Are Your Home and Schedule Ready for a Dog?

November 23, 2015

If you are thinking about getting your first dog, you may be concerned about the size of your home and yard. You may be worried that you spend too much time at work to take care of a dog. Dogs are big commitments, and you need to be sure you're ready for it before you head down to the Humane Society to pick up your new best friend.

Make sure you have time in your schedule for training and socializing

If you want a pet you can leave alone for extended hours, get a fish. When you first get a puppy, you will need to train him and give him time to bond with you. If you don't have a yard, you will need to spend the time every day taking your dog out to use the bathroom several times daily and walking them for exercise at least once per day. You may even want to take a few days off from work to get a jump start on potty training and help your new pet adjust to a new environment.

Make sure you're committed for life

Dogs are not accessories that can be thrown away. Dogs bond to their owners, and it can be devastating for a dog to get dumped by her owner halfway through her life. When you get a dog, you need to be in a stable living situation that ensures you won't be required to move into no-pet housing or a tiny apartment.

If you plan on having kids, make sure you choose a pet that you feel comfortable interacting with your children. Having children is not an excuse for dropping a dog off at a shelter. If you aren't comfortable having a dog around your child and you plan on having one within the next decade or so, don't get a dog in the first place.

Be sure you have enough space for your dog's energy level and size

Different breeds and sizes of dogs need different amounts of space because of their energy level or they're just plain big. You don't want to trap a dog that his high energy in a tiny space with no outlet. You don't necessarily need a yard to have a happy dog, but there should be enough space for a dog to play if they want to. They should also have their own space so that they can escape when company comes to visit. If you don't have a yard, though, you will need to be able to commit the time (see above) to walking them and perhaps taking them to a park to play.

As far as outdoor space goes, if your dog stays outside for extended periods, make sure they have a dog house that they can stand up in, turn around, and lie down in. On that note...

Dogs should not be outdoors only

Dogs are pack animals that have been domesticated to crave socialization. They should have access to your living space while you are home and sleep indoors at night. While it is okay to leave your dog outside while you are at work, this time should be kept at a minimum to avoid behavioral problems and potential health risks such as parasites, disease, extreme weather, and predators. If your dog is kept separate from you and your family, they will become easier to train because they will not bond to you and, simply put, they will get away with undesirable behavior when you aren't there to catch it.

This cannot be stated enough: NEVER chain or tie your dog up outdoors. Your dog may become frustrated and try to escape leading to injury or death. If you wish to limit your dog's access to parts of your yard, put up some inexpensive fencing to keep them out of your flowerbeds.