7 Signs Your Family Is Ready For A Dog

Many people contemplate having a dog as a pet. However, many overlook the actual necessities involved before bringing one home. To ensure that you are properly equipped to handle the responsibility that having a dog entails we have a few steps that you should check-off beforehand.

You’ve Done Your Research

You can speak to any dog trainer and they will likely tell you the same thing. Do your research. Befriend others who have adopted a dog the same way you want to, especially if the dog that you want will be a mixed breed. Also, talk to dog owners who own the same breed as you want, for example, a Royal Frenchel. Get as much up-to-date information as you can from them, including facts about their personality, behavior, and overall care involved.

You Have Plenty of Time

Having time is an important aspect of dog ownership and it starts at the puppy stage when dog training is imperative. Not only that, but you need to have the time for regular visits to the vet and daily walks for exercise. Yes, walks are important even on the rainiest of days.

When it comes to having time for a dog, you have to do some soul-searching in order to make a determination that you truly will have the time required to take care of all of the dog’s needs as soon as they walk through your front door.

You Are an Early Riser

Now that you have enough time, are you able to wake up early? By early, I mean the morning hours prior to sunrise as well as the sunset in order for your dog to do its business? If you plan on having a puppy, then you will need to take them out at least 8 times every day which equals to every 3 hours to ensure they are house-trained. So expect to not get a full night’s sleep for a few days.

Your Home is Puppy-Proof

Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to starting with a puppy is ensuring your home is ready. I’m sure the last thing that you want is to come home and find a disaster waiting for you or notice that you have a shoe missing. To avoid that, put your shoes in your closet and keep everything else that could be a potential chew toy up and out of reach. Cover any unused outlets and put your garbage can in an inaccessible area.

Even if you don’t plan on a puppy, make preparations as though you are. Stock up on the necessary chew toys and anything else that can keep your pooch busy and not become bored while you are away.

Envision Yourself Owning a Dog

If you are able to envision yourself handling a dog while juggling all of life’s other responsibilities, then you are ready.

The important part is to make sure that you are being honest with yourself about it. Take the time to observe your job and family now and what kind of commitments they currently have. Does dog ownership seem feasible based on those observations?

You Love to Learn

You will learn to get used to all of the other types of messes that will occur. These include the poop, urine, vomit, and of course drool. The majority of these will be experienced on a daily basis so it is time to be ready for them.

Cleaning these messes may not seem fun, but they are what you get to expect after bringing your dog home. Just plan ahead and make sure that you have all of the necessary tools, i.e., wipes, disinfectant spray, and poop bags.

Ensure That Your Vet and Trainer Are Close By

Contact reputable vets that are close by or are a short drive in your neighborhood or town. Ensure that the vet has no age restrictions so that you can have your dog or pup checked out before bringing it home. Make sure you pay attention and observe everything that your vet offers and do not feel intimidated to ask questions.

For trainers, make sure that you are able to put your pup through obedience training as soon as feasible. This will allow them to socialize with other dogs so that they can control their temperament.

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