When most people first consider getting a dog, they don't really have a clear picture of what long-term pet ownership will mean. They imagine a loyal and loving pair of adoring puppy eyes staring up at them on those rambling walks through city parks or along winding country lanes. Cute puppy faces nuzzling around their ankles at breakfast time, yelping giddily at the thought of their favourite dog food.
They may dream of cosy winter evenings with an endearingly predictable, potty-trained pup curled up under a cosy basket, enjoying a thoughtfully chosen range of toys and treats. They might be somewhat dismayed when confronted with unexpected anxiety attacks, loud barking episodes, mysterious tummy upsets, nervous weeing, and erratic behaviour related to soft furnishings.
They may also imagine that a small dog will fit nicely into their home and car, not realising that, as their puppy matures, an adult dog may be considerably larger. It's fair to say that most people are completely unprepared for welcoming a new dog into their home.
Commitment and Care
Getting a dog is a serious commitment. One that should be considered as carefully as the decision to have a child. Hold on! Breathe! I'm not saying they're the same thing. Neither am I joining the ranks of people who are often accused of treating their animals better than they treat their humans.
However, an animal is another living being. One whose life is in your hands the moment you take that first step.
So why would your pet deserve any less consideration than a baby?
Communication
In some ways, dogs need more care and consideration. A child, as he or she gets older, will become adept at explaining his or her needs, desires and reasons for being unhappy. And do I really need to mention how verbally expressive teens can be! A dog, however, will never be able to speak up for itself.
Dogs will often find themselves in the minority, surrounded by humans. They will experience a range of emotions, including fear, sadness, confusion and frailty. A dog will arguably need an even safer and more secure and loving environment to grow up in than a child would.
Listen, observe, be consistent, soothe, comfort and patiently build trust. Take time to learn how your dog communicates.
Puppy Training
New dog owners are often surprised to learn just how much training a dog will need. They may even have romantic notions of keeping their dog as close to its natural state of being and behaviour as possible. They may think that this would be kinder and more organic somehow.
This sort of thinking will only lead to frustration for pet owners and confusion for dogs when their book chewing habits prove to be unwelcome! Or worse still, when they are attacked by angry geese, surprised by oncoming traffic or shouted at for pooing in inconvenient places.
Puppy training is essential for dogs, to keep them safe - physically and psychologically.
Dogs Require a Lot of Attention
It takes a lot of time to supply the care, play, exercise, and emotional needs of a dog, and a new puppy will need to be watched constantly.
Unlike cats, dogs aren't able to slip out through a convenient little flap and while away endless hours roaming the neighbourhood streets with their buddies.
Learning about all the little treats and routines your dog loves, before he or she arrives, is highly recommended!
Dogs Need to Get a Lot of Exercise!
Dogs need to exercise regularly, for the sake of their mental, emotional and physical well-being.
Dogs don't particularly like being kept indoors for endless hours. They don't like being left alone for too long either. They get bored and restless and need to expend nervous energy chasing things.
They may love nothing more than propelling themselves through wide-open spaces as if they were being hunted by lions.
You Will fall in Love with Your Dog
Your pup will very quickly take up a big space in your heart and your life. Even family members who were initially reticent about getting a dog may be quickly won over by their playful antics.
Dogs have an innate ability to bond deeply with their human caregivers. Their sense of fun and their ability to show love and loyalty will melt the most hardened of hearts. They may thrive on seeing your happy and approving face when they do something funny or clever.
Be prepared to prioritise your dog over other friends and loved ones when you sense that they need your care and attention more.
Adopt a Dog Instead of Buying One
Dog breeders are artificially increasing the dog population and causing a great deal of suffering. There are so many dogs just waiting in shelters, for a good owner to take them home and care for them.
Most shelters screen potential owners to make sure their animals are going to a good home. Too many dog breeders, however, see the dog trade as a money-spinner. Anyone can buy a dog, and anything can happen to these animals once they are bought. It's much kinder to think in terms of supporting shelters rather than simply upholding the dog breeding industry.
Changing the life of even one animal can be extremely rewarding.
By providing a safe and loving home for a dog that has been mistreated, neglected or abandoned, you can truly change a life. This is a far more meaningful experience than buying the latest status symbol dog and contributing to a cruel and unnecessary trade.
The Cost of Having a Dog
Unlike humans, dogs can't rely on the NHS to take care of them when they need medical care. Many people who adopt a dog have no idea of the costs they will incur throughout a pet's lifetime. They may be shocked to learn that their dog will need vaccinations, dental care, grooming and parasite control care.
Many new dog owners are alarmed to see their first vet bill. They may have no idea that, in most cases, the cost of those routine puppy check-ups is just the tip of the iceberg.
Making your home safe and pet-proof will also prove to be a good investment in the long term. You may even consider moving home or buying a bigger car at some point. There may also be dog-sitter costs when it's not feasible to take your dog on holiday.
You may think your special dog will have very few needs – I mean, how expensive can dog food really be? - but before you know it, you’ll be queuing up to buy a month’s supply of poo bags and paw balm.
There are so many things I wish I'd known before getting a dog. But the best thing I've learnt is just how wonderfully life-changing the experience can be!
