There are ways to find out if you are ready to own a dog. The best way to do this is to find answers to some pertinent questions. The first consideration in getting a dog – or any pet, for that matter – is the cost.
If money is not an issue for you, you can be sure you are sorted. If you have some extra income that you can use to have a dog at home, then it is still good. However, make sure to give it a long and hard thought though.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself before getting a dog.
How do you know if you’re ready for a pet?
The reason why you are getting a dog
If there is a definite reason for you wanting to have a dog, you can be sure that it is good enough. People get dogs because they want a companion, someone who can walk with them, etc.
At times, they want one so that they can guard their house. If you have not thought of any reason other than wanting someone who would love you for who you are, it is still a decent-enough reason to get a dog.
Training and exercising a dog
You are primed for dog ownership if you work a part-time job with a flexible schedule. You can easily find the time to train and give the workout necessary to keep the dog in shape and good health.
Even when working 8 hours a day, you are still good to go because you can still find time to do the needful in this regard.
However, if you work long hours with an erratic schedule, you better not get a dog.
Read Also: 10 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
How do you see your future?
If you do not see any changes to your life for the foreseeable future, you are good to get a dog. It is also applicable even where there is a possibility of change but nothing definite.
However, in case your life is about to change significantly in a few years, it is better that you do not get a dog. That way, you would be unable to give them the attention they deserve.
The most prominent examples of such changes are expecting babies, getting a new roommate, getting a new job, marriage, and moving homes.
Your previous pet
If you have never had a pet dog or had one who passed away a long time back, it is okay for you to get a new dog. Owning a new pet is okay for people who have lost a furball only recently.
However, the owner must be ready to shower their love on a new one soon enough. However, if you need a friend who has recently lost your last dog, it is better that you do not do so immediately. Take time and consider whether the decision is right for you.
Your health
Health is a significant factor in this consideration as well. The best scenario in this context is when the family is healthy. Only then does it make sense to get a dog for your family?
It is still acceptable when you feel reasonably healthy most days. It is just that you do not feel so good on certain days, which is perfectly normal for everyone out there.
However, the one situation where you must avoid getting a dog is when the family has health concerns.
Read Also: 7 Must-Have Items for Dog Owners
Informing your family
In this context, the best thing to do is to talk to everyone in the family and get their consent. If you get a positive response, it is always great. However, everyone should know what’s expected of them to take care of the pooch.
Even if most family members express interest in having a dog, you could get the pet. However, the one thing you must do is not tell your family about this because you want it to be a surprise.
The other pets you have
The best scenario is when you do not have any other dog in the family. It is still acceptable when you have some other pet than a dog.
You could have a dog, especially a breed that does well with other pets, even if they are not dogs. However, if you have an army of pets at home, avoiding adding one more to the mix is best.
The size of your home
Do you live in a big home with a lot of space? In that case, you can be confident that the size of your home would not pose an issue for your little one. Even if you live in a small house, you could still get a dog, as plenty of small-sized breeds do not require a lot of space to run around and play.
However, if you live in a tiny apartment without any storage, it is perhaps better to avoid getting a dog. No matter how small a dog you choose, it will need some space to run around when they want to.
Your housekeeping preferences
It is perhaps the most significant factor in this context. You should know that dogs can be messy, and as the owner, you may have to clean up.
If you are ready, you should not worry about getting a dog. It is still okay if you are okay with wiping up the spills. Other people may take care of the poop for you. It is even better if you can train them to poop out of the house.
Mona Rodriguez loves dogs and is an active member of her local dog welfare/rescue non-profit organization. She loves to write about dog training and care and aims to increase awareness about dog health and their training skills at pet rescue centers.
