THE LIFETIME COMMITMENT OF DOG OWNERSHIP

Bringing a new dog into your life is a major, life-altering decision. A pet will be affecting a large part of your life, like housing and travelling. It’s not something you would decide on a whim or give up on because you got bored. If you want to commit to being a dog parent, there are some things you need to understand.  

  • Making an Informed Decision  

Figure out what type of dog is right for you to ensure that you and your companion enjoy those years to the fullest. Choosing the right dog is something that should be done with considerable thought. If your dog doesn’t fit into your family, you can’t just return it like you would with clothes or shoes.  

However, finding the perfect dog is not an easy task. Dogs come in various sizes and breeds with different requirements and temperaments. Make sure to research its background, needs, and ideal environment to make sure you can take care of it.  

    • Determine your Needs: When looking for a dog, make sure to take the time to honestly assess your needs and lifestyle to ensure years of joy and companionship. This mostly refers to your activity levels. Do you like doing a lot of outdoor activities or do you prefer to stay at home and watch TV? Choose a dog breed that will enjoy the same activities you would to ensure that you won’t push your dog so far past their baseline trying to keep up with you.  
    • Choose a Dog Breed That Will Suit Your Lifestyle: Finding the right dog for your lifestyle is important to the success of your pet ownership. The way you live your life can affect your ability to care for them. Dogs require different levels of care like feeding, grooming, exercising, and socializing and companionship. Some dogs may require much care and attention, while others can be considered low-maintenance. Whether you live a fast-paced or more relaxed life, make sure that they will receive the proper care and attention they need.   
    • Consult with a Veterinarian: Veterinarians are professionals who are an essential resource for everything you want to learn about dogs. Consulting with a veterinarian can explain specific breed’s behaviours, temperaments, and all the medical problems they might encounter. You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity when consulting with a veterinarian, so make sure you have all the questions in mind and ask them.   
    • Assess your Living Environment: The living situation that you and your family have can greatly affect the type of dog you choose. If you live in an apartment, consider smaller breeds as they tend to be more tolerant of being indoors. Large breeds tend to need ample enough space where they can play and exercise. You should also consider the type of climate you live in, as some dogs tend to be better suited for colder or warmer weather.  
    • Decide Whether You Want a Young or Adult Dog: Puppies are usually preferred by people who want to adopt dogs as they are incredibly cute and are fun playmates. However, they require more training and supervision than more mature dogs. If you lack the time or patience to train your pup, an adult may be a better choice as they have a more mellowed personality. Also, contrary to the old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, they tend to learn faster than puppies do.  
    • Prepare Your Dog Selection Checklist: A checklist can help you narrow down all the choices you have in mind while doing your research. You might have some requirements that are unique to your situation that you would want to consider when you’re looking for a dog. Make sure you include everything you need on this list to avoid regrets when you finally bring the dog home.  
    • Bear in Mind Any Additional Needs: Don’t assume that a dog can do everything that you want to do with it and give it everything you want. Dog breeds are part of different categories with their characteristics and special abilities. For instance, breeds in working groups are more talented in specific jobs like guarding or performing rescues, while breeds from toy groups are best companions.   
    • Visit an Animal Shelter or Rescue: While research is important, getting first-hand experience can help you become fully aware of the dog you are getting. This can help you finalize your decision and find your forever dog.  Shelters are the best places to find a new canine friend. Besides lower adoptions fees, choosing a dog from these shelters would help homeless or abandoned dogs get a new home and part of a family.  
  • Preparing your Home for Your New Dog  

Before bringing in a dog, you need to apply all the necessary changes to make sure they’re as comfortable as they can be. Start by preparing all the basic items your pup needs in advance, such as food and water bowls, pet food, bedding, etc.  

You also need to puppy-proof your home. This means you have to put away anything you don’t want to be licked, chewed, or eaten. It would be best to make necessary adjustments to your fence and yard to secure their safety and prevent them from escaping.  

  • Raising a Dog Like Your Own Child  

If you’re going to be a dog parent, you have to treat them like you would with your children. While there are glaring differences between a puppy and an actual human child, you will notice many similarities between the two as well. You need to take care of them, teach them, raise them, and always prioritize their well-being before making all your decisions. 

But while your children will one day grow up and move out of your home, dogs are children that will remain children. They will stay with you for the rest of their lives. That’s why it’s important to build a strong bond with them. 

A great bond will strengthen and nurture the relationship with your dog. If you want to foster a deeper connection with your dog, the following steps can help.   

    • Spend Time with Your Dog: Find enjoyable ways to spend time together. If you’re able to get outside, taking your dog for a walk around your neighbourhood is a good bonding activity. You can either do a free walk to let your dog sniff and explore or incorporate training while walking. Also, consider a car ride if your dog enjoys it.  
    • Do Some Tricks: Teaching your dog a new party skill is a great way to give them a mental workout, but it can also build a stronger bond with your dog. Even if your dog is already trained, teaching them simple tricks for about five to six minutes a day with positive methods can enhance the bond you share with your dog and have fun together. 
    • Exercise or Go for a Walk with Your Dog: Walking and exercising with your dog not only bring in health benefits but also brings you and your dog closer together. Doing physical activities together allows you to spend time together and deepen your connection with your dog. Since you get to spend more time together, it would avoid any attention-seeking behaviours such as excessive barking, whining, or getting into mischief. 
    • Encourage the Behaviours That You Like: Dogs want to be rewarded and acknowledged for the things they do. Reward them with verbal praises, affection, and a few well-earned treats as they demonstrate good behaviour. This encourages them to repeat those desired behaviours later and help them familiarize themselves with your rules and preference.  
    • Play Games and Give the Dog Some Reward: Playing is an important activity for dogs. It entertains them, provides mental stimulation, and redirects their energy to less destructive behaviours. More importantly, fun games can speed up the bonding process. The more you play and have fun together, the closer you will grow together. 
  • When the Going Gets Tough 

Problem behaviours in dogs usually become the reason for being returned to the animal shelter. Dog owners typically believe that their pet’s unwanted behaviour can be solved through training, so it can be frustrating when it doesn’t become successful immediately or if they start to regress.  

However, training requires a lot of time, repetition, and reinforcement. It would help if you gave them enough time to establish each behaviour to a level of fluency and consistently incorporate that learned behaviour into daily routines.  

The responsibilities of dog ownership all come down to keeping your commitment to your dog. Make sure you intend to love them, not just for a moment but also for the rest of their lives. These dogs will rely on you for care and affection; abandoning them halfway would only be a heartbreaking experience for the dog. Don’t commit if you’re not ready for the responsibility. 

If you think you are ready to own a dog, read more of our Ultimate Guide to Dog Safety to prepare yourself for the responsibilities of dog ownership.