Getting a new puppy is a big decision. On the one hand, puppies are adorable, fun, sweet, and so silly — who could resist, right? On the other hand, growing puppies need a lot of care and attention. Like, a lot. They also require a structured routine, which can be tough if you have a busy schedule.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Am I ready for a dog?” we’ll help you find your answer. This guide goes over the key questions you should ask yourself before getting a new puppy or dog, so you can make sure that you’re able to give them the healthy, happy life they deserve.
What to Consider When Getting a Puppy
According to a study by The Kennel Club, 10% of puppy owners said that they bought their puppy on an impulse, and 40% said that they bought their puppy because of the way that it looked. Perhaps unsurprisingly, these are not the right reasons to get a puppy.
Only 10% of puppy owners reported that they got a puppy after making sure that it suited their lifestyle — the absolute most important factor that should be considered.
The Puppy Will Be a Part of Your Family
If you’re wondering whether or not you should get a dog, it's important to consider not only how the dog will impact your life, but also whether or not your lifestyle is suitable to give your puppy the best life possible. No matter how much you want a dog, it wouldn’t be fair to them if you're unable to fully commit. Getting a puppy is like adding a new member to your family, so make sure that you’re able to give them the care they deserve.
How to Know If You’re Ready for a Dog
Before getting a puppy, it’s important to have an honest conversation with yourself. Ask yourself the following questions to help you decide if becoming a new puppy parent is right for you.
Can You Commit Long-Term?
A puppy requires commitment and dedication — not just for a few months or a year, but for the duration of their entire life, which could be up to 15 or even 20 years. Your dog will need food, exercise, and attention daily — are you able to sign up for this long-term?
While it may be far in the future, you should also ask yourself if you are prepared to care for an elderly dog. Senior dogs tend to require more supervision, have higher vet bills, and could bring you new challenges as they navigate their golden years. Remember, getting a puppy isn’t just for right now, it’s for years to come.
Can You Afford to Have a Dog?
To put it bluntly, having a dog can be expensive. Here are just a few of the things you’ll need to pay for:
- Food and treats
- Food bowls and water bowls
- A leash, harness, and collar
- Dog toys
- A bed and bedding
- Poop bags
- A dog crate
- Regular vet bills, plus any medications/surgeries/treatments for accidents or illnesses
- Pet insurance to help keep the above vet costs lower
- Grooming (note: professional grooming might not be needed for short-haired dogs, besides regular nail trims which can be tough to do at home)
- Obedience or training classes
- Boarding at kennels or pet sitting services whenever you go out of town
Are you able to pay for all of these things for your puppy — not just for now, but for the long haul? If not, it’s probably best for you to wait to get a dog.
Do You Have Enough Space for a Dog?
When you ask yourself, “Am I ready for a puppy?” also think into the future and ask yourself if you have the space to house a fully-grown dog.
The size of your home will help determine the size and breed of dog you’ll be able to get. For example: if you live in a small apartment, then a big, active breed probably isn’t for you.
Caring for your puppy in an apartment will also require extra planning and creativity to make sure their needs are met — does your apartment have space for a crate and other dog supplies? Will you be able to take your puppy out for walks and potty breaks multiple times per day?
If you rent, does your current lease and building allow for dogs? Check with your landlord or property manager for any size or breed restrictions. You wouldn’t want to be put into a position where you’re forced to choose between your dog or your apartment.
Do You Have Time for a Puppy?
Should you get a dog? The answer really depends on if you have time for it. Puppies in particular are very time-intensive, and require lots of attention, play, and training to ensure that they grow into well-adjusted, well-behaved dogs.
If your life is already busy, will you have the time to add feeding, bathing, grooming, training, exercising, and caring for a puppy to your schedule? Dogs thrive on routine, so creating a sense of structure and stability is very important.
Can You Commit to Exercising Your Dog?
Dogs need to be walked or exercised every day. The amount of time spent exercising your dog will depend on the breed you choose — a daily walk is enough for some breeds, while others like Belgian Malinois and Cattle Dogs will demand more intense exercise like agility work or trail running.
Rain or shine, you’ll still need to take your dog for a walk — if you don’t, they may get bored and turn to destructive behaviors like chewing or excessive barking. They could also become overweight, which can negatively impact both their physical and mental health.
Can You Keep Your Dog Company?
As pack animals, dogs don’t like to be left on their own for too long. Dogs, like humans, can get lonely and need someone to spend time with — whether that’s you, a friend, a family member, or a dog sitter.
Just like bored dogs, lonely dogs may take out their feelings on your furniture, your shoes, or your trash. They might also take them out on your neighbors’ ears by howling or barking.
If you can’t guarantee that your puppy will have regular company, you should ask yourself if getting one is a good idea for you. You wouldn’t want to be left at home feeling lonely all day, and your dog shouldn’t either.
Have You Consulted with Your Family or Roommates?
Don’t just ask yourself if you’re ready for a dog — ask the people you live with, too. Getting a new puppy is a big decision that will definitely impact your life and those around you — it’s important that your family, partner, or anyone else you live with be included in the decision-making process.
If you’ll be sharing the responsibility of caring for your puppy with someone else, sit down and chat about how you both envision sharing the responsibilities and costs.
How will you split daily tasks like feeding, walking, and cleaning up after your puppy? What happens if an unexpected vet bill comes up? Who will care for the puppy if you both go out of town? It’s a good idea to have a game plan in place for these common situations.
This is probably also a good time to also mention that you should never buy a puppy as a surprise gift for someone — not even a child. Given the huge, years-long commitment, it wouldn’t be fair to force them into dog parenthood without asking them first.
Can You Help Your Puppy Transition Into Their New Home?
Moving away from the familiarity of their mother and siblings can be a very anxious and stressful time for a puppy. It’s a lot of change all at once, and a lot for them to handle during the short time they’ve been alive on this Earth!
As you transition your puppy into their new home, you’ll need to give them a lot of comfort and reassurance in the forms of love, attention, and a structured care routine. If you won’t be able to devote that extra time to your puppy during the early stages, then you’re probably not ready — regularly leaving a puppy alone for long periods of time can cause separation anxiety and other behavioral problems.
Will Your Puppy Get Along with Your Other Pets?
If you already have a dog, cat, or any other pets, you should consider how they might react to a new puppy in the house. Introducing a new pet into your household can take time and patience, so make sure you’re prepared for that process.
If you already have a dog, try inviting other friends with dogs over to your house to see how your dog reacts to them. Cats tend to take more time to warm up to new pets, so do some research and follow the proper procedures for introducing a new puppy to your cat.
Some dogs or cats may be better off as “single pets,” especially if they’re older and set in their ways. Consider your pets’ personalities and what’s best for them before making the decision to bring home a new puppy.
Are You Prepared for Poop?
Chewed furniture. Pet hair on your clothes. Pee. Vomit. The occasional diarrhea incident. Even the best-behaved and well-trained dogs will sometimes make messes — especially as puppies. Are you prepared to take on the extra cleaning?
Your dog will also need to be taken outside regularly to go to the bathroom, which involves you picking up their poop after they’ve finished. There’s no way to sugarcoat this — but you need to ask yourself if you’re cool with picking up dog poop on a daily basis. If you can’t stomach the idea, then sadly, you’re probably not ready to become a puppy parent.
Not Ready? Don’t Give Up Hope!
So, should you get a dog? If you answered “no” to any of the questions in this guide, then now might not be the right time for you. As a dog lover, we’re sure that you can understand that your potential puppy deserves a life where it will thrive.
Your circumstances might change, and you can revisit getting a puppy when that happens. Trust us, the right pup will be worth the wait. When you’re ready, we’ll help you prepare to welcome your perfect canine companion.
If you’re still not sure if a puppy is right for you, you could try fostering a puppy or volunteering at your local animal shelter. You may also consider adopting an adult or senior dog, which tend to be less rambunctious than a high-energy puppy. There are so many dogs out there who need love, attention, and a home, and lots of ways for you to show them that you care.
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