Buying a dog means opening up your home to a very special housemate - and one who's (hopefully) going to be with you for many years to come!
So is this the right time? Bringing a puppy or dog into a loving home is a big commitment, so there are some things to consider before buying a dog.
Just as important, are you looking at the right breed of dog for you? Are you looking at a rescue or picking up a pedigree puppy from a breeder? There are probably lots of questions going through your head, and you've probably read stories about assured breeders and bad breeders.
To help you on your new pet journey, here are eight questions to ask before buying a dog to help you make up your mind…
8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog
There are so many things to consider before buying a dog. Jumping in and muddling through can be a fun thought. But, in reality, that's how mistakes are made. Equally, trying to compartmentalise all the things you need to think about can be just as daunting.
With that in mind, we've simplified the whole deal by condensing the noise down to 8 key questions you should ask yourself before heading to your local breeder or rehoming centre:
- What does your life look like now and in future?
- Does everyone want a dog?
- Have you got the time?
- Have you got the space?
- What is the best dog for you?
- Will they get along with your existing pets and children?
- Are you up for more cleaning?
- Can you afford it?
1. Think About Your Life Now and in the Future
You've got the enthusiasm, you've got the time - and you can't wait for the adventures to begin. Right now seems like the ideal time for bringing a dog on board. Perfect fit, right?!
But what about work? Do you have the time to train your puppy and give it the time it needs to live its best life? Or that New Year's resolution to do more travelling?
With career changes, weddings, house moves, the arrival of kids, and all the rest of it, circumstances can shift quickly, and with a puppy at home, their welfare needs to be accounted for.
It's not unusual for dogs to live 15 years or more. And although you never quite know what's around the corner, it's always worth thinking about your dog and including how things might look in the future.
A dog might be perfect for now, but try to think about whether that's likely to still be the case in the years to come. Will you still have the time, energy, space, and money to care for a dog?
2. Is Everyone On Board to Buy a Dog?
Owning a dog is a long-term commitment, and if you're not the only one taking on the responsibility, the last thing you need is a daily battle over whose turn it is to walk the pooch.
So even if your other half or kids seem super keen on getting a dog, make sure they (and you) fully understand what's expected of them (especially in terms of exercise, grooming, and house cleaning).
Also, what will your landlord or neighbours think about your new arrival? If it's a flat or any type of leasehold property, make sure you check any legal requirements and rules on pet ownership before you jump in.
3. Have You Got the Time to Devote to a New Dog?
All dogs need lots of TLC - and some more than others. If you're getting a pup, you or another family member will need to put in the time for socialisation and habituation, especially during those first 6 months.
Even when adopting an older dog, you'll still need to be on hand to help them get used to their new environment, alongside all the fun that comes with caring for an old dog.
Things like the school run and a long commute can make it tough to give an active dog all the exercise they need. Daily coat brushing, routine vet visits and trips to the grooming parlour: the time needed for all of these can soon add up!
A dog left to its own devices for too long can get restless and up to mischief, sometimes resulting in anti-social behaviour. Lap dogs and many companion breeds can be perfect if there's usually someone around to keep them company, while working owners might be better off with some of the less needy breeds. Separation anxiety for dogs is real, and something you'll have to work through.
4. Do You Have the Space for a Dog?
Many dogs can and will adapt to life in even the most cosiest of homes.
That said, if there isn't a garden to run around in to burn off excess energy, it becomes even more important to make time for exercise to keep your pet fit.
A dog that doesn't burn up that excess energy can be a handful, even for the experienced dog owner. And if they don't get much exercise, they can become overweight, which can lead to health problems. If you're busy with work, maybe a local dog walker could be a solution to your pup's excess energy enigma.
5. What Makes An Ideal Dog?
Exercising a toy bulldog can be more of a gentle waddle than a power walk: fine for many of us, but maybe a bit disappointing if you're committed to putting a dent in your daily step count target.
Whether your ideal doggy date is a long run at the beach or just pottering around the flat, there's a canine out there who's into what you're into. That's why it's so helpful to research breed traits before choosing a dog breed.
It gives you a heads-up on what to expect in terms of temperament and activity level when trying to find the right dog for your lifestyle.
6. Will Your Pets and Children Get on with a New Dog?
For some dogs, you're absolutely the centre of their world. They'll follow you anywhere - but don't take kindly to other pets in the home who may be fighting for your attention. Other dogs were bred originally to work as part of a team.
As far as they're concerned, the more the merrier when it comes to other animals in the home. So again, if there's a dog or cat at home already, it's worth checking breed traits before introducing a new crew member.
No dog is a plaything, and although many breeds love being around children, kids must be taught to respect a dog's space. If there are children in the home, it's worth focusing on dogs that are better for families. These breeds are smart, playful, confident, non-aggressive and with a low prey drive.
7. Can You Cope with the Extra Cleaning?
A Labrador or Lab-cross can make the perfect family pet, but these guys are prolific shedders! By contrast, the likes of a West Highland Terrier and most Poodle varieties tend to leave a lot less hair on the sofa and carpet.
Many dogs will quite happily chew away at your furniture given half a chance, something that you can help overcome through positive reinforcement training. But the truth is, any dog will leave its pawprint on your home in some way - so make sure you're ready for this beforehand!
8. Can You Afford a Dog?
So not only are those pups gorgeous, but they're also "free to a good home". Don't allow yourself to be taken in by this. The initial purchase price is only a tiny part of the overall cost of dog ownership; in reality, no dog comes for free.
Buying from a responsible, good breeder or established rehoming centre is a good idea in the long run. Those bought from a bad breeder may have costly health issues, as the breeding dogs may not have had health screening tests for various breed-related conditions.
Thankfully, the Government is cracking down on bad dog breeders and puppy farms. As a responsible (potential) owner, you should consider where you're buying your dog from, whether the dog has been stolen, and whether the breeder is unscrupulous. If you have a doubt, they can be reported.
Costs build up quickly; food, toys, treats, training classes, routine veterinary treatment (flea and worming treatments, vaccinations), health tests, dog walking, kennelling costs when you go on holiday, the list goes on!
Everypaw Dog Insurance
While it’s possible to do the sums on predictable things like food and dog walking fees, don’t rule out the possibility of steep, unexpected expenses; especially if your buddy needs specialist veterinary treatment.
This is why pet insurance can be so useful; making it easier to access the right treatment when you need it, while reducing the chances of being hit with a huge vet bill.
Everypaw's Dog Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. So you can rest assured your pup will be well looked after.
