Are you considering buying a dog? These are must-weigh factors

Before the decision arises in you to join the ranks of dog owners, it is important to thoroughly consider whether you are truly ready for the task. Following this, there is still no end to the tasks!

We’ll tell you what to pay attention to when the time comes to choose a puppy.

Step zero: Are you suitable to be a pet owner?

Many think that becoming a pet owner starts when you bring the selected animal home. However, this is the biggest misconception that can later lead to problems. The first – or rather, zeroth – step is to thoroughly consider whether you are even suitable to be a responsible owner of a dog.

Unfortunately, many dogs end up in shelters (or return to them) because their “owners” realize over time that they don’t have the time, can’t handle the responsibilities, it doesn’t fit into their budget, or they simply don’t want the increasing challenges of caring for an aging pet.

It’s crucial, therefore, before the possibility of having a pet even arises, to carefully consider the following.

Does a dog fit your lifestyle?

A dog needs more than just food, water, and quick bathroom breaks. You should dedicate at least one and a half to two hours daily (depending on the breed, potentially even more, but we’ll get back to that later), and it’s also important that the animal is not left alone for extended periods. If you leave for work in the morning and only return late at night, the dog won’t be happy in your home.

Can it fit into your budget?

A dog is not just a one-time investment – responsible care and upkeep entail continuous expenses. Vaccinations, microchipping, high-quality food, regular veterinary check-ups, and, if necessary, visits to the groomer are all costs that require financial commitment. If you can’t provide for all of these, it’s better to choose a pet that you can financially support.

Step one: Can you provide the right conditions for your dog?

The next step still isn’t bringing the dog into your home. In order to be able to choose at all, you must consider several factors, each of which is related to the appropriate choice of breed.

While it’s understandable to consider the appearance of the dog when selecting a breed, don’t make decisions solely based on how cute a puppy is or how beautiful an adult dog looks. Take the following into consideration as well.

Can you meet the needs of the breed?

To ensure a dog’s happiness, it is essential to provide the right environment, so consider the characteristics of your home. A small-sized dog usually adapts well to apartment living, but keeping a Bernese Mountain Dog in a small flat could be distressing for the dog.

It is also important to be aware of the breed’s physical and mental stimulation needs. These are crucial for every pet but particularly important for certain breeds to prevent boredom. Thoroughly research the requirements of the breeds you are interested in, talk to breeders, and consider which breed you can truly provide what it needs.

Can you handle the breed?

Some breeds are more adaptable to their owners’ expectations, while others are known for their stubbornness. Regardless of the breed you choose (this is true even for mixed breeds), you need to be able to handle them.

It’s worth consulting with professionals on this matter. If necessary, consider looking for a dog training school before bringing your dog home. Attend a class to see what skills you need to acquire. This way, when your dog arrives, you’ll have some idea of what to do, and you can start learning together as soon as the dog reaches the appropriate age.

Step 2: Choosing the dog

If you are convinced about all the above points and feel you can fulfill them, you can proceed with selecting a specific dog. If you want a purebred puppy, only buy from a reputable breeder who is traceable and completely trustworthy. Puppy mills may offer puppies at a lower cost, but at the expense of animal welfare. Never buy from a puppy mill, and if you suspect that an advertisement involves illegal activities, take the necessary legal steps. As long as we turn a blind eye to the existence of puppy mills, unfortunately, they will not disappear.

So, if you have chosen the breed, feel free to visit puppies from different kennels. Talk to the breeder and gather as much information as possible about the breed’s needs, behavior, and other characteristics, as well as the ancestry of the little ones. Inquire whether genetic screening has been conducted on the parents to prevent possible inherited diseases typical of the breed.

By doing the above, you can ensure that you are bringing a healthy dog from good conditions into your home, one that carries the best traits of the breed. When you bring the puppy home, make sure to receive all necessary documentation.

Lifelong decision

On the day the puppy comes to you, you become responsible for the animal’s entire life. Take this task very seriously and provide a life for your pet where it can be happy, healthy, and a true “good dog.”

Don’t feel bad if there’s something you don’t know or if things don’t go perfectly at first. The important thing is to seek the help of professionals in such cases to prevent future problems. It takes time for a dog-owner pair to adjust properly, but if you do everything in your power for success, the dog will repay you with love and devotion a hundredfold.