Are you ready for a dog? 5 requirements
Want to add a four-legged friend to your household, but don’t know if you’re ready for a dog? The following five prerequisites will pave the way for a dog to feel at home with you. In any case, you should be aware that a dog comes with a lot of responsibility and should only move in with you if you can and want to offer it a species-appropriate and happy home.
A dog is a decision for life. Many things change when a pet comes along. Playing, walking, cuddling and so on are one side of the coin, the other are vet visits, food costs, taxes and so on. But the effort to give a pet a loving and responsible home is always worth it. The decision should be well thought out in any case.
- you have enough time for your dog
Dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time, especially not a full work day. Can another family member be there for the pelt-nose during work or can you take your dog with you to work, for example to the office? A dog that is only available for cuddling in the evenings, but is not kept busy enough itself, does not lead a happy life. However, if you can offer your animal partner sufficient occupation, fun and love, this is one of the most important conditions for your own dog! Sufficiently much run and movement, veterinarian visits, walking even in bad weather – all this should be a matter of course for dog owners.
- you can afford a dog
Food costs, vet bills, taxes, insurance – the accruing and regular costs for a pet should not be underestimated in addition to acquisition costs. Calculate all the expenses before buying a dog so that you are not slain by them afterwards. If you can afford a dog, an important hurdle is taken. Tip: A dog from a shelter is cheaper than a dog from a breeder. If you give an animal from the shelter a new home, you also do something good.
- you have enough space for Wuff
Your apartment is big enough for another family member or you have your own house with a garden or a place to run free? Great, your dog appreciates space. If the apartment is too small, a dog will not feel comfortable. How big the apartment has to be depends on the size and the requirements of the dog – in case of doubt, ask your vet about the minimum size. In general, you should inform yourself about the requirements and demands of the respective dog breed in detail before you buy a dog. Only in this way can you keep him species- and breed-appropriate.
- everyone is looking forward to the dog
When you buy a dog, not only you should be ready for him, but all the people living in the household. Everyone is looking forward to woof and ready to take responsibility? Also, no one has an allergy to animal hair? Great, then the dog will also be happy.
- you are patient and consistent
Life with pets occasionally requires a lot of patience and a certain consistency, as well as the will to properly train dogs. So for example with the education of puppies – dogs must become house-trained for example first of all – or with the bearing of occasional chaos situations – dogs do not always pay attention like humans whether their feet and/or paws are clean. With a dog, a little lovable chaos always moves in. At best, you don’t have a cleanliness fanatic in the household, and you yourself aren’t too quickly overwhelmed by some of the mess that a pet can make. In order for everything to run to your satisfaction, your four-legged friend must be well behaved. This requires the practical knowledge of dog training as well as the consistent implementation of training measures.
