What to Consider Before Getting a Dog

Depending on individual circumstances, getting a pet can be a great choice for families: besides teaching kids about the responsibility of caring for another living being, pets also offer plenty of opportunities to make fun, happy memories together.

Dogs in particular are a family favorite: loyal, loving and lots of fun, a canine companion also encourages families to spend more time outdoors, offering multiple physical, mental and emotional health benefits. However, it’s important to consider a few factors before getting a dog.

Age

With their endearing, sweet features and funny ways, puppy love is hard to resist (and these Weimaraner puppies for sale are no exception). If you’ve spent any length of time on social media, you’ll have seen the highlight reel of fluffy, big-pawed pups gallop across your screen.

Behind the scenes however, it’s a different story: one of sleepless nights, potty training and chewed-up belongings. Puppies need socializing, routine, and plenty of supervision, especially in the early days. If you and your family don’t have the time or energy for this, an older dog might be better, though this also depends on their health condition and background.

Size

If you decide to get a puppy, it’s worth knowing roughly how big it will get once it reaches adult stage. Your pup might be fun-size right now, but if you end up with a larger-than-life hound in your house, the consequences might not be that fun for you or your pet.

Bigger breeds need plenty of space, and also tend to be more expensive in terms of things like medical treatments, equipment and food. Smaller breeds are more fragile and vulnerable to injury from being accidentally stepped on or mishandled, and due to their size may require more frequent feeding and bathroom breaks.

Breed

Dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes, but also temperaments. Some (like border collies) are more energetic than others, requiring more than the average amount of exercise, so it’s important to get one that is compatible with you and your family’s lifestyle.

Some breeds might require extra grooming, while others may have physical characteristics that make them more prone to certain health conditions (for example dogs with floppy ears, who tend to get ear infections). Notably, recent research suggests rates of illness between pedigree and mixed breeds are about the same.

You may wonder if certain breeds are “naturally aggressive”, and this isn’t necessarily the case. For example, a guarding dog may not show aggression unless it’s been taught to do so, yet some studies suggest chihuahuas and dachshunds are among the most aggressive. Either way, a responsible breeder (or shelter), proper training and child-safety awareness are essential.

Readiness

When you think of getting a dog, the first thought might be all the fun involved. While things like budget, conflicting work schedules and family allergies are less than exciting, they’re still very important.

Another factor to consider is whether the rest of the household are on board. If you’re the only person who is keen on the idea of a dog, be prepared to take on most (if not all) of the caring duties. Discussing this together in advance will help your family prepare for how responsibilities will be shared when looking after a new dog.