Buying or adopting a dog is an important step that’s worth thinking over. While some people think that getting a pet is an easy way to get some company, dogs are an emotional and financial responsibility. Having one means that you’ll have to account for them in different scenarios, be that for their daily walks or the fact that you won’t be able to travel spontaneously anymore. It’s like having a child, but with less intensity. Here things you should know before you adopt or buy a dog which can help you start off on the right foot and make the most out of this new adventure.
Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons
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Don’t let anyone pressure you into buying a dog and make sure you’re committing to one for the right reasons. Ask yourself if you can financially take on this burden, if you have the time to take care of it and if you see yourself being happy with this decision for the next ten years. While dogs are companions who don’t ask a lot of you, they still need you in order to lead happy and healthy lives. Before making your decision you can try fostering dogs or, if you want something less demanding, dog sitting for a friend.
What do you want from the dog?
Before you buy or adopt a dog, make sure you know what you’re looking for. Do you want a new puppy or to adopt a dog that’s older? Each of these options has their own pros and cons. Do you want a big dog who you can go on runs with or do you want a little one that can fit comfortably inside your apartment?
Do your research
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Once you have your dog you’ll need it’s necessary accessories, like food and water bowl, toys, wee wee pads if you’re having a puppy and more. Make sure you keep your valuable objects someplace out of reach and that your home is a safe place for a dog who’s wandering in without knowing anything about it. It’s also important to do your research on your dog’s medical health, making appointments with the vet and following up on shots and more, at least during your first year with it.
Make your choice between breeder or an adoption center
This is the part that leads to the most debate with some families and people preferring one dramatically over the other. While I believe that adopting a dog has gotten easier over time and that it does a lot of great things like controlling dog population and saving the life of an unlucky little guy, other people prefer breeders since that’s the most straight forward way of knowing what the dog is going to become. It’s up to the owner, their household and their expectations.
