Owning a dog is usually the best thing that can happen to anyone. Even at the worst times, they are always there for you and always brighten your day.
Owning a dog isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. In many ways, it’s an amazing adventure, but with a lot of chores.
For me, it didn’t quite turn out the way I expected it to at first, and I wish I had been more informed. In this article, we will talk about six things I wish I knew before getting a dog.
1. You Are Going To Be Walking A Lot
For some reason, I didn’t expect this one. Dogs are very active animals, so they need a lot of physical activity and stimulation.
Before I got a dog, I didn’t quite understand just how often I would go outside and take him for walks.
This is even harder to get used to if you are living a relatively sedentary life behind a desk and not going out a lot, but in the end, it’s worth it.
2. Your Sleep Will Not Be The Same Anymore
As previously stated, dogs are very active animals, and sometimes, they require mental stimulation at the worst times.
You could be sleeping, and they will just rush to your bed, wake you up, and demand playtime. If not that, then there is a chance they will bark at something in the middle of the night.
There is no easy way to adapt to this, but one thing is for sure – it gets easier with time. As they grow up and get older, the night trips become less frequent and they get quieter.
3. It’s Pretty Expensive
This is probably the most important factor out of all of them, and nobody should ignore it. Owning a pet is incredibly expensive.
You will be spending a lot of money on dog food, dog toys, vet trips, or things like a crate or a dog bed.
This is why you need to make sure you can afford a dog first. If you can’t provide your little furry friend with everything he needs, then maybe abstain from owning a dog.
4. They Are Attention Seekers
I don’t think this will come as a surprise to many, but the first time I owned a dog, I knew they required attention, but not this much.
Your dog will absolutely adore you, and will try to get your attention every second of every day.
Maybe he’ll follow you when you go to the bathroom, thinking it’s for socializing, playtime, or cuddles.
Either way, him demanding to do fun activities with you is something you are going to have to get used to pretty quickly.
5. Training Is Very Important
This is a step you do not want to miss. Having a well-trained dog can be a life changer. Training a dog early can provide the needed stimulation for him, and you can use it to bond with your dog as well.
Aside from the obvious, it can also help him get accustomed to people, learn to socialize better, and protect himself and your family.
6. They Will Make Your Life So Much Better
The last, but the most important thing on this list that I don’t want to overlook is the fact that owning a dog is one of the most amazing experiences in life.
When I first had a dog, I didn’t think it would influence my life that much. I was so wrong.
Sure, it can be tough or challenging with all the different things you have to learn to manage, but having a dog means having a best friend.
They are always there for you at the worst and at the best of times. Having them just be there by your side can reduce stress and anxiety a lot.
I still remember how often my dog would help me when I needed him, and that is something I wish I still had.
Having a dog is one of the most joyful journeys you will ever experience, and you should never shy away from having one if you ever consider it.
As the humorist, Josh Billings, once said: A dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
To Conclude
As you can see, there are quite a few things you might want to know about before ever considering adopting a dog, and I think these are the most important things to look out for.
Whatever you decide, just remember one thing – even though having a dog is a chore, and a hard one at that, it is the one you will want to have.