7 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ANSWER BEFORE GETTING A DOG

Are you longing for a little dog ball that will make even your worst day better? We understand that at such a moment you only see the positives, but you should not forget that caring for dogs is not easy and sometimes requires more time and energy than we are able to offer.

Getting a dog is a big step that will affect your life for the next ten to fifteen years. This is also why it is not good for you to act spontaneously and thoughtlessly. On the contrary, go through all the pros and cons before getting a dog. Believe that a responsible approach in this regard is the best thing you can do for yourself, and by extension for the dog. The following seven questions, which you answer honestly, will help you make a decision.

1. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

You may have noticed a few small puppies in your neighborhood during the time of the coronavirus. It is not surprising that many people started working from home and were looking for a faithful partner who would make their home office more pleasant. Unfortunately, some have not realized that when the pandemic subsides, they will return not only back to the office, but also to their leisure activities and hobbies.

And so at the present moment we find many dogs who are locked behind the four walls of the apartment and cry out for their master every day. Be smarter in this regard, and above all more responsible, and get a dog only if you have time for it in the long term . Think about whether you have foreign career ambitions, and also clarify whether you want to be a full-time dog parent in your spare time.

2. HOW MUCH TIME CAN YOU DEDICATE TO YOUR DOG?

The question about your time options is also related to the previous point. If you work 24/7 then it is not wise for you to get a dog. The same goes for people who travel all the time and barely get warm at home. Remember that caring for a dog is not only about feeding, walking and petting.

On the contrary, it is almost for larger breeds duty to attend exerciser or dog daycare , long-haired breeds require a regular one a visit to the dog salon . And of course, unplanned events can occur, such as a visit to the vet, which significantly disrupts your schedule.

3. WHAT ABOUT YOUR HOME?

Have you tweaked your house to the last design detail? Then be prepared for the little puppy not to care that your seat cost the entire paycheck. On the contrary, it almost seems that puppies have a sixth sense for chewing things that have a big price tag on them. But it's not just about the equipment. For example, if you live in a small apartment, you should definitely refrain from getting a wolfhound or border collie, who would really suffer in such cramped conditions.

In case you live in a sublet, don't forget to ask your landlord for permission to get a dog . Believe it or not, there are many landlords who do not want their tenants to have a pet.

4. DO THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY ALSO AGREE?

The last thing you want to deal with is a daily fight over whose turn it is to walk the dog. For this reason, make sure that other family members are ready for a four-legged friend and will take care of him without any problem when you don't have time. It is also not out of the question if you get a dog before you get one you clarify who will look after him when you go on holiday . Try asking, for example, your parents or close friends, with whom you are sure that they will take care of your dogs and fully represent your role.

5. DID YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT RACE?

Honestly, sometimes people tend to choose dogs based on their appearance. But if you want a real four-legged companion, then you should be guided by character traits. Are you an athlete who wants to do sports with your dog? Then, logically, a French bulldog cannot keep you company. On the contrary, easy-going people who like to spend time watching TV shows should not get a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Take it easy go through the individual breeds of dogs and write down on a piece of paper the breeds that fit your lifestyle .

6. CAN YOU AFFORD A DOG?

You may be surprised that the purchase price of a puppy is a negligible amount compared to what you will be paying in the following years. Except food , toys , training or visits to the dog salon, also expect unexpected expenses at the vet, which can often rise to astronomical amounts. Even if we don't want to paint the devil on the wall, you should make it clear before getting a dog whether you can cover any medical expenses.

7. DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH PATIENCE?

Especially tiny puppies require a lot of patience and understanding. You won't teach her to pee in the garden or bite her slippers overnight , so it's important to arm yourself with patience in such situations. It must be added that the beginnings are not easy even with adult dogs who have already learned behavioral patterns. It is not for nothing that they say that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.