7 Things to Consider Before You Get a Family Dog 

Getting a dog can be a wonderful thing for your family. Dogs are man’s best friend and whether you get a cute puppy or rescue a dog from a shelter, there’s one thing that you can be sure of; they’ll be your loyal, loving companion for life if you care for them and love them. Dogs are also amazing pets for kids; they provide unrivalled loyalty and friendship and are always there for your little ones at the end of a bad day or when they need cheering up or a cuddle. And, looking after a dog can teach children a great deal about responsibility, trust, friendship, being there for others, and a whole lot more. If you want to know more about pets be sure to check out Why do pets. 

However, getting a dog can also be a challenge and it’s a massive responsibility to take on. As pets, dogs need a lot of your attention and you should only get a dog if you’re prepared to take them on as a fully-fledged member of the family. You’ll need to commit to daily walks, visits to the groomers, training classes, and regular vet visits, and you’ll probably need a bucket load of patience. Putting your dogs safety in your hands is a huge responsibility so things like insurance, health checks, and a well labelled collar is so important. You can take a look at these personalized options here. 

Make Sure That You Really Want a Dog

Deciding to get a dog shouldn’t be something that you do on impulse. Many people decide to get a puppy because they are cute and cuddly but find that they aren’t prepared for puppies chewing up their furniture and shoes and all the demands that come with it, and that’s how many dogs end up in rescue shelters. Before you get a dog, you need to think long and hard about whether it is definitely what you want and make sure that you are prepared for all the implications that come with dog ownership. Yes, you’re probably going to have your cushions ripped up at some point and there will be accidents in the house, but it’s all part of the fun of bringing a dog into your family.  

Do Your Research on Breeds

There are hundreds of different dog breeds to choose from and each one has its own set of requirements. Some breeds are higher-energy than others and will require a lot of walking and mental stimulation, while others are less intense. Other breeds are more high-maintenance and require a lot of grooming, while some are fine with a quick brush through their coat every few days. Spend some time researching different breeds before you make a firm decision; consider your family’s lifestyle and select a breed that will fit in well. For example, if you are often going on hikes and long walks, a high-energy breed that needs a lot of exercise will love being part of your family.  

Puppy or Adult Dog

Once you’ve decided on some dog breeds that are suitable for your family, it’s time to decide whether you want to get a puppy or an adult dog. Puppies are definitely cute and can be lots of fun, and there’s always a special bond that comes with having a puppy that’s grown up with your family. But on the other hand, puppies can be a lot of work and you will need to be committed to training them from the start. If you don’t have a lot of time and energy to dedicate to training and socialising a little ball of energy that is a puppy, an adult dog might be a better option for you. And there’s certainly no shortage of adult dogs in rescue centres looking for their forever home; giving one a home can be a very rewarding experience.  

Consider Fostering a Dog

If you’re on the fence about getting a dog, consider fostering a rescue dog to determine whether or not it is a good pet for you. Many rescue centres are always on the lookout for foster owners to take dogs in so that they can get some training and have a nice home and family to live with while they wait for their forever home. And, fostering a rescue dog can be incredibly rewarding as, without you, they’d probably be spending their time in kennels without the undivided attention that you can give them. The rescue centre will also pay for their food and care, and if you bond with the dog and can’t imagine letting him go back, you’ll usually be able to adopt him.  

Dog-Proofing Your Home

Dog-proofing might not be as rigorously required if you’re getting an already-trained older dog, but you should definitely go around your house and dog-proof everything if you’re bringing home a puppy. Make sure that there’s nothing lying on the ground that a puppy or dog could potentially get hold of and eat and store any cleaning products and other harmful chemicals out of reach. Whether you’re getting a puppy or an adult dog, it’s a wise idea to restrict them to one area of the house at the start, to allow them to get used to their new environment in a safe space and prevent them from getting into anything that they shouldn’t.  Pet Life have some amazing dog accessories so definitely check them out! 

Feeding Your Dog

You will also need to consider your budget for dog food, and what you are going to feed your dog. Bear in mind that switching your dog onto food that is different than what they are used to can sometimes lead to mild side effects like diarrhoea or constipation, but this is usually short-lived and will go away once their body has adjusted to their new food. Speak to the breeder, previous owner or rescue centre about what they are feeding the dog if you wish to continue their normal diet.  

Raw feeding is an increasingly popular option as it has fewer carbohydrates than processed kibble and canned dog food, and provides your pet with a balanced, nutritious diet. Plus, feeding raw is easier than ever with Bella and Duke. Bella and Duke is a raw pet food brand that provides nutritious, pre-prepared raw meals for your dog that can be frozen. They also have a wide range of tasty raw treats, plus a wealth of information on switching to raw feeding on their blog to help you choose the right options for your dog.  

Vet Visits

It goes without saying that you should take your new dog to the vet as soon as possible to get a check-up and make sure that everything is up to date. If you get a puppy, you should get them vaccinated between eight and twelve weeks of age, and do not walk them until they have been vaccinated and the vet informs you that it is safe to do so. Adult dogs should also be given booster vaccinations each year; if you’re getting a dog from a rescue centre, the cost of their booster should be included in your adoption fee. Either way, it’s a good idea to register your dog at their vet as soon as possible. Your first visit is likely to be a general health check and you’ll be provided with flea and worming treatments.  

Getting a dog is a big commitment, so make sure that you’re aware of everything that goes into being a pet parent before you decide to become one.