How to Tell If You Are Ready to Be A Dog Owner

As amazing as they are, owning a dog is a long-term commitment. Puppies are cute, but they grow up. Owning a dog is idealised by many, but what some fail to realise is that a dog is fully dependant on their owner, and that means caring for it 24/7. You can’t just up and leave.

The point we’re trying to make is that knowing if you are ready to be a dog owner takes a lot more, and we are here to help you decide.

Do you have the time to train a dog?

Bringing a puppy or fully-grown dog home is a massive promise of your time and patience. We use the word promise because that’s exactly what it is. You’re promising this dog a stable future.

Initially, you’ll need to put in the time and effort to shape your comrade into the dog that you want. This means teaching your new companion the rules of the house. If it’s a pup, this includes potty training, but for dogs of any age, this includes:

• Safe interaction with children or other pets
• Adequate exercise
• Training school

Can you make a long-term commitment?

Can you commit to a dog for the next ten years or more? A dog may be yours for anything between 8 – 15 years, depending on the breed. If you have any doubt while reading this, then we’re afraid you may not be ready.

If you you’re currently spending hours away from home and it doesn’t look as if that’s going to change any time soon, then how will a dog fit into that schedule? Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation to be healthy and content.

This means spending as much time with them as possible. If you work an 8-hour day, then there are solutions such as doggie daycare or taking your dog to a willing friend who works from home and has their own dogs for yours to socialise with. A lonely dog is an unhappy one.

How do your housemates feel about it?

Whether you live with friends, family or your partner, the key is to ensure that they are all 100% onboard with getting a dog. If so, talk with them and decipher who will be doing what in terms of training, taking it for a walk, and spending time with it.

This also pertains to whether or not you have other pets – especially a cat. If you do, we recommend asking a veterinarian for advice on how to safely introduce them to a new dog. It can also be a very exciting and fun process introducing pets to each other. You’ve seen the cat and dog memes, once they’re acquainted, they can become the best of friends. It’s a real thing.

Can you afford it?

It’s important that you understand the costs of owning a dog. Obviously, you’ll have to consider the initial purchase of the dog, and if it’s a rescue, there are adoption costs involved too.

It doesn’t stop there though. You’ll then have to buy everything the dog needs. This includes some of the following:

• A kennel
• A leash
• A collar
• Water and food bowls
• A travel carrier
• A dog bed
• Supplements

When purchasing a puppy, you’ll most likely have to pay to get them ewormed and vaccinated. Still, it doesn’t stop there. There is still so much to consider.

A natural pet prebiotic supplement for your pet’s health and wellbeing is something to consider. PetproBio supplement will improve your pet’s digestion, ensure a healthy, glossy coat, increase immunity and resistance, and increase its metabolic efficiency.

 Do you have space and are you allowed?

Many apartment blocks don’t allow the keeping of pets, so make sure to find out before considering a dog. Once you’ve received permission from your landlord, or even if you own your own property, you need to be honest about whether the size of your yard is spacious enough for the breed you’re looking to buy.

Other than that, make a concerted effort to do your research on how to properly care for a dog. This means, the recommended food for your specific breed (size & weight), nutritional needs, finding a validated and trusted veterinarian, and of course, giving your dog the loving home, it deserves.