Do you love dogs and are thinking about leaping into dog ownership? We get it! Dogs enrich our lives, are our constant companions, and are a joy to have around. But caring for a dog full-time is also a serious responsibility that requires time, energy, and money. How do you know if you’re ready for a dog?
As a first-time dog owner, let the questions below help to guide your decision before you research dog breeds or fall in love at your local dog rescue. Having a good idea of what dog ownership entails will help you plan for that exciting addition.
You know yourself, your life circumstances, and your capabilities best—let these questions and considerations help guide your decision-making.
If you’ve considered the above and feel ready to take the next step into dog ownership, read on for our quick-start guide for new dog owners.
A new dog brings joy into your life whether a puppy or an adult dog, and there are downsides and benefits to both. Adorable, snuggly, and hilariously awkward, puppies are easy to love!
But while dogs of every age need your time and attention, puppies require more—much more. Puppies need to be supervised and socialized and require time-consuming obedience and house training. Plus, vet care for essential vaccines and spaying or neutering can add up.
Responsible dog ownership starts at the source. If you’re looking for a particular dog breed, breed-specific rescues and responsible, ethical breeders can both be excellent sources. A breed-specific rescue will likely have young and adult dogs to choose from. Just be sure to research the breed you’re interested in before you fall in love to make sure it’s a good match for your lifestyle.
Adopting a puppy or dog has many benefits. Adult dogs may already be housebroken and could have obedience training, plus you’ll be able to determine if their personality is a good fit for your home. Shelter workers or rescue volunteers are great resources and want to match the right dogs with the right people. They’ll be able to help guide your decision, give you the low-down on each dog’s temperament, and facilitate meet and greets.
Tip: Some rescues and shelters will allow you to foster-to-adopt or take a dog home for a sleepover so you can get a better sense of the dog’s personality. Just know that it takes longer than a night or a few days for a dog to truly settle in.
Whether you choose to buy or adopt, you’ll need to stock up on new dog necessities before you bring them home. Use this checklist as a guide and stock up on supplies to keep your new dog healthy, safe, comfortable, and happy.
Tip: Some “people” foods are poisonous to dogs, be sure to check before you feed your dog any table scraps!
As a new dog owner, learning to care for your pup takes time, patience, and a good dose of humility. But putting in the work to learn the basics is so worth the effort. Once you’ve got it down, the only surprise is discovering that life with a dog is even better than you expected.