30/03/2022
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β οΈHave you caved in to pressure from the kids?
β οΈDo you want some extra commitment from your partner?
β οΈ Maybe you just miss the companionship of having one?
It's tempting to turn to a new pet for cuddles, but thereβs a lot to consider before you go out and get a pooch. π€
Do you have a favourite breed in mind, or will you go to the rescue centre and see who catches you eye? Many dog owners donβt fully understand the commitment that comes with owning a dog. This sadly leads to a lot of pups being given up for adoption. Thereβs a growing concern amongst the RSPCA (England & Wales) that now weβve come out of lockdown, the rise in puppy adoptions will result in a higher number of abandonments. It is important to carefully think the decision over. This dog will be FAMILY, and must be treated as such.
Here are a few thoughts to consider and questions to ask yourself before adopting a dog. π
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Your Living Space π
Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a back yard? Does your home have a lot of stairs? These are all good questions to ask yourself as some dog breeds have different needs when it comes to living spaces. Breeds with long backs and short legs, such as Corgis, can injure themselves by ascending or descending stairs. On the other hand, high energy breeds such as Border Collies, thrive by having a backyard or fields that they can run freely in. By considering these items, you can ensure a successful fit for your home.
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Other Family Members πͺ
Who lives with you? Do you have small children or other animals? Certain dog breeds do better with small children, cats or other animals. If you know what kind of breed a potential dog is, spend some time researching and see how they might fit in with your family. As cute as this dog might be, it is beneficial to make sure that not only are they a good dog for your family, but that your family is a good fit for this dog. Try to have your children meet the dog and for your dog to meet your children before adopting it.
3. β
Get Ready To Sacrifice Your Time
Do you love a long lie-in?
Imagine a dog needing to go out at the same time every day, come rain or shine. Similar to having a small child, you will have a living being, whose needs often come before your own. You canβt just drop everything and leave for a fun weekend with friends at the last minute. You have to take the time to plan who is going to feed, walk, and watch over your dog in your absence.
4. β
Your Finances πΈ
Buying a dog is not cheap!
When first buying, a Purebred from a reputable breeder can be expensive. In addition to the purchase fee, it will be necessary to make initial purchases such as dog food, collars and leads, dishes, and more, in order to get your canine settled into their new home. Some of these items, such as food, will be reoccurring and made often. The initial purchase of your dog tends to be around Β£400-Β£900 (or higher). The average lifetime cost of owning a dog is around Β£16,900 but could be higher or lower depending on the breed, size and health of your dog.
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Healthcare and Pet Insurance π§ββοΈπ©πΎββοΈ
Any good Pawrent will prioritise their dog's health and wellbeing above anything else. There will be happy fun days, but you can and should expect emergency medical days at the vets in your dogβs life. You need to manage this. Your dog can become sick or injured just like any human, so you need to keep track of the vaccinations they receive to ensure they remain healthy. It is always a good idea to buy pet insurance to help cover large unexpected health bills. Make sure a breeder gives you a recognised DNA Health Check such as one by Safehaus DNA. So you know what genetic diseases your dog has from the offset, and are not contributing to the spread of such diseases.
6. β
Your Day-to-Day Life π
If you are looking to adopt a puppy, it is important to consider what your schedule looks like. Puppies require lots of attention. If your schedule does not allow a lot of time to spend with this new puppy, you may consider an older dog, who will give you just as much love. Certain dog breeds also do better alone than other dog breeds. Again, spend some time understanding what breeds would fit best for you. It is also important to think of time commitments such as grooming. Ideally, dogβs teeth should be brushed several times a week, as well as their coat. Dog breeds such as the Afghan Hound, require frequent grooming to maintain those beautiful coats. Take some time during your average day to see how often you have free time that would allow for a dog.
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Training Your Puppy πΆ
Your dog will need lots of training especially if youβre buying he or she as a small puppy. It is highly likely there may be a toilet accident or two on your carpet, so donβt be surprised to find teeth marks on your favourite pair of trainers. To prevent bad habits like these, your pup will need discipline and training either at puppy school or in-home training.
π€πΎFrom all of us here at Safehaus DNA, we wish you luck in finding the perfect new furry family member!
