THE “MUST KNOW” LIST
FOOD
BEFORE YOU DECIDE LIST
ONCE YOUR DOG IS HOME LIST
TIME
TYPE/AGE
MIND
SPACE
VETERINARIANS
TRAINING
FINANCES
LIFESTYLE
Will you have the time to walk your dog at least three
times a day? Will you remember to exercise them
regularly, on a schedule that your dog requires? If the
answer is no, you should stop here and consider a fish
or other low-demand animal companion.
It’s time to change your mindset now that you’ve
brought your dog home. Your day will be filled with
walks, playtime, and snuggles with your new furry
friend, but it won’t always be easy. Your routine will
change drastically, so stay strong as you shift gears to
accommodate the latest member of your family. Getting
nervous is normal. The good news is that you might
spend more time outdoors, as your dog encourages
you to get out and explore - which is always a good
thing.
Dogs like having their own space; if you have a puppy,
they will need their own dedicated area in case of
accidents. In addition to making room for their bed and
crate, a good practice is to doggy-proof your home by
removing any potential hazards like loose wires, toxic
plants, cleaning supplies, etc.
What you start feeding your dog when you first bring
them home may differ from what you’ll feed them
in 12 months. Dogs, like humans, have preferences.
They might also have unique diet needs as their bodies
change. Make sure you plan for this.
A veterinarian can be an excellent source of information
to help you choose the best pet to suit your lifestyle
and needs. Not all vets are the same; you want a
veterinarian that best matches your needs. Do your
research. Read online reviews of the vets in your
community, ask groomers in your area who they
recommend, and make interview appointments with
them. This will be a lifelong relationship, so the choice is
essential.
To maintain a happy home, try to get into a training
mindset from the get-go, especially if you have a puppy.
Training is as much for the owner as it is for the
puppy or dog. Take a course that teaches you all the
basics and allows your dog to socialize with other dogs
while they learn.
Different jurisdictions have their own dog ownership
laws. Some may require all dogs to be licensed and
vaccinated, and others might have leash laws or breed
restrictions. Familiarize yourself with the rules and
ordinances to ensure you follow them correctly.
Selecting a dog based on how popular or cute it is, is
one of the worst decisions you can ever make. There are
thousands of examples of dogs who have been
unceremoniously dropped off at an animal shelter
when they show themselves too high energy, needy,
intolerant … the list is endless. Make sure your
decision is based on reality, not emotion or a trend.
Dogs cost money. Outside of the initial cost, you should
make a list to add up all costs to ensure you can afford
your pet. Food, insurance, grooming, and healthcare. You’ll
be surprised how much properly caring for your pet costs.
LOCAL LAWS
Understand the breed you’re interested in and be open
to changing your mind if it doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Ask
many questions about the dog and the breed before
making any final decisions. You can’t change breed
characteristics. Also, strongly consider adopting a dog
in need of a new home. They are full of love and, in
many ways, better than getting a puppy.
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