Many new homeowners see getting a dog as a rite of passage to homeownership. Oftentimes, they’re moving from apartment buildings that didn’t allow dogs or parents who didn’t want pets and having their own home finally seems like their chance at having a dog. However, it’s important to take into consideration several factors before buying or adopting a dog.
In this article, we’ll talk about what it means to be both a dog owner and a homeowner, and discuss how to tell if buying a dog is a good move for you in your new home.
Time management
It has been said that having a dog is like having a two-year-old child who stays that difficult age for ten years. Depending on the dog’s breed, temperament, and trainability, there’s a chance you could be in for a handful of a dog.
The first factor in deciding whether or not to get a dog in your new home is to determine if you have the time to take care of it. If you work long hours or have to travel for work, these are obvious signals that you might not have time to spend with a pet who needs care and attention.
However, you should also consider whether you have an extra hour each morning and evening to feed and play with your dog who will need exercise to stay healthy. You’ll also need to set aside time each week for things like training, socializing, bathing, trimming their nails, and so on.
All of these commitments add up, so it’s important to consider how much time you have before going down to the shelter to or kennel to pick up a new dog.
Dogs are expensive
Most people who don’t own a dog do not realize how expensive they are. Food is just the tip of the iceberg, and if you’re planning on getting a large dog, food can cost you well over $100 each month. On top of food, you’ll need to be prepared to spend up to $200 for each visit to the vet and for necessary medications for things like heartworm, fleas, and ticks.
Dog training is also highly recommended to ensure that you and your dog both have a better understanding of what’s expected of one another. Training will help with things like obedience, but also will improve your dog’s behavior by giving them a job to focus their energy on (rather than on tearing up your furniture).
Dogs need space
It may seem like you have all the space in the world in your new home, especially if you moved from a small apartment. However, many dog breeds require room to run freely. If you want to get a sporting dog, you’ll either need to take them somewhere they can run each day, or have a yard large enough for them to run in.
If you choose the latter, you’ll need to make sure your dog is safe from traffic if you live on a busy street. That could mean spending hundreds of dollars to erect a fence.
Ultimately, having a dog can be a highly rewarding experience for you and your pet. But now that you know some of the fine print to dog ownership, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision on whether or not getting a dog is right for you.
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