One of the most important experiences you can have in life is living with and loving a dog.
Why? For starters, it’s life-changing! By adding a dog to your household, you’ll add more love to your family, while at the same time giving yourself a friend for life.
Being a dog mom looks like tons of fun on the surface (and it is!), but there are so many things that you might not know about owning a dog – and it’s not until you get one that you know. No two dogs are the same, and no two pet parents are the same, either.
With any new pet, you both have to take time to adapt, but with a dog, you are diving into the deep end. Dogs are different from cats or rabbits, and they require more of you than other pets do.
Of course, this is not a bad thing. Owning a dog is a privilege, but today I’m sharing 6 things no one has told you about living with one. Let’s take a look.
6 Things No One Tells You About Getting A Dog
1. Your dog is going to need you.
Some humans can be extremely needy, but so can dogs. Learning everything that you can about neediness in dogs is going to make a big difference in your experience in living with your dog.
Reading How to Deal with Separation Anxiety in Dogs will help you to learn what causes separation anxiety and what you can do about it. Dogs are very social and active animals, and their needs can surpass your expectations. You shouldn’t be shocked if your new pup is on at you all the time, always nudging you for your attention. It can be the sweetest thing, but it can also be annoying when you have things to do.
2. Training your dog might be frustrating.
Balancing biscuits on a dog’s nose looks fun, but training is hard. In the event that you don’t adopt the world’s most well behaved dog, it’s going to be up to you to train her – and that’s not always easy!
With patience and consistency, your dog will – of course – learn the ropes and learn how to obey, but it’s not always a quick process. Rest assured that it is worth the effort and will make your lives together so much better.
3. Dogs are expensive.
Taking proper care of your pet will not be cheap. There will be vet bills, some that you can plan for and others that will come out of the blue.
There will be ongoing expenses for grooming, training, and food, as well as toys, treats, beds, and leashes.
You might have to install a fence at your home, which can be costly. A doggie door leading to your home’s outdoor space is also an expense.
The point is, if you’re going to get a dog, be aware that it is a 12-15 year commitment and it’s not going to be cheap. Going into it with the proper expectation will benefit both your dog and your bank account.
4. Dog food is complicated.
The variety of dog food will shock you. With the huge number of choices, you’re going to find it confusing to choose the right one for your dog.
Try not to just go for the most popular brand out there – choose ones that will suit your dog and his needs. Talking to your vet will really help you to break down which brand of food you should get for your dog, and you have to remember that weight, breed and health conditions will make the difference as to which brand you choose.
Also, as I mentioned above, feeding your dog might be expensive. It’s important to put a lot of thought and research into your dog’s diet because this will most certainly impact her health and wellness for her entire life.
5. Dogs require a lot of time.
Your dog will require daily walks, training, and time. These social animals want and need to be with their humans, and if you’re going to live with a dog, you have to be able to provide the time they long for.
If you don’t have time for the things your dog will need on a daily, ongoing basis, perhaps consider getting a cat. They don’t require nearly the time and attention that a dog does.
6. Your lifestyle will have to change.
Living with a dog will change your life. You’ll be spending more time at home, which your dog will love. This may mean taking fewer vacations and going for happy hour with friends, but the love you receive in return from your dog will make up for anything you lose.
You may even finally meet your neighbors, now that you’re walking your dog on a regular basis. That’s what happened to me.
There are a lot of things to consider if you’re thinking about adding a dog to your life. Knowing the facts and being prepared will set you and your dog up for success and guarantee you a life of love and happiness with your new pet.
What do you wish you’d known before getting a dog?
Let me know in a comment below, or stop by my private Facebook group for dog moms and join in the conversation there.
The post 6 Things No One Tells You About Getting A Dog appeared first on The Everyday Dog Mom.
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Christina, Khareem Sudlow
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