Many people, often inspired by children’s pleas, movies or other media decide they want to get a dog, despite having no prior experience and without considering all the ramifications. This can lead to neglect, abandonment or worse.
Before plunging into dog ownership, please keep in mind these are living, loving beings who require a life-long commitment and should never, ever be “disposable”. Think of them as four-legged children and ask yourselves the following questions:
Do I genuinely desire a dog, or is this an impulse reaction to external stimuli?
Do I understand the costs involved?
(the dog itself, veterinary care including spay/neuter procedures,
food, dishes, treats, beds, toys, grooming, training, holiday boarding, workday walking, etc.)
Do I have the time, energy and patience to train a puppy?
(requires constant vigilance, daily repetition and consistency)
Should I get an older dog?
(Wonderful idea, but keep in mind: May have bad habits; harder to train)
What breed (or crossbreed) fits my lifestyle the best?
(It’s so important to research the characteristics, health concerns, exercise and grooming requirements of the dog you want.
Many dogs end up in shelters because their owners weren’t prepared and didn’t know what to expect.)
Where should I go to look for a dog?
(Shelters, rescue organizations, reputable breeders; NOT pet stores; they use puppy mills.)
May you find the perfect dog and have many wonderful years together!
Need someone to take care of your pets in your absence? Here’s an excerpt from my article
“How to Choose a Good Pet Sitter / Dog Walker”
You wouldn’t trust your babies to just anyone, so, it’s important to find someone experienced, conscientious and reliable. Word of mouth is the BEST recommendation, but, if that’s not available, then always ask for references and make sure you contact them.
Just because someone is bonded and insured, does not necessarily mean they are good. I remember watching a van pull up to a house one day, with the name of a large, well-known pet sitting service written on the side. The person went into the house, came back out about 5 minutes later and drove off!
Observe carefully how the person interacts with your pets during the initial meeting. You will be able to tell right away whether or not they have an affinity for animals.
Too many people go into this line of work, thinking it’s a quick and easy way to make money and they aren’t fully committed to the clients! Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their background, experience, etc.
When making house calls, I always left a note for each visit. If they don’t offer to do this, it’s a good idea to ask for it.
Do you have any dog-related questions you’d like to ask me?
Looking forward to your comments!
Originally published April 20, 2016, as part of the April A to Z Challenge, theme DOG BREEDS & ANECDOTES.
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
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44 thoughts on “SO, YOU WANT TO GET A DOG?”
Very pertinent questions to ask oneself before purchasing a pet. Two of most important ones should bem “whether we really want a pet” and “which variety would suit our needs and lifestyle”. I was very clear from the onset that I need a quiet and disciplined dog that does not cause any nuisance and I brought home a pug and never regretted it.
Great post, most of the times when the idea of getting a dog comes to my mind I can’t deny that there is a certain sense of impulse to the choice.
I’ll definitely think it through after reading your article.
Great list! Training puppies is a huge time commitment. I know it took more than a year to finally train my Pom to use outside as her bathroom! That was a big struggle.
After living on a cattle ranch (21 head) with 2 horses, 1 surly rooster, a handful of chickens, 3 cats, 1 peacock, and 5 (FIVE!) fairly large dogs of assorted breeds and dispositions, years later I simply wished for a relatively small companion to keep me walking every day. Hubs decided (much like the batmobile he purchased for my work commute when I’d have preferred something more economical) I needed protection, as well as exercise and therefore only a Labrador would do. We ended up acquiring two of them because the “runt” of the litter insisted on being included. Sigh.
For reasons that may present themselves naturally, we called the “runt” Nitro. Yeah, boy. She’s a pistol. My question is why she’ll bark obnoxiously in the house, but not to be let in when she’s outside? Instead, she scratches, bangs and leaps at the door as if demons are after her. Her sister has no problem, and at nearly five years old, Nitro has never once been denied entry or (to my knowledge) been chased by demons. I’m thinking doggy shrink. What say you, dear DogLady?
I am smiling at your story, diedre, even though behavioural problems are not funny. 😀 And now I’m picturing you driving the Batmobile! ? Labs are among my favourites, and while they can be rambunctious, especially when young (and they do take longer to mature), they are SO incredibly loving. ? Hopefully, your Nitro is as well, to make up for her other quirks. Is the incessant indoor barking a plea for attention (in which case you should ignore her completely until she stops, then praise and reward her for being quiet), or is she sensitive to noises? Have you tried a citronella bark collar? That might work (or not – depends on the dog). https://amzn.to/2RZgLwq
She obviously has some kind of phobia about the door. Not sure what to suggest, there, short of putting in a doggie door so she can go in and out at will, but that would require training. They probably don’t come in Lab size, anyway, A friend of mine keeps her backdoor open in summer and has a magnetic screen attached to the frame. It opens by walking through it and closes behind you. Her cat goes in and out that way all the time. https://amzn.to/3aNRAWd
Here’s hoping Nitro will settle down for you! I’m not an expert, per se, but have seen pretty much everything when it comes to dogs.
Hi Debbie – definitely before getting a beloved pet (dog) make sure it’ll be properly looked after, exercised, etc and know that there will be someone to care. So true – you obviously help many … lucky animals (and owners) – cheers Hilary
So many people don’t realize what’s involved with pet ownership, unfortunately. It’s a serious commitment, like having a child. Most of my clients are excellent dog parents and check my availability first, before booking a trip. A few, sadly, treat the dog like an afterthought. 🙁 Thanks for reading my article, Hilary! 🙂
I can definitely believe that … just sad … cheers for now – Hilary
Fab advice Deb! I know some dog owners who would do well with reading this! Getting a dog shouldn’t be a selfish desire without putting in the work. 😉
Thanks, Debby. 🙂 As someone else said, having a dog is like having a child; a serious commitment!
My daughter is going through this. Single, works all day, small yard. She settled (so far) for dog-sitting. And loves it!
It sounds like dogsitting is a good compromise for your daughter. It has been, for me as well. I still want another of my own, though. The trick is to convince hubby. Thanks for coming by, Jacqui! 🙂
I used to send her a picture a day of my dog Casey but that just wasn’t enough!
Great questions to ask and answers Debby.. I waited 18 years to have Sam so I could run my own business and keep him with me all day. We are planning on getting a new one and asking ourselves all these questions being 20 years older with a different lifestyle..xx
Thank you, Sally! 🙂 How exciting that you are considering getting another dog. Thanks also for sharing my article on your blog. ?
One should get a dog only if they want to. Not as a gift… not as anything else. Appreciate that you mentioned shelters instead of those puppy mills. So many lovely dogs are in need of a loving home. You have made excellent points.
Absolutely! 🙂 Thanks for your comments. People need to be more aware of these unscrupulous breeding farms.
There are a great many things to consider, as you have covered here. Very well done, Debbie… After my last dog passed away, I have not been able to muster the desire to get another, which is unusual for me. In the past, I have rarely been without one. However, losing this last fellow, was painful, to the point, I have said, enough. I cried Uncle.
We are in the same boat, Myke! After our Dalmatian passed away, we were devastated and still can’t fathom the idea of going through that pain again! ? Fortunately, we have the clients’ dogs to bring us joy (more often than not.) It’s sad when they die too, though, especially the ones who come here for many years! Thanks for coming by!
You are so right about everything in this post. Of course, you are. 🙂 I’ve never had the need for dog walkers or sitters but my sister did and she had such a wonderful person tending to her dogs and cats AND the young lady would even check on our mom who had a home on my sister’s property! 🙂 My daughter did not have a wonderful experience when she boarded her dog at a highly recommended boarding house. The dog ran off the first day and they had to set up some kind of “trap” to get her back… My daughter was like, never again. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how many stars and great reviews a place/person has.
It’s true; good reviews don’t mean much if someone screws up. We haven’t lost any dogs here and always take precautions when leaving or entering the house. That said, it could happen to anyone. It sounds like your sister found a good one!
We are dogless right now. Losing another one would kill me. The last one died and I nearly did too. We have a yard cat that has adopted us and comes UP on the deck for milk each AM. I’ll stick with that for a while.
We are in the same boat, Paul. Losing our last dog was so painful, we can’t face the idea of doing it again. The clients’ dogs are a nice compromise. 🙂 A yard cat would be much easier to handle. Thanks for coming by!
Such an useful post. I often wish that people would put in more consideration before getting a dog or before gifting someone one.
Yes, if only! Shelters would undoubtedly be less crowded. Hopefully, the bad publicity in regards to puppy mills will help eradicate them, as well. Thanks for coming by, Damyanti. 🙂
Gosh I had no idea something like a puppy mill existed. How sad is that! You’ve put up valid points Debbie. Having a pet is the same as having a child. The decision must be given lots of thought.
Puppy mills are the worst! 🙁 You said it best: “Having a pet is the same as having a child.” Thank you!
Like everything else, ask questions, get references and don’t pay anything up front. Our Wallace cost us over$1,250 last October and November because of chronic ear infections so he burst a blood vessel from scratching. He had an operation for this only to have another operation on his one front leg for. Growth that seemed to grow really fast and seemed hard not like his other fatty deposits. It turns out it was a melanoma plus he had to get medicine for his belly that had a fungus and other meds for his skin. People have no idea about the costs and that one must be able t9 deal with this. They also don’t think of what breed would be good. When 101 Dalmations came out, my former sis in law, worked at the pound, and they were inundated with many dalmations. People just thought the6 were cute and did not look Into what kind of dog a Dalmatian is plus that they often go deaf. I do want another dog and how I love, love love black labs-mutts but I have to think of my constant pain. This past weekend I have been in so much pain, I could hardly move and sleeping has been tough never mind trying to get out of bed. I need to walk the dog which I can’t do with Wallace because of his mental issues( phobic of The outside). People need to think
Birgit, I’m so sorry you’ve had all these vet bills! Wallace is surely a lucky dog. It’s true, people don’t realize the expenses involved. I’m also sorry that you’re in so much pain. Hope it gets better, soon! And, may Wallace get over his phobia. Probably not likely, at this stage. Black Labs are among my favourites too, but hubby still won’t budge about getting another dog. Sigh…
I think that Misty’s first owners blew off several of those questions…
Could be, but she sure has a good home, now! 🙂
Pets are a lifetime commitment, Debbie! They need love and care and someone that is responsible for their well-being. Too many people should not have pets. Excellent advice!
Exactly, Eugenia! 🙂 Too many people have pets (and children) without considering their responsibilities. Sad! 🙁 Thanks for dropping in!
They are a lifetime commitment. If you don’t have the time to be with your baby then don’t. So many get the pup, then it’s in the backyard alone all the time while the neighbors go crazy with the barking.
Great advice here.
Have a fabulous day and week, Debbie. ♥
Exactly, Sandee. People need to consider everything involved. Sadly, so many do not and we end up with all these neglected animals. Breaks my heart! 🙁 Thank you for coming by and sharing your thoughts.
Agree, Debbie. The list of questions you have shared…I wish people actually sat down to think, as in really really think if they wanted a dog and not just a stuffed animal they could forget about ones the novelty faded.
I remember giving a good piece of my mind to all those who would look at my Chikoo and say how they too wanted to bring home a pet dog! 😀
LOVED the pictures you shared of all the darlings! How they look into the camera and pose! Muahhh!! <3
That’s the problem. It seems like a nice idea to have a dog, but most people have NO CLUE what is involved. We are talking about living, breathing, loving beings here, as you well, know, Shilpa. 🙂 People think they are disposable when they become too much trouble. That truly breaks my heart. Thanks for coming by!
My question to someone contemplating getting a pet (cat, dog, whatever) is “Do you have love to share with your pet?” I used to hear young women (decades ago) say I’ll get an outside big dog to protect me. I’d ask are you going to play with the big dog? No I’m afraid of them. Then I’d try to talk them out of getting a dog. It is really a crazy idea that a dog you never relate to is going to protect you.
People who don’t consider pets to be beloved family members shouldn’t be allowed to have any, in my opinion. And to make them live outside? That horrifies me all the more. 🙁 Thanks for coming by, Carol.
Hi Debbie,
As a kid I was biten 3 times by dogs and become really afraid of them. I would get chills just hearing a dog collar or bark from afar. I would only walk at tracks where dogs were not allowed.
Then about 5 years ago Hunter came into my life and I am no longer afraid of dogs. He is a poxer, part boxer and pug. He and I bonded after my snowmobile accident while I recovered. He was always by my side. He is still attached more to my husband but he loves to be around people and won’t eat unless one of us is there. They really do become part of your life. I now go walking throughout the neighborhood sometimes with Hunter and other times alone.
But for anyone looking to get a dog, it’s a big responsibility and can cost quite a bit between foods, treats, toys etc and of course vet bills. Be prepared! And if you love to travel you’ll need someone to watch them when you are away. But they are more pet friendly hotels and places you can go now than ever before 🙂
Hi Lisa! 🙂 I think it’s great that you’ve overcome your fear of dogs and have one of your own, now. He sounds adorable! Good point about travelling. There are more places that allow dogs now, but otherwise, that’s where people like me come in. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
My husband had been a dog owner before we married 35+ years ago but I never had any pets growing up. I was totally resistant to getting a dog when our kids were growing up because I knew it would end up being one more job for me and I just didn’t want to take that on. We did take in a stray cat several years ago and when she died, another stray took her place. When that cat passed earlier this year, I thought it was time for us to try a dog so for Mother’s Day my kids and I went to pick one out. (The kids are all adults now so they don’t need me to care for them and I thought that walking a dog twice a day would be a good health benefit for me as I try and lose weight). We rescued a terrier/spaniel mix who was thought to be about 3 years old. He is the best and we are all adjusting very nicely. Great post, Debbie. It is important not to jump into things like this.
Hi Janet! 🙂 It’s true, people who get pets for their kids always end up doing the work themselves. It sounds like you chose the perfect time in your life to welcome a dog into your home. I’m sure you’ll have many happy years together. Thanks for coming by!