Should I get a dog? Yes, no, maybe so? [quiz]
You were just at a friend’s house that had this adorable, perfect dog and now you’re thinking… should I get a dog?
Or maybe you just watched a heartwarming movie that featured a German shepherd or Labrador retriever that was so well behaved, you left thinking, should I adopt a dog?
Why do you want a dog?
Adopting a dog is a huge decision. A dog’s life-span can be up to 20 years! This means if you are 24 years old, you could be 44 years old before the dog passes away. Even if the dog lives more of an average age of 12, you’ll be 36 years old!
Think long and hard about that… how do you see your life in 12 years? Married, kids, a new job?
So, let’s figure out WHY you want a dog. Are you looking for a companion to curl up on the couch after work and watch all your favorite shows with?
Or maybe a running buddy to accompany you on your morning run.
Or maybe it’s for the unconditional love a dog offers.
These are all great reasons to adopt a dog. But do you have a realistic view of what owning a dog looks like?
Should you get a dog?
Ask yourself these questions before getting a dog:
- How much time do you have to spend with a dog?
- If you work more than 8 hours a day, do you have someone that can care for the dog while you are away?
- Can you afford an average of $100/month for dog food, toys, preventive medications, and unexpected vet bills?
- If you live in an apartment, does your landlord accept dogs? If so, is there a pet fee? Can you afford that pet fee and the possibility of losing your deposit?
- Do you have time to walk my dog every day?
- Do you have time to train my dog?
- If you plan on getting a puppy, are you ready for potty training? Waking up all hours of the night to calm a crying puppy or to take her outside to potty?
- Are you ready for a puppy to chew your furniture, shoes, or phone?
- Do I understand that no dog will be perfect?
- Are you ready to do anything for your new dog? You are responsible for a life now, your dog relies on you for everything. Are you ready for that?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, think about whether or not you are truly ready to get a dog.
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Is it fair to get a dog and leave him alone for 10 hours a day? And then you come home from work and just want to rest or go out with friends?
So much to consider before getting a dog…
If you get a puppy, he needs to be let outside to potty every few hours. And even adult dogs need your attention for more than an hour a day.
What happens if the dog has behavior issues and you need to hire a specialized dog trainer? Are you prepared to pay thousands of dollars for that training?
Whatever you decide, you are in the right place to find all of the resources you need in adopting your dog.
Here are a few articles I recommend reading:
- Tips for Adopting a Rescue Dog
- 13 Things to Know Before Getting a Dog
- How to Choose and Adopt the Perfect Dog for You
So what’s ingoing to be? Will you get a dog? Please leave a comment below and let us know what you decided.
About the Author Debi@RescueDogs101
Debi McKee is a mom of three kids, three dogs and the creator of Rescue Dogs 101... where she guides you in your journey of adopting and raising a rescue dog every step of the way. She also volunteers for a local dog rescue and Humane Society.
