Things To Consider Before Getting A Puppy or an Adult Dog
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This hub was inspired by a recent hub written by Giselle Main that got me thinking about some of things that I would advise people to consider before making that huge commitment of bringing a dog into their family and home. First let me state that I am not an expert just an animal lover and that I have had dogs all my life.
Dogs Require Attention
When you first bring that cute little puppy home you are going to want to house train it immediately. Some people use newspapers or potty training pads. This is fine but the dog eventually needs to learn to go outside to do its business. Personally the way in which I train my dogs is taking them outside every hour on the hour and walking around with them until they go to the washroom. The general rule when they are puppies is to take them outside 20 minutes after they eat. Once the dog matures and is housebroken it will not need to go outside as often. A good rule to follow is to not let the dog drink water past seven at night, enabling them to go all night without needing to urinate. Be prepared however to get up early in the morning to take the puppy outside.
Obedience Training
I highly recommend a basic obedience class for you and the puppy. This will teach the dog how to behave around other dogs and learn basic training. When the basic training is over you should continue to work with your dog on a daily basis. This gives you and your dog time together and the dogs really enjoy training, walking and playing with the people that they live with.
Dogs Can Be Expensive
- Bringing a dog into the household basically means another mouth to feed.
- Veterinarian Bills
- Unexpected vet bills should your dog get sick or have an accident that requires a trip to the vet.
- Prescription medication for animals is expensive
- Costs of Spaying or neutering
- In most places it will cost you yearly to licence your dog
Cannot Always Travel With a Dog
You cannot always take your dog with you when you want to go away for a long weekend or on a vacation. So this will mean either getting someone into your home to look after your dog while you are away or putting them in a kennel while you are traveling.
Mutual Decision
Before bringing home a dog everyone in the family should agree that they want a dog. So many times one person decides that they want a dog but their spouse or partner does not really like animals. This can become quite a problem and upset the household.
Rules To Make And Things To Consider
Where will the dog sleep? Will he or she have a place in the kitchen, sleep in a crate, have a doghouse outside or sleep on the floor in your bedroom.
Who is going to feed the dog? I really feel that one person in the household should be responsible for feeding the dog. I have heard of dogs getting fat because one person feeds the dog and goes off to work and when the second person gets up they do not know that the dog has already been fed.
Are you going to allow the dog to sit or lie on furniture? This is important because once a dog is allowed on furniture it is hard to stop them from sitting or lying on the couch. It may become confusing to the dog as well. “You let me up here when I was a cute little puppy and now that I am 2 years old and weigh 100 pounds you won’t let me”.
Cleaning Up After The Dog
This is strictly from my own experience. I have not one but two Newfoundland dogs. If you are unfamiliar with the breed they are over 120 pounds each and have a lot of fur. Even though they are groomed I still have to sweep and vacuum on a daily basis. Okay some days I don’t but still. Their hair gets everywhere and I am forever picking it up. My male drools, and when Newf's drool it flies on walls, sometimes it will fly as high as the ceilings. It gets on clothing if you happen to be in the same area as him. So be prepared to be washing walls more than if you didn't have a dog. Don't forget what goes in does come out and you get to pick it up and dispose of it.
Lifespan of a Dog
Dogs can live anywhere from 5 years up to 27 years in some breeds. If you are thinking about getting a pure bred you can always find out what the life expectancy of said dog is. Make sure you are willing to commit to keeping this dog for its entire lifetime.
I hope that this article has not discouraged you from getting a dog. If you have any comments, questions or anything to add please do so in the comment box below.
© Copyright 2011 Susan Zutautas
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Just Ask Susan, you have written a great hub. There are a lot of idiot people out there who have dogs. I think in order to have a dog a person should have to pass a test, just like a driver's license. I grew up on a farm and we always had a dog. Our dogs stayed home. Some neighbors' dogs didn't, and those idiot dog owners just doubled and quadrupled in town. Now I live in the country again and I would love to have a dog again, but, being alone, I refuse to get a dog until I can be there for it just as if it was a human child. Unfortunately I still have to be gone a lot, so my dog days may never happen again. Again, great hub.
Excellent advice. Newfies!! OMG I love them, they are so beautiful, and so mournful looking.. I've never had one, but a cousin of mine did--and no, you do NOT want to be in the way of a drooling Newf when they decide to shake! The movie "Beethoven" didn't exaggerate by much...LOL...(even thought that was a St. Bernard, and not a Newfie)...they share that drool trait. ;-)
Voted up and useful!!!
Really good and informative hub. No dogs in this household for now...just my cat...who rules....lol
I too have had dogs (and cats) my whole life. And they are actually a lot of work, but it is so worth it, the unconditional love they give you is not to be taken lightly. That love is so necessary in so many ways that anything needed by the dog is just okay.
I have always had a dog and we actually got a new dog 6 months ago. She is a Staffordshire Bull terrier and she is one of the most loving dog I have ever. Buddy our cross between a Staffie and Jack Russell was my favourite but he died last September and I was heart broken. Be warned when you get a dog be aware that you and your children are likely to outlive your canine buddy. When the time comes for him/her to go it can be quite heart breaking. Thank you for another great hub.
Hi Susan,
Wonderful advice but I think you missed a bit, Dog owners need good and understanding friends. You know the type of doggie owners I'm talking about, "Love me Love my Mutt !"
I think what you really need if you have a dog(s) is you have to have a MUG (Short for Muggins) close at hand.
A Muggins is a close friend too dumb to say NO when you need a place to dump the dog for a period of time...
Every dog owner has to have a constant supply of these if a normal life is required.
I have a friend who has just set up a new business who also who has two Labradors who need a doggie sitter on occasions.
Problem is the occasions seem to be getting more frequent and I have just ended up with the dogs for a weekend. Don’t get me wrong, they are great dogs, friendly and gentle and well trained BUT... they are still dogs, I live in a small flat and we have just had one of those summer weekends for which Britain is rightly famous... Yep ! It piddled with rain for most of the time.
Trying to cover two soggy Labradors with a towel before one and or the other can shake and redecorate the hallway is near impossible so I have spent the last two days washing down walls and dehairing my beige rugs. So far I have collected enough loose dog hair to knit a new dog...!
To all those thinking of getting a cute little cuddly puppy just remember;
“A dog is not just for Christmas ! Be like me and have Turkey !”
Important info here. Be sure and take the puppy outside after EVERY nap. Well done!
RH, Sounds like you have your very own zoo :) I am grateful that I have hardwood floors as I would hate to have to vacuum all through the house. Maggie sleeps downstairs to guard the house at night and Bruce he's a Mama's boy sleeps on the floor on my side of the bed.
SubRon, I have run across a couple of breeders that in order to qualify to purchase a puppy you have to fill out this huge questionnaire and if they do not like what they see they will not sell you the pup. In the city where I live if you have your dogs fixed you get a license for half price. I suppose that is a good incentive.
DzyMsLizzy, I am grateful to have only one of my Newf's that drools. But man does it ever fly when he shakes. :)
I loved that movie Beethoven.
marellen, We did have a cat at the same time as the Newfs and the cat used to taunt those poor dogs. It could get pretty crazy when the chase fest started. The cat would lay under the couch and stick his paw out as if to say "HaHa can't get me under here, just try".
nightbear, I so agree with you all the work is well worth it. My old boss wanted me to take home one of her champion Newfs as she was no longer showing her. I had to decline but would have loved to. Can you imagine 3 Newf's as house pets lol.
Silent Whisperer, It is very hard when one of your pets passes as they are members of the family. So sorry to read that you recently lost a dog.
Merlin, I want to go away next week perhaps you would let me drop off my 2 Newf's at your house. They are not much trouble and are well behaved. However they do take up a lot of room :) Yes it would be nice to have someone like you where I could drop the dogs off with, but in my case I would not do that to anyone that is a friend.
There are people that collect dog hair to make sweaters. I don't think I would want to wear a dog hair sweater though.
Well I sure hope that your friend appreciates all that you do for him.
Radioguy, Yes for sure after every nap too.
Thanks everyone for all the great comments.
A very good collection of comments, Just Ask Susan. I tend to go along with Merlin Fraser: "A dog is not just for Christmas" but a lot of people seem to think that "cuteness" will last and last. As for the "laws" you mentioned. That's Canada. Down here, I don't know for sure, but I think it's still a "free for all" chaos. Walk into any pet store and buy that "cute" creature that the kids love, but, I'll bet in most cases, need I say who will usually get the job of care.... I love dogs too, but I "don't" love too many dog owners.
Hey Susan, a good morning it is. This hub is close to my heart as an animal lover too. I work away from home and miss my animals a lot. I ask about their well being quite frequently that my fiance gets a little jealous.
Good job!
This is a lot of very good and realistic information for present or incipient dog lovers. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, Susan.
Before my present work which didn't require traveling, I always had a dog - usually a toy poodle. There was never any quesion where the dog would sleep. On the pillow above mommy's (me) head. Just don't try this with a St. Bernard.
Oh and Susan - I know my husband would not prefer to have all the animals. But I love them and he loves me - so he deals:) I clean up after them and I say if he can't look around and tell they are here I'm doing fine:). Most of the pets are - well maybe I should do a hub and link it here:)!!!! You've even figured out the title - My Mini Zoo! Lol you're a genius!
Excellent. Good information for anyone thinking about adopting a dog as a friend. Like you I've had dogs all my life. For the past eight years its been a Sheltie named Gus who goes almost everywhere with us.
Unfortunately too many people purchase pups without ever knowing even basic information. I tell people that a puppy is no different than a baby. It will change their life. Thanks for a great read. Enjoy Maggie Magz.
You wrote a good article here about what to expect with a new doe. We have bypassed the initial housebreaking by getting dogs that are older.
A lot of very good advice and valid points for people to consider, Susan. I'm sure if more people took heed of these facts, there would be a lot fewer puppies abandoned at a young age by owners who can't cope.
SubRon I don't really think Christmas is a good time at all to get a dog. Too much going on with the holidays to properly introduce a puppy into the home. But that is just my opinion as many people do still get dogs at Christmastime.
Cardisa, when I go away I call home and actually talk to my dogs on the phone. Well I do most of the talking :)
drbj, On several occasions my Newfoundland dogs have both been on the bed with my husband and I and it leaves very little room if any. Now that they are getting older they don't tend to want to make the jump up onto the bed.
RH I do hope you do a hub on you mini zoo as I would love to see all those animals.
Ken They sure do change your life. Mine are my second set of children :)
dahoglund, That's a good way to get around the housebreaking but then you miss all those cute puppy days.
Gordon, Yes the animal shelters would be a lot less overcrowded.
Thanks everyone for stopping by to read and for your comments.
Shucks, I wanted a doggie until i read that the drool reaches the ceiling, OK, just kidding. I used to always have a dog, usually a Chihuahua, now i think i would like to have a Poodle. Thank you for the great tips.
Cheers
Ruby, My grandmother had a chihuahua named Perky. Was the cutest little dog. Poodles are awesome and they don't drool :)
I've had dogs much of my life, and I love them, but I've reached a point in my life where I'm ready for a break. We want to travel, so when our black lab leaves us, that's it for a while.
Oh I love these puppy pictures and I am so grateful that you did this hub. Dogs are a huge responsibility and also very loving special animals that deserve the very best!!!!
Great Hub Susan.
Great hub - and I'm in love with Maggie. That said, my husband is a dog lover, and if he had his way we'd breed mastiffs. BUT, we live in a twelve square foot apartment, and the two cats already take up too much space. I'm going to make him read this hub...lol
Will, We find that with the 2 dogs we tend to travel a lot less than what we used to.
Chatkath, Thanks so much and yes a huge irresponsibility but well they are well worth every minute.
Motown, Mastiffs in a small apartment may just be a little hard :) Gorgeous dogs though. I remember in obedience training this couple had 2 of them and they were great dogs. I worked at a kennel and there was one mastiff that we would get in quite frequently as his owner traveled a lot. He was one of the nicest dogs that boarded with us.
Your hub caught my eye because my college aged grandson has been wanting a puppy (they're so cute!). You've done a great job in listing things to consider before getting a dog - I'm sending him a link! I love dogs and cats, and, until recently, always had at least one of each. I want to get another puppy, but your hub reminds me to fully consider what it would entail. Good job!
Susan, Great advice on things to think about first. Some folks think dogs just need a yard and they'll be fine. But dogs love LOVE companionship and crave their humans even experiencing separation anxiety when they're gone. So much to think about.
I saw a "Needs a home" flyer posted in the vet's office yesterday with an explanation that the owners just had twins and they don't have time for a dog now. (WTH?) Did they think a dog only lives a couple of years when they adopted it? A puppy grows up and lives (hopefully) many years. One of ours lived to be sixteen. Something else to consider. Peg
Thanks for writing a great hub. I had a 3rd family dog and she was a great dog but I had to untrain some of her bad habits. She was 2 when we got her and had already been in 2 families. I felt so sorry for her but I told my husband that I wanted her but if we got her, it was for life. He agreed and we got a great dog. She protected our sons when they were out of the yard and a loose, aggressive dog came towards them. She was in a fenced yard that she didn't leave, but when she saw her boys threatened, she went over without even touching it. She chased the other dog off and then went back in the yard. She also tracked down their hamsters when they got out of the cage. She would bring them to me safe but damp. We never regretted saving her from the shelter.
Great hub! We are animal lovers with three cats and three dogs (we just had to bid farewell to our 15 year old lab)! These are great tips that everyone needs to know before bringing a puppy home! Thanks so much and agree - owning a dog is a huge responsibility but oh so worth it!!!
Stephanie, My husband had hinted not too long ago that he would like to get another puppy, but I think we really have enough with the 2 that we have. I spend 1/2 the day yesterday grooming them :). Thanks for stopping by and hope that this article is of some use to your grandson.
Peg, It is so sad that people get animals for a few years and then they end up adopting them out for various reasons, some that make no sense at all. Thank you I think I will go back and add to this hub about the lifespan of a pet for a consideration as well. Very good point.
Becky, Thank you so much for sharing a great story with us. There are so many animals at the shelters that need loving homes too.
Tommy, I love your picture. Sorry to read about your lab. It is just like losing a family member when they die. Thanks so much for your comments and for coming by to read my hub.
Just Ask Susan - My husband and I have wanted a Newf for years now (I grew up with big dogs)! After lots of research we decided they were the perfect breed for us. We live on Monterey Bay and are in the water a lot, as well as being avid hikers/campers. We had refrained from getting a dog earlier because we had moved around a lot, but now we are ready and saving up for one. Can't wait to have our own fuzzy, drooly bundle of puppy joy.
Having done a lot of rescue and foster work for the SPCA, it kills me to see people who get an animal when it is young and cute, just to dump it off somewhere when it gets older and more expensive. My cat is 10 now and getting gritchier every day, but I couldn't imagine getting rid of her. A pet is like a child - you are in it for the long haul.
My wife is looking for a dog right now... :0)
Dalton, Newfs are wonderful. Good luck in finding one and good luck keeping him or her out of the water :). If you are lucky you may just get one that does not drool. My female only drools when food is involved. My male on the other hand drools quite excessively.
kentuckyslone, Thanks for stopping by to read my hub.
I cannot wait to get a dog. I learned how to train one from my dad. Our dog had his own little bathroom space in our yard, so no poopies all over the place.I know it takes some courage to discipline one, because they're so cute that you just want to give them their way all the time. So worth it though. I hope everyone studies up before getting their own pets. Great list here to start with.
vOTED up and useful. great article!
mothercristina, My female always goes in one spot in the yard and she was never trained to do this so I am fortunate, however my male goes wherever he pleases. Thanks for stopping by to read and for your comments.
ginersmaltese, Thanks so much! I love your picture.
Great ideas and comments, specially how to house train your puppy. Thanks for all these great ideas.
Sithuwam, Thank you for your comments.
Did anyone consider the resident cat when getting a puppy??? Noooo, they just bring that little ball of fur home and expect me to help train it. Did anyone consider that I liked my spot on the bed? Or that I liked having my human to myself? Nooo, the puppy was just too cute.....
Hi AmeliaKat, Actually we did consider "Rambo" our cat when we got our first Newfoundland dog. Rambo has his own bedroom and loved to taunt the dogs. Sadly though Rambo has since passed but had a long and healthy life. Thanks so much for stopping by and I loved your comments :)
Very nice articles...you have a new fan!
Hezazeus, Thanks glad you liked it.
Great advice, it is amazing how many people get dogs and then decide they can't keep them. It breaks my heart looking at craigslist at all the people getting rid of their dogs because they are moving and can't take their pet. Makes no sense, you have an animal you don't move to a place that doesnt take animals!! I know there are emergencies, but there are too many to just be emergencies. Well said!
danielleantosz, I worked at a kennel and we would take in all kinds of rescue dogs, just broke my heart to see how they were just tossed away, abandoned or abused.
Very important information for anyone considering adopting a new dog!
Great hub Suba with some fantastic points. Anyone who thinks a puppy makes a great Christmas gift is going to be very disappointed when they realize the amount of work involved. I don't have the long hair to deal with..but my guy is a little paper shredder so I get to pick that up all day long, lol.
angemac, Thanks for your comments and for reading.
Thanks Sis, Maggie loves toilet paper and paper towels. I still have to keep the bathroom door closed because she will go in there and steel the toilet paper :).
Thanks for sharing. A perfect article to anyone wanting a dog. People should read this because it is very useful.Votedup!
thelyricwriter, Thanks so much for your wonderful comments.
I remember all those problems that I had to overcome before I got a dog. The hardest thing was persuading mom, because she was afraid that the dog will destroy a lot of thing in our house (especially shoes). But fortunately I took a year off before going to university so I had time and I managed to persuade her. It is really important to have time for a puppy that just came to your home. It's a totally different home and you have to replace the mother that the puppy had been taken from. If you're not there it will grow up into a sad dog. I'd say that if you're not 100% sure that you have enough time for dog, don't buy one. Buying a dog is a commitment, it's a bit like having a baby.
fornalina, Thank you for adding to this hub. Yes time and commitment is very important.
You've rightly mentioned "Mutual Decision" as one of the key points to think about before getting a dog. For people who are averse to the idea of getting a dog or a pet can bear the brunt of having to put up with something they hate on a daily basis. I am not one of them as I love dogs and pets in general. But I know a friend who is in a similar situation.
Princesswithapen
princesswithapen, I find that if someone has a pet that is in a home where one person does not like animals, it's hard on a relationship, as well as on the pet. Thank you for reading and for your comments.
RealHousewife Level 8 Commenter 11 months ago
First - I'm dying laughing right now (I have 13 animals - 1 bird just died:( I had 14) I do have to swifter or vacume daily - if I skip you can tell! But I think I might have just figured out why Mr. Peanut (mini daschund) is getting fat! I bet the kids are feeding him again. He will pick up his bowl with his teeth and bang it on the floor for food:) thanks - I'm going to make it a one person chore and see if he loses weight.
Your dogs are adorable! Susan - I love my dogs - they are so lovable and sweet - And they like to sleep in front of the door at night - no one will get in this house:)! Lol