Getting a dog is a very exciting time, especially if you’ve never had one before. But it’s also a huge responsibility, which is why it’s important to make sure you have done plenty of research beforehand so you can give your new pooch the proper love and care they deserve.
Whether you’re getting a puppy or an adult dog, it’s a big change in your life but in your furry friend’s life too, so lots of preparation is key to ensuring they have a smooth transition into your home.
If you’re about to embark (pun intended) on the wonderful journey of bringing a dog into your life, here are some important things you should know before getting a dog.
We picked up our amazing red fox Labrador/setter mix, last December and we may be biased but she really is the most gorgeous dog. We’ve had her about six months now and have fallen madly in love with her already.
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1. Dogs need plenty of sleep
Both puppies and adult dogs can be full of energy and when they’re having their hectic moments of running around the house, it may seem like you can’t catch a break. But all that running around and playing can tire them out.
Some puppies need around 18 hours of sleep a day, whereas adult dogs may need between 12 to 15 hours. It may seem like your dog is sleeping a lot but it’s perfectly normal for dogs to snooze for 50% of the time.
Each dog will be different, but try to get your dog into a good sleep routine as quickly as possible. Check out this interactive piece from Lords & Labradors on ways to create an ideal sleep schedule.
2. Not every breed will be a suitable match
There are so many dog breeds and they all have different temperaments. This means that although you may want a certain dog breed, it may not be a suitable match for you and your family’s lifestyle or home environment.
Some bigger dogs need to stay more active and will need to be walked many times throughout the day, while other big dogs may calm down after two or three years and won’t need as much exercise.
Dogs have different hair coat types, meaning some will shed a lot more than others. Are you willing to deal with all the shedding or would you prefer a pooch that doesn’t shed as often? By carrying out thorough research beforehand, you will know that you have chosen the right breed for you and your family.
3. Dogs can be expensive
You may have done your research into dog breeds and worked out all the initial costs of owning a dog, but have you considered how much it will cost you in the long run? According to PDSA, the minimum cost of owning a dog is at least £4,600 for a small dog breed, £7,000 for a medium dog breed, and £5,700 for a large dog breed.
A lot of people don’t think the full costs through thoroughly and are surprised when the dog ends up costing a lot more than they initially thought. So it’s vital to research your chosen breed properly so you have an idea of how much it can potentially cost you.
When calculating the cost, you should consider the initial purchase, food supply for the month, essentials like a bed, collar, lead, toys, etc, vet bills, and pet healthcare. Pet health insurance is crucial for helping out with vet bills and unexpected costs if your dog becomes sick or hurt.
4. Time-consuming
Make sure you are ready to the amount of time puppies take from your day to day life. You will ultimately have to sacrifice your time, to training them, feeding them, walking them, and more.
It is going to be your responsibility of looking after this puppy, keeping it alive and putting their needs often come before your own. This means you might have to sacrifice more time and energy into this puppy than you ever imagined.
5. Pet insurance
There really is nothing more important than your dog’s health and happiness, and as we have found out the past few months, it really does feel like a child when your puppy gets sick or injures themselves. So you need to make sure you have decent pet insurance incase of any problems that may arise.
A dog can become sick and hurt, just like any human, so you need to keep track of the vaccinations they receive (as a puppy and an adult) to ensure they are at their healthiest.
If you are thinking about getting a dog, remember to do plenty of research first to ensure you make the right choice.
My Travel Tips and Recommendations
Flights
To book flights, I always use flight search engine Skyscanner, I regularly use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest places to travel. It’s how I get to travel so much all around the world. I find it the easiest way to compare flight prices across airlines and get the best deals.
Accommodation
For accommodation, I usually book most of my hotels or hostels through Booking.com. I love using this platform as it provides me with some amazing deals for accommodation all around the world. Or if you prefer, I also recommend using Airbnb.
Travel Insurance
Picking travel insurance that covers you in all eventualities is an essential part of planning a trip for every single person. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. You never know what’s around the corner.
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Sophie X
