How To Tell You Are Ready For A Dog?

There are a lot of reasons for a person to own a dog, but whether you are ready to have one is a completely different story. What do you need to know before you decide to get a dog?

The first thing you need to know is that you have quite a few decisions to make about just what kind of dog you’re going to get. You should get in tune with your own energy level before going out and getting a new puppy. If you are a low energy person and live a low energy lifestyle (lots of TV watching, staying indoors, etc.), then you want a dog that is at a low energy level. High energy dogs are best for people who enjoy jogging and other fast-paced activities. Border collies and Siberian huskies are examples of high energy dogs, while some low energy dogs are the Great Dane and Old English Sheepdog.

You should also consider where you’re currently living. If you rent an apartment or live in a condo, you may be restricted as to what size dog you can have, what breed, or they may not allow you to have one at all. Find out what your landlord has to say about what kind of dog you’re allowed to have.

Don’t get a new dog if you’re on a tight budget. If you can’t take care of your own bills as they are, how are you going to be able to afford food and vet bills for your new family member? Do yourself and the dog a favor and wait until you’re on stable ground financially before getting a dog.

Find out the health risks of the breed you want. Some breeds are more susceptible to hereditary illnesses and other problems than other breeds are, which means over the years, one breed will cost you more in vet bill than another.

Do you have kids? You might want to make sure you get a breed that’s known for getting along well with kids.

Don’t forget that your new dog will require a slice of your time every single day. You will need to feed them, water them, walk them, play with them, treat any wounds they may get, groom them, and etcetera. You may not have to do all this in one day, but eventually, you’ll have to do it all. Make sure you have the time to commit first.

And one of the most important things you have to consider is space. In addition to the fact that your apartment complex may not allow a large dog, you probably won’t have enough room for the dog to live comfortably, anyway. Consider the dog’s happiness if you’re living in a small apartment and you want a large dog. They need room to roam.

Rachel Yoshida is a writer about pets and is currently assisting those in need of Pet Related Services and can help anyone get pet health insurance.