When you consider adopting a dog it comes with its own special set of doubts & worries.
I’d say those doubts and worries are a good sign that you are considering the decision well and relatively objectively.
My hope is to help you be informed and make the best decision for you and any future dog.
There is an explosion in dog ownership across the UK partly as a consequence of the Covid pandemic and bringing a dog into your world is truly a brilliant thing…but it needs to be thought through.
Social media is great at showing all the joy dog guardianship brings, but always counter with a dose of reality and common sense for a balanced decision.
Here are my 10 tips if you think you are thinking of getting a dog:
- Look at your lifestyle and family situation, honestly assess your ability & desire to commit to the needs of a dog.
- Do you have young kids?
- How much will you be at home?
- Are you prepared to walk and engage in all weathers for the long term?
- Research online, read and talk with dog specialists to help you understand what will work best for you. Consider rescue or not, sex, age, breed characteristics and what will work for you. Become knowledgeable.
- Understand the long term financial implications of dog guardianship. It is a lifetime spend and there will be unplanned costs at some point. What can you afford?
- Make sure the primary guardians are on the same page. It will be a time of adjustment and you all need to be happy and committed to the journey.
- The biggest investment you will need to give is time.
- Are you prepared and happy to invest time in training and mental enrichment?
- Be happy to truly engage with your dog. As with us humans the best relationships are two-way, trusting and generous.
- Remember to be flexible. At any point from deciding you want a dog in your life it will require open-mindedness and flexibility. You may find you are best suited to a senior rescue over a young pup, or a smaller dog over a larger one…again be honest with yourself and take advice.
- Accept the responsibility that comes with this decision wholeheartedly. Adopting a dog is a significant life event so go in with eyes and hearts wide open.
- Be prepared to put a dog at the heart of your thinking, she will be a family member.
- Finally, enjoy the journey. As with all things there will be moments of ‘why did I do this?’…but go back to your ‘why’ reasons as difficult periods do pass.
My point on this…there are simply no absolute right and wrong decisions about adopting a dog.
But by taking the time to research and consider as objectively as possible you are really giving yourself a great chance of building and integrating your dog into your life and the amazing experience it will bring you and others.
Good luck and have fun! Ian
