The experts at Tractive have worked closely with its resident Dog Trainer, Marina Sellinger to share the top 5 things you should ask yourself before getting a puppy.
Despite the overwhelming excitement of knowing you may finally be able to have a puppy of your own, there are still numerous factors that need to be considered before taking the plunge.
1 Think about why you want a dog
The most common reasons are I feel alone, I want someone for the kids to play with or I need a distraction to name a few but these reasons, in short, are not good enough. A puppy is a lifelong commitment, and you have to be willing to invest the time and resources it takes to take care of a dog.
2 Is this the right time to get a dog?
Getting a new puppy in a global pandemic, during home office or for Christmas are a few very problematic times to even consider, let alone get a puppy because these situations do not represent your normal everyday life. Yes, the children may be over the moon on the day but are they mature enough to handle the responsibility when it’s 7am and it needs a 30-minute walk? Additionally, WFH for most is not permanent and it’s important to consider the factors post your current situation.
3 Which puppy fits my lifestyle and activity level?
It’s very common for people to choose a breed based on its look (normally if it’s cute or not) but it’s important to consider whether you fit the dog’s needs and vice versa. For example, if you love the idea of a husky but live in a tropical area and aren’t very active – it wouldn’t be suitable as huskies like colder climates and lots of walks!
4 Am I ready for this time of commitment? Am I willing to do the work and not just play?
A puppy is not just there to fill your Instagram feed. It is a long-term commitment, in which you need to be prepared to invest time and energy in too. If you aren’t ready to give up your lie in or the patience for dog training, then you probably aren’t ready yet.
5 Can I afford a dog?
One of the most important things to consider is are you able to provide for your pup? Puppies are expensive, from insurance to food, the list of their needs is endless. If you can afford one, that’s great but make sure you consider beyond just the basics – will you need a dog walker? If you have a tight schedule, will you need to factor in a dog trainer? Set yourself up with a budget tracker so you can see exactly what it’s going to cost before you jump in.
