The Path to Pup Parenthood: 4 Key Considerations Before Getting a Dog
Everyone has felt it - the irresistible allure of a wagging tail, those puppy-dog eyes brimming with innocence, and the boundless, uncontainable joy of a little furball. Your heart suddenly fills with joy, and your mood instantly brightens as dopamine and oxytocin flood your body. In today's 'Insta' society, where immediate gratification often reigns, these actions can provoke decisions with consequences that are yet to be fully considered.
The decision to welcome a puppy into your world is undoubtedly heartwarming, but it comes with responsibilities and considerations that one should not take lightly. This post will explore four critical aspects everyone should consider before adopting or purchasing a puppy.
Commitment. Puppies, as are any pet, are a life-long commitment. Consider the average age the breed lives. Most modern-day breeds will live over a decade, with some smaller breeds possibly two decades. Give a moment of pause, and think beyond next week, next month, and next year. What will you be doing ten years from now?
This concept can be much easier for adults with few decades of experience to understand. Getting a puppy or a young dog for a child of any age may mean that the parent will eventually bear the responsibilities of an adult dog the puppy will ultimately be.
Space and Exercise Needs. Are you living in a small apartment alone and looking for the comfort of a young puppy welcoming you home? However, what will the new roommate do while you are away? Dogs, not just puppies, will need space and exercise. While some breeds may require hours of robust daily exercise, all dogs will need some form of regular exercise. Waiting in an empty apartment or house for you to come home might be an opportunity to find other ways to entertain themselves.
A yard can be helpful for providing space for exercise, but some breeds prefer human interaction. While the yard could be filled with toys and other items to entertain your pet, they like to play with a human. Vigorous exercise before leaving them alone will help, but consider how long your dog will be left alone and look at alternatives if they crave that interaction. A pet walking service, a family member stopping by, or doggy daycare might be better alternatives.
Training and Socialization. Regardless of how intelligent, responsive, or well-behaved a breed can be, a dog will need regular training and socializing if interacting regularly with humans and dogs. Certain breeds lend themselves to being people or dog-friendly, and while there might be some genetics involved with this desirable demeanor, how to behave in certain circumstances isn't. Sitting, not jumping, before being introduced to a person is a learned behavior, as is understanding when another dog wishes to be left alone or no longer wishes to play.
Finding dog/puppy training is a great way to see your dog get training and exercise. In addition, a good trainer will focus on seeing the humans are appropriately trained and can integrate their new knowledge into their daily routine.
Time and Attention. Everything mentioned thus far requires both time from your schedule and your attention. There aren't any shortcuts. Look at your existing schedule. Do you currently find it difficult to do tasks and schedule appointments? Now, consider how much time and attention a puppy will require to exercise, train, and socialize daily. Finding time in the first few weeks or even months might be manageable, but is this accommodation sustainable?
While younger family members might have more time to assist, they might also lose interest, or their schedules could change. Everyone in the family must understand the time a new puppy requires regardless of school and work schedules. The newly acquired pet is a family member for the rest of their life.
The next time you see a pup and start to get a little giggly and make nonsensical sounds, take a deep breath and give it a moment to reflect. That pup that is only weeks old will live many more years. If you can commit to meeting the needs of the pup's life, you'll be rewarded with years of companionship worth every sacrifice you make.
