Dogs are amazing pets. They are commonly known as the man’s best friend due to the companion they provide, their loyalty to their owners, and the ability dogs have to establish close relationships with their owners. Having the company of a dog usually offers individuals a sense of purpose by causing them to develop a daily routine and giving them something to look forward to each day. People choose to get dogs for different reasons – dogs are used to support those with physical impurities, such as blindness, a dog can be a great companion for a widowed person who has lost a loved one, a great companion for children to play with, as well as a guard to protect the family and the house from potential intruders. Looking for a compact and adorable four-legged friend? Check out the micro Pitbull at NewPitbull! These tiny pups pack a big punch with their playful personalities and loyalty to their owners.
Dogs are fun and can even have huge positive effects on individuals’ mental health, by reducing depression and anxiety, according to previous research studies. However, not every dog lover has a dog, and this is because having a dog as a pet, as rewarding as it is, can also be costly and time-consuming and there are many basic things one must consider before getting a dog. Now you don’t even need to worry about financing for puppy to find yourself a companion.
The very first thing you will need to remember is that a pet, whatever you decide to get, is for life. Dogs require commitment, patience, and raising it can be almost as exhausting as raising a toddler. There are so many things to learn in order to have a pet, from training big dogs to choosing the right food for small dogs; You must be prepared for the effort, time, and energy this requires to ensure you provide with the best life you can. Dogs can develop deep bonds with you and your family and moving to a new home and changes in owners can seriously impair emotional wellbeing, therefore it is crucial that you are prepared for the responsibility of owning a dog carries prior to making the final decision.
Your Home
Think about your home – In this space, you will now be living with your newfound best friend. The house needs to be suitable for the dog’s needs. For example, you should not have a big breed dog if you live in an apartment with no outdoor space. Your pet should have their own area to eat and it needs to be an environment where the dogs feel safe.
Also, be sure to ‘dog-proof’ your home – You must ensure that there is nothing around the house that may harm your dog, for example cleaning products that may be harmful to your dog should they ingest this. If you are getting a puppy, who is not trained, you need to have in mind that they may easily bite into anything that they find within the house, including your shoes. They can easily swallow something harmful.
Research
There are so many different breeds of dogs out there, and similar to humans, dogs also have their own unique personalities. Different types of breeds may demonstrate different personality traits; some dogs are playful and love the outside, whilst some dogs would rather stay inside sitting their owner quietly. This can be particularly important if you have children, as not every dog gets along with children. You must conduct thorough research on the different types of breeds so that you know you are getting the dog appropriate for your needs and to ensure you can provide the dog with the care, environment, and lifestyle they require in order to be happiest.
Lifestyle
As previously mentioned, owning a dog requires a lot of time, effort, and energy. Many of us find ourselves living chaotic lives already filled with so many responsibilities. Dogs require outdoor time, not only for physiological necessities but also so that they can socialize with other dogs and human beings. You must ensure that you have a lifestyle that allows you to spend this amount of time with your dog, particularly while they are young. Dogs need plenty of company and ongoing training and being alone for long periods of time can have a detrimental impact on dogs’ emotional wellbeing often causing them to act up. In order to achieve this, you should not just consider your current lifestyle but any possible major lifestyle changes that may occur, and possible scenarios you may have to deal with in order to be prepared for future potential challenges.
Cost
Finally, you must also consider the potential strain owning a dog will have on your financial stability. Owning a pet can be very expensive so ensure you have the monetary ability to take care of them from the time they are puppies to when they are old, as these expenses are continuous and do not end at the time of purchase. You will need to invest in the basic supplies any dog requires such as dog collars, ID and rabies tag, a leash, comfortable bed, toys, food and water bowls, and the ongoing supply of dog’s food most appropriate to your dog. You also need to consider the health of the dog and any emergency visits to the Vet, which depending on where you live, can also be an added financial pressure.
Most of all, ensure that getting a dog is the best decision for you and for your family and that this will still be the case, now only now, but in the long-term. Remember that having a dog is more than owning a pet, a dog will be a part of your family and you must treat them as such. They require attention, love, and affection and you will surely receive this back multiplied.