I realized the other day that in my short time as families.com’s Pets Blogger I’ve talked a lot about being a responsible pet owner, and all the things a person should consider before getting a pet, without actually expounding on what those things are. So today I’m introducing a new recurring column on what to consider when getting a new pet. This month’s topic is dogs.
Dogs are some of the most common pets, and they’re also one of the ones that come with the largest responsibilities, particularly in regards to time. I’ll start with what to consider after adopting an adult dog, because there’s a longer list of things to think about when getting a puppy (which I’ll cover in a bit).
If you’re considering getting a purebred dog, or one with a dominant breed, you’ll have to research the traits of that breed. Certain breeds need more space to run than others (like collies), and other breeds don’t do as well on leashes and aren’t good at coming back when off-leash (many hounds, as they’re all about following scents). Plenty of books are available on specific breeds, so if you’re considering one it’s easy to do research for more information on what you’ll need to know.
Even though most adult dogs come already house broken, there will likely be a short transition period. Whenever dogs move to a new home they need time to adjust, and that might involve them having some accidents in the house at first.
Though most adult dogs do not have quite the same energy level as puppies, all dogs still need to go out on at least two walks a day. Being let out into the yard doesn’t count; they need the exercise of a walk.
Most adult dogs are OK being in the house all day while families are at work and school, but if your family is so busy you don’t even have time for those two walks, then you should reconsider getting a dog until your schedule is less hectic.
Before getting any dog, it’s important to let that pet interact with any other pets you have, and with your family, to make sure you are a good fit together. For example, if you have smaller children who are likely to crawl all over the dog, then you want to be sure you get a dog not made too nervous and irritable by that.
Puppies require even more forethought. They need much more attention throughout the day; until six months of age they need feeding three times a day, and then feeding twice a day until they are a year old (though some dogs, like mine, digest better when they’re fed twice a day even as an adult). They also need to go out every couple hours until they get older.
Before long puppies do learn to give notice when they need to go out, but usually their notice is immediate; if you don’t take the dog out as soon as it warns you, you might have a mess to clean up.
That’s why if you’re considering getting a puppy it might be best to do so if there’s someone who can look after the dog throughout the day, or at least who has the flexibility of schedule to look in on it several times a day.
Those are the main differences between having a puppy and having an adult dog. Given puppies’ high energy levels, they might also need more walks, or longer walks, than some adult dogs.
Dogs are a huge commitment of time and energy, as they require so much interaction. They’re wonderful pets, but it’s important to also consider all the responsibilities they entail when thinking about getting one.
Related Articles:
Cats and Dogs Really Can Get Along
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate
The Animal Lover’s Alternatives to Owning Pets
Dogs and Toddlers: The Uncanny Similarities