Buying a dog usually doesn't happen overnight. Even though children express a desire for a pet from a very early age, this does not mean that you have to fulfill that desire. And singles often want to get a four-legged friend, because they think it will make their everyday life better.
When you decide to buy a dog, think carefully, because a new four-legged friend could occupy your life and demand patience, care and love from you.
Dogs can really add to life, but that doesn't mean you should get it without thinking. First, consider whether you have the prerequisites for owning a dog and whether it fits into your long-term plan. Only when you answer yes to this question can you start thinking about the breed, whether you want to adopt or buy it. Therefore, before finally buying a dog, ask yourself these few questions.
Photo: Camylla/Unsplash1. What is your financial situation?
Dogs are not toys. They require the cooperation of the owner, which means that the dog costs money. Of course, if you decide to adopt - which we encourage you to do - you will save hundreds of euros. However, these costs don't stop when you bring your dog home. Food, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, trips to the vet, toys, the place where the dog will stay... These are all items that should be considered before finalizing decision. It is not recommended to get a dog at a time when you can barely walk for a month or if you cannot cover the costs of caring for the dog. And these costs often include trips to the beauty salon.
2. Does a dog fit into your lifestyle?
This question is crucial. Think twice about him. You may find the thought of a four-legged companion tempting, but if you work all day or you travel often, you probably won't have enough time for the dog. A dog is a living creature and it is neither desirable nor fair to any living creature that it is in the apartment only from morning to evening. In addition, dog owners need to go for a quality walk several times a day - regardless of whether it's raining or 5 am. On the other hand, the decision to get a puppy could be much easier for flexible workers, retirees or those who work from home.
3. What are your spatial options?
Before buying a dog, consider whether you have enough space for your pet. Smaller breeds are a better choice for smaller apartments, and people with gardens will have less of a problem with this. Besides, it would had to think about choosing the right one breeds based on your lifestyle. So, look at it realistically their possibilities, habits and circumstances . In addition, agree in good time with your roommates where the dog will sleep, whether you will let it on the bed and who will walk it at any time. Consider these rules in time to avoid conflicts, as well as not to confuse the dog.
Photo: Gustavo/Pexels4. Do you have enough time for quality training?
A dog always requires effort, love and dedication, but you will have to give it the most attention during training. Quality education is responsible work, as it affects how your pet will treat people and behave. It will also take some time for the dog to learn some basic things, such as defecating or staying at home without other members of the household - which means that the first few weeks with a dog can be extremely challenging and stressful. It takes the dedication of the owner and the belief that right now is the right time to buy a dog.
5. A puppy or an older dog?
Puppies might get on your nerves at first, because you have to you have to raise them and teach them, how they should behave. Puppies may not be the best choice for someone who is busy, so it is better to choose an obedient and well-socialized adult dog. On the other hand, an older dog is more independent, although this also varies depending on the conditions in which the dog grew up.
