5 Things To Consider When Shopping For A Dog

According to the ASPCA, approximately 78 million dogs are owned in the United States, and 44% of all households in the United States have a dog. Being a dog owner means taking on a significant commitment to love and care for your fur baby for several years. From searching and selecting the ultimate companion to overcome the inevitable hardships of pet ownership, we’ll examine all the critical aspects of owning Man’s Best Friend.

What Breed to Buy?

Many hopeful dog owners start their search by narrowing down their breed preferences. Researching the pros and cons of your favorite dog breed can provide a clear understanding of the specifics of what owning a particular dog means. Try to select a dog breed that fits your lifestyle. Some dog breeds are more prone to biting and chewing. Other everyday activities, such as traveling and road trips, can encourage this behavior due to an anxious response. Each breed has its own personality, so knowing the quirks in advance is beneficial for both the dog and your lifestyle.

Do you have the time to commit?

Owning a dog is much like raising a young child. They demand time, patience, and training. Spontaneous weekend getaways or extended vacations now require extensive planning. Do you hire a pet sitter? Take the dog to a kennel? Traveling with your new furry friend may be on the agenda, but be sure to give your dog plenty of breaks so that he doesn’t become restless or agitated. Be sure to consider whether you’ll need to travel with your dog and how this may be a liability if you choose a species that is prone to biting. What about potty training? Will you be available to run home during the workday to let your fur baby out or is kennel training a better match for your schedule? Be sure to ask yourself the crucial questions.

Have you considered all the costs?

Many dogs are returned shortly after being purchased/adopted, frequently through no fault of its own. Being a responsible dog owner means factoring in all of the related dog ownership costs: vet bills, food, professional training, fencing, etc. Be sure to account for the “emergencies” and the cost to spay/neuter. Also, don’t forget the toys and pet ID tags.

Is everyone in your house on board with getting a dog?

Is adding a dog to the picture a family decision, or did you make the choice on your own? Making sure that everyone is on board with ownership will also relieve the stress that comes with dog ownership. Assign “dog duties” for family members to help contribute with pet care and training. Additionally, if you have frequent guests or people coming over to home often, be sure that your dog is well-trained and obedient, as they can cause some issues if they bite someone. So be sure to socialize them, play non-aggressive games with them, and advise your guests to leave them alone. 

Getting your dog spayed/neutered

Many shelters and pet stores will spay/neuter the dog at eight weeks old automatically. PetMD notes that getting your dog spayed/neutered helps reduce aggressive behaviors, prevents surprise puppies, and also decreases the number of homeless animals in shelters.

So much goes into shopping for the perfect fur baby to add to your family. Do your research, calculate the costs, and consider the time and commitment associated with dog ownership. Fostering a practical analysis of owning a dog will be beneficial for both you and your new best friend.

References & Resources:

Pet Statistics | ASPCA

Doggin’ it Out: Dog Bites & Homeowner’s Liability Insurance | Insurance Guide Local

How to Socialize a Dog Through Dog Training Classes & More | Dogster

Dog Breeds | AKC

How to Create a Safe Outdoor Space for Your Dog | All Storage Online