Deciding to raise a dog is a serious responsibility, much like deciding to have a child. Many people underestimate the daily work required when getting a dog. Dogs are intelligent, social animals that need time, attention, and care. Neglecting these needs can lead to emotional and behavioral problems, such as separation anxiety or excessive chewing. That’s why I recommend that anyone considering getting a dog should thoroughly think it through.
To determine if you are ready or deserving to raise a dog, consider the following factors:
Can you walk your dog every day?
Walking your dog is more than just giving them a bathroom break outside. It provides the exercise and socialization they need, both of which are crucial for their physical and mental health. A good rule of thumb is to spend at least 30 minutes a day walking your dog. However, dogs bred for sports or herding may need much more time to burn off their energy.
Are you going to leave your dog home alone for long periods of time?
Dogs are social animals that need mental stimulation, physical activity, and companionship to stay healthy and happy. Leaving a dog alone for too long can make them anxious, which often leads to destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or excessive barking. This is why dog daycare centers, while costly, exist. If your lifestyle means your dog would be left alone for most of the day, you may need to reconsider.
Do you travel often?
If you travel frequently, owning a dog may not be a good idea. Imagine being a 3-year-old child and constantly being sent to stay with friends or relatives. You can sense that some of them don’t like you, but you don’t know why. One possible reason might be that your parents haven’t trained you properly, so you’re not well-mannered in new environments. However, as a 3-year-old, you feel confused, sad and just want to go back home. Dogs can feel the same way when they’re shuffled from place to place. Frequent travel disrupts their routine and can cause stress, especially if they aren’t well-trained.
Are you a patient person?
If you want a well-behaved dog, training is essential, and it requires time, consistency, and a lot of patience. Dogs and humans don’t speak the same language, so dogs have to guess what you want them to do. It’s challenging for them, just as it would be for a person who can’t understand you. To experience this for yourself, try asking a friend to bring you a cup of water without speaking, opening your mouth or using any gestures. Your only form of communication is rewarding them with a potato chip when they get closer to the task. I doubt if one bag of chips is enough. This small experiment will help you understand just how difficult it can be for dogs to learn through trial and reward.
Final Thoughts:
As you can see, taking care of a dog involves much more than just providing a bed, toys, and food every day. If you’re still feeling confident after reading this, that’s a great sign! It suggests you may be among the few people who are truly prepared for the responsibility of owning a dog. There are more factors to consider, but I’ve only highlighted the key ones here to avoid overwhelming you. For many, the unconditional love and joy dogs bring can brighten even the toughest days. It’s a truly heartwarming experience.
If you’re ready to take the next step, be sure to check out my article on the common pitfalls to avoid when buying a dog.
