Feature photo: Scarleth White; Photo: Randy Son of Robert
Wanting a dog and being ready for one are two different things.
So, you think you want a dog?
Here are four questions you need to ask yourself first to determine whether you’re ready to become a dog owner.
1. Why do I want a dog?
There are many reasons to own a dog, but some of them aren’t right for the dog or the owner.
If your neighbor was robbed last week and you just want protection, an alarm system is probably a better option.
If your kids are nagging you for a puppy, be aware they will usually tire of it in a couple of weeks and Fido will become your job.
“Realize a dog is a dog, not a four legged human.”
If you have an empty nest and the house is too quiet, a dog may fill your time and your heart, but realize a dog is a dog, not a four legged human.
If you want a loving, loyal companion to share your life, there are many dogs ready and willing to apply for the position. Please make sure you’re ready for the 8 to 15 year commitment required.
2. How much time do you have?
Dogs are pack animals and they need to be part of the pack – even if it’s a pack of two. They need at least one long walk a day as well as bathroom walks. Walks can’t be skipped because the weather is bad, you have a cold, or you want to sleep in.
“Dogs don’t understand weekends.”
If you walk Spot at 7:00 A.M. Monday through Friday, be prepared to do it on Saturday and Sunday, too. As my son once told me, “Dogs don’t understand weekends.”
Puppies and aging dogs require even more time and more walks. Are you up to it? On the up side, a dog is a great motivator for that exercise program you’ve been meaning to start.
3. Do you travel a lot?
Will your dog go with you or have to be boarded? Remember, nothing is more traumatic for a dog than being separated from his pack. If you are gone a lot, consider getting two dogs and hiring a sitter when you are away. Or find a friend with a dog and arrange “play dates” for your dogs. Get them used to each other and their respective homes. Then swap dog sitting duties. You will both save money and the dogs will be happier.
4. Can you afford a dog?
Photo: e3000
It’s not the initial cost of the dog or the food that empties your checking account. It’s the vet bills. So, make sure you budget for your dog’s health needs. Doggy health insurance is also available.
As a final test, keep a friend’s dog while he or she is on vacation. This should be a least a week; two would be better. A weekend is not really long enough to experience owning a dog. Then, if you still want one, start researching how to choose a dog. Choosing the right dog for you is even more important than deciding to get one. Shelters are full of dogs from people who chose on impulse and then couldn’t handle the dog.
This article is long on the negative of deciding to get a dog because the positive won’t cause a problem. A dog brings joy, love, devotion, and companionship. Every dog deserves the same in return. Are you up to it?
Community Connection:
If you think dogs are for the birds, check out our guide How to Buy a Talking Bird.
But if you answered the questions in this article and decided that you are ready to bring a dog into your life, be sure to read “Ten Tips for Traveling with Pets” and “Recession-Proof Your Pet,” just two of the thousands of articles in our archives.
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We can be so prone to short-term satisfaction that we don’t think of long-term consequences. This can be extended to children too – well, anything that’s gonna be around for a while and depends on us!
Think long and hard about the decision. It’s not a time to be selfish.
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Is that Penelope?!
Thanks for this piece! We’re at the stage where we’re considering getting a small dog but the travel thing is huge.
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That little guy in the picture looks a lot like my pug
Walking, walking, walking. Be prepared to do it for an absolute minimum of an hour a day. As far as traveling, it depends how you move around. It’s important (if you’re not always traveling) to find a good friend with dog experience who will watch your dog while you’re away AND maintain the routine and rules you’ve set up for your pup.
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Lola-
Ha! No, that’s not Penelope– her tongue doesn’t hang out too often!
The travel aspect is definitely worth considering, especially as it’s getting tougher to travel with dogs, not easier, but as this article recommends, dog swapping works well if you find someone who loves dogs as much as you do. We found a woman in NYC through Craigslist who also has a pug and travels a lot, so we swap care whenever we can. It’s a much better alternative to boarding at the vet’s– and cheaper.↵ -
Great article. I’ve been desperate for a dog ever since I was little. Now in my 30’s, while all my friends are having babies, I’m starting to think I might be ready for the responsibility of having a dog! It’s still a way of yet, as I’m not done travelling. It’s so to be a dog lover when you constantly have itchy feet.
Here in South America, I’ve been volunteering in a dog shelter and I couldn’t agree more with Sarah’s comment. Don’t buy a dog – adopt. There are 70 dogs at the shelter where I work, and all of them are desperate for love and affection. Rescue dogs might take a bit more time to settle in, but they will adore you.
Also, if like me, you’re too busy travelling to have a dog, try volunteering at a shelter. It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
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Great article and some good sense comments. You have to make a lifetime commitment to a dog. Swapping dog-sitting duties with other travelers is the way to go, too !
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Great advice!
Dogs can certainly rack up medical bills as well! I have a Bernese Mountain Dog and he’s had to have ACL surgery on one leg, maybe on the other as well and needs gum surgery. His breed is prone to knee and hip injuries so it’s important to check into the pros and cons of the breed that you’re getting! Or at least try and find as much information as possible. With that said, Oliver is wonderful and friendly and makes my family smile every day!
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Being an undergrad student doesn’t allow me to have a dog yet; but once I’m done with my 8 years of school (studying to be a psychologist) I plan on getting a puppy of my own. Already doing the research for breed and pros and cons, but I can’t bring myself to get one sooner because I wouldn’t have the time needed.
I think these four questions are EXTREMELY important for one looking into getting a dog. Great post and recommendations.
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I have 2 mini Aussies. The male is an excellent traveler! Good manners – watchful. We travel a lot with our horses and he is always ready to “load up” and go. He crates well to fly also. We were in the Canary Islands once and saw some owners hosing down their Great Dane after he got sick in his crate in flight. Poor thing. We lose a little spontaneity traveling with him, but make lots of friends when they see him. Just check with your points of stay for policies on pets. And if you have one who does not travel well, don’t be selfish and let them stay home with family or friends.
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