If you think heading to your local dog pound, rescuing a pooch and welcoming him into your home is a simple process, then you will need to think again. Bringing a new four-legged friend into your humble abode takes commitment and a willingness to compromise like never before. It’s unwise to offer to take in a hound on a whim only to realize that you cannot cope with the demands of puppy training, taking your dog for long walks and the cost of food, vets fees, and doggy treats. This is why so many puppies and adolescent mutts end up abandoned or needing to be rehomed.
It’s not unusual to endure the whines and pleas from your little darlings who are constantly nagging you to get a pooch. Perhaps their friends have one, maybe they want a new furry pal to play with or perhaps they’ve seen the ideal family pet set up on a family sitcom on the TV. While you may bargain with your kids that in order for you to even consider a puppy in the household they need to look after their mutt, take him or her for their daily game of fetch in the park and clear up the doggy mess in the garden, it will be you who inevitably gets lumbered with the general care of the animal. Taking on a new puppy requires resilience, commitment, and a welcoming home. Do you have what it takes?
Your Heart Will Melt
Even the most stoic and hardened of characters can’t fail to have their heart melted by whatever pooch ends up coming through their door. You may end up with a fluff ball of a bichon puppy, a wise old retired greyhound or an intelligent young collie. It doesn’t matter the breed, the age or even the temperament, you will believe that your hound is the best, most beautiful and most awesome dog on the planet. And why wouldn’t you? It is a mutt’s ability to charm their human owners that makes them such a wonderful addition to any home.
If you’ve never had a pet before, you will be surprised by the loyalty and affection that your puppy will show you. He or she may be stuck to your side like a limpet, eager to please and constantly looking at you with their admiring eyes. Very quickly you will be overwhelmed by the level of love you feel for your new pet. They are an animal – you can’t love them that much, surely? But you will; your dog will become a beloved family member who you will protect with every ounce of your being. If you’re not ready for such a heavy emotional commitment, you may need to reconsider welcoming a hound into your humble abode.
The Home
Unless you don’t mind your sofas getting torn to shreds, your curtains no longer worthy of your windows and your laminate covered in all sorts of puppy mess, you need to consider how to pooch proof your pad. It’s vital that you make an effort to satisfy your dog’s natural needs. They need ways to scratch, space to run and play and adequate mental stimulation within the home. Dog toys are designed to prevent your mutt from getting frustrated and ransacking your living space, and it’s a good idea to have a variety to keep your puppy engaged when they can’t get outside for a run.
Most importantly, your hound needs to be safe within their four walls. While they may be comfortable, they need to be free from danger. You might think your home is relatively safe, but keeping that bunch of grapes out in your fruit bowl could lead to your curious mutt having a munch and suffering kidney failure. Luckily, this pet safety guide details the many steps you need to take to ensure your home is as hazard free as possible.
Budget
Having a dog isn’t cheap. You need to consider food, vets bills, and insurance, not to mention toys, beds and other little treats that you will inevitably want to purchase for your precious mutt. One report stated that a dog costs $1270 on average in the first year of ownership. If you are struggling financially, you are saving for a mortgage, or you simply feel like you cannot afford to give a hound the quality of life they deserve because of your lack of monetary resources, consider putting off your dream of a doggy pal within your home for a little while. This is not to say that you can never own a pet, but it might be kinder to your eventual pooch if you can ensure you have the means to care for them well.
It can be tiring to hear your little cherubs constantly whining and moaning that they’d like a puppy. However, never be tempted to succumb to getting a pooch in a quest to end the monotony of puppy requests. Take your time, consider whether you actually want a mutt and always make sure you are ready for the commitment of dog ownership.
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