When thinking about bringing a new puppy or dog into your life the first thing that you have to think about is…
Is this the RIGHT time for a dog to join your family? Here’s some questions to think about…
✅ Do you have the TIME that a it takes to help a new puppy or dog to settle in?
What ever the age of the dog who is joining your family, they will need your time in the first few weeks helping them to feel comfortable, safe and and secure. If you’re rehoming a new dog, then knowing how long that dog is OK to be left for is really important to ensure that you can meet their needs; however, don’t expect that they’ll be ok being left on their first day… or even in the first week or 2. Every dog is different, so whilst they may be fine on their own from day 1, they may not be so you need to be prepared.
If you’re bringing a new puppy into your family then you have to take into account the puppy’s social and developmental needs. They need company, they need nurturing, they need you! Ideally, a puppy shouldn’t be left at all in their first few days / couple of weeks, and then only for very short periods of time (starting with just a few minutes) as they become accustomed to being on their own.
Whether your new dog is a puppy or an adult, ‘home alone’ training is an important part of ensuring that your dog is confident when left alone and can help to mitigate against separation distress becoming an issue for them.
✅ Can you AFFORD a new dog?
The cost of a new dog is far more than the upfront cost than you pay the breeder, or rescue centre. Food, insurance, toys, equipment, vet bills, groomers costs, training, dog walker, dog sitter or kennels if you go away…. Providing for a dog is not cheap and is a commitment for their life time. We can never predict the future (whether that is our income changing or our dog’s costs spiralling due to illness or injury) but we do have to realistic about whether or not we have the financial means to support our dog/s.
✅ Does your lifestyle give you the TIME that a dog needs on a daily basis?
Walking, training, grooming, feeding, playing, mooching, bonding… 7 days a week. 365 days a year. For the next 12 to 15 years (possibly more!).
Do you have dependants or children at home that can’t be left whilst you walk the dog? Will they want to be out with you in all weathers, early morning before work, after work, every day?
Do you have a job where you may be called in unexpectedly, be asked to stay late, or have really long shifts?
You can’t turn them ‘off’ when you’re tired, or have to work late, want to go out, feel ill, want to go away on the spur of the moment. Yes, I know that that all sounds really obvious 🙈 but if you haven’t had a dog before, then you really do need to consider all of these things - having a dog at home can start to feel like a ‘tie’ if the reality is that a dog doesn’t fit into your current lifestyle.
✅ Do you have the indoor SPACE for a dog?
Obviously the breed of dog makes a difference here, but it is something to consider.
✅ Do you have the outdoor SPACE for a dog?
If you have a garden is it dog proofed? Fully fenced, gated and safe? Is your garden really precious to you… because if it is, then a puppy wreaking havoc in you dahlias might be something to consider!
If you don’t have a garden then you need to consider how you will toilet train your puppy, how many times a day you’ll need to take them out, how you’ll ensure that your dog gets time off lead to run and be free. A garden is not a necessity but it does add to your considerations.
✅ Does EVERYONE in the household want a new dog?
For the sake of the puppy or dog that you bring into your family, they have to be wanted by everyone. There may be a primary carer, but if there are family members who are really not keen, then resentment can build and life can become uncomfortable for everyone.
You also need to consider the other pets that you have living in the home. How will they cope with a new dog? How will you ensure that they all feel comfortable and stay safe whilst getting to know each other? What will you do if they don’t get on?
🐶💕 Welcoming a new puppy or dog into your family is a big commitment; but taking the time to think through all of the above will help you decide if NOW is the right time.
Because when you get it right, it doesn’t feel like ‘commitment’ it is simply wonderful (and hard work 🫣) and full of joy (and challenging moments) and LOVE! 🐶🥰
#loveyourpaws #thoughtfuldogtraining
