You’ve been tossing around the idea of getting a dog, but you’ve never had one and aren’t sure if you’re ready for the commitment. They’re cute, though, and everyone says they help single guys attract girls. Besides that – it’d be nice to have some other life form around to watch movies at 2 a.m. or go for a jog.
While being a pet owner is great, it’s important to understand what it’s really going to be like before you take that step. Here are a few things to know before leaping into dog ownership.
Cute, tiny puppies will grow up…and out.
That cute, tiny fuzzball that you can pick up in one hand? In a matter of months, it’s going to be a full-grown dog. Depending on its breed, its size could range from a petite 10 pounds to a whopping, apartment-filling 100-plus pounds. Make sure you’re prepared to care for and properly kennel an adult dog.
Dogs cost money.
Even if you found a dog wandering on the side of the road, no pet comes for free. For starters, you’ll need to pay for an initial checkup and annual vaccinations. Your dog will also need to be spayed or neutered, and you’ll need to pay for dog food, flea and tick control, and any unexpected vet bills that may arise (and they WILL arise, trust me!).
They’ll require your time and attention.
To be a good dog owner, you can’t just get a dog and forget about it. Dogs need interaction and stimulation in the form of love, play, and exercise. Your lifestyle likely isn’t right for a dog if you spend 12 hours a day at work or want to simply crash on the couch when you get home. Dogs need to go out – both to go potty and to be walked for exercise and stimulation.
All this being said, there’s nothing more rewarding than coming home to a happy, wagging tail and sloppy dog kisses before heading out to the park or on a trail with your furry best friend. If you can adopt a dog, I definitely recommend it…as long as you’re being honest with yourself about the time and commitment it will require.
