need to take a look at dog training courses, and get him or her signed up. It might take a little bit of time before your pooch is behaving perfectly. A little bit of patience is needed until that time arrives — they’re not being malicious when they eat your cell phone, they just don’t know.
Everyone Should Be On Board
If you have a family, then you’ll want to ensure that everyone is on board with a dog coming into the home. Dogs are looking for a little pack to call their own, and you should be inviting them into the family. There’ll be too much division if there’s one family member who inherently dislikes pets. Make sure you’re sitting down with everyone in your family to discuss the idea before taking the plunge.
Just for Them
It’s not all a box of chocolates, owning a dog. There will be loving moments, but there’ll also be times when you’re a little tired or just want to curl up and stay inside…and then you remember your dog needs to go walkies, and it’s raining. Alas, this is non-optional. To own a dog is a selfless act, where you provide things they need even if you don’t want to. They’ll pay you back with love!
It’ll Be Worth It
Finally, remember this one last thing: it’ll be worth it! No-one goes through the dog ownership process and comes away thinking it wasn’t a worthwhile experience. If everything above sounds agreeable, then go ahead with your plan.
Leave a Reply