A dog depends on you, do you have the time to give it
a good life?
Is my passion strong enough to care for a dog for many years to come? I hold the ultimate responsibility.
Buying a dog is not that expensive, but food, insurance, veterinary care and everything else you need costs a lot.
Choosing the Right Timing
Getting a dog is a significant and joyful change in life, but it requires careful planning to ensure that both you and your new dog thrive and feel secure. Here are some essential considerations to help you prepare for your puppy's or dog's needs.
Purchasing a Puppy
If you decide to buy a puppy, it's crucial to understand that puppies require a lot of time, attention, training, patience, and supervision, especially during the first few months. After bringing your puppy home, you should be at home entirely with the puppy during the initial weeks. This is a time when the puppy is adjusting to its new home and forming a strong bond with its new family. Being present provides the puppy with a sense of security and well-being, which will benefit both of you in the long run.
During the first 4-6 months, you should avoid leaving the puppy alone for extended periods. Puppies need social interaction and training, and leaving them alone for too long can lead to separation anxiety and stress-related issues such as howling, barking, inappropriate chewing, and attempting to escape by chewing or scratching doors, among others. While using a crate may protect your belongings, it doesn't necessarily contribute to the puppy's well-being. Using a crate to prevent these natural behaviors that arise when a puppy is placed in an unsuitable situation can be seen as a quick fix that can harm the puppy mentally. It's best to wait to leave the puppy alone for longer periods until it is mature enough and responsive to training, which should be conducted using positive training methods and rewards. This approach will help the puppy become more harmonious and view solitude as a natural part of life later on.
Buying an Adult Dog
If you are considering purchasing an adult dog, it is equally important to plan for a smooth transition. Just like with puppies, you should be at home entirely with your new dog during the first weeks. This allows the dog to adapt to its new home and build a trusting relationship with its new family. Security and the feeling of being part of a pack are essential for a harmonious start.
After the initial weeks, you should avoid leaving the adult dog alone for more than an hour at a time and gradually increase this to a maximum of 6 consecutive hours and a maximum of 8 hours per day. Dogs are social creatures that thrive on companionship and interaction. Being alone for extended periods every day can lead to anxiety and behavioral problems. If you are bringing in an older dog, reduced cognitive ability can become a concern if you need to leave the dog alone for longer periods during the day. A dog with impaired vision or hearing may be more prone to separation anxiety.
Regardless of whether you purchase a puppy or an adult dog, it's crucial to plan for time, commitment, and patience to create a positive and loving experience for both you and your new dog. Being present in the beginning helps build a strong and trusting relationship that will benefit both of you for many years to come.
A Family Decision
It is crucial to determine in advance which family member will assume ultimate responsibility for a new dog. Children are often unable to take on full responsibility, even though they can be very persuasive, so a parent must be prepared to take the ultimate responsibility and prioritize the well-being of the dog. It is also essential that everyone in the family is involved in the decision. If anyone is hesitant or unwilling to have a dog, this must be taken seriously, as getting a dog is a long-term commitment that everyone in the family needs to be on board with.
It is also necessary to evaluate whether there are known allergies or other potential issues within the family that may arise when having a dog. Is there a fear of dogs among close friends or relatives? Are there other pets in the home that may be adversely affected by the arrival of a dog? Can other animals in the household make the dog uncomfortable? How do you live? Do you have space for a dog? Finally, it is important to consider the financial aspect of dog ownership. A cost estimate should be made to see if the family can afford to get a dog. In the next section, you will get help with this.
Can I Afford a Dog?
There are probably as many cost examples as there are dog owners. Some dog owners only buy used, don't attend courses, and buy the cheapest food. Then there are dog owners who spend hundreds of dollars a year on courses and, like me, buy ingredients and cook my dogs' food myself.
Purchase vs adoption
The first financial factor is the cost associated with getting or adopting a dog. Adoption is often the more financially responsible choice, especially if you are open to different races or a mixed race. Adoption fees are usually reasonable, and many shelters include vaccinations, neutering or microchipping, potentially saving extra costs. However, buying a dog from a reputable breeder can be a significant investment, often exceeding a thousand dollars. Responsible breeders prioritize the care and well-being of their dogs and conduct background checks on potential owners.
Castration
Neutering your dog is an optional but often recommended procedure. It can prevent health problems and unwanted behaviors. The cost of this surgery ranges from $50 to several hundred dollars and can be performed at regular animal clinics or low-cost spay/neuter clinics, where the price difference is influenced by various factors.
Equipment and dog care items
Preparing your home for your new dog means purchasing essential items, including a collar or harness, leash, food and water bowls, dog carrier or crate, grooming supplies, poop bags, toys, treats, shampoo, dog bed, and an ID tag. These first purchases ensure your dog's comfort and well-being.
Dog training courses
Investing in dog training classes is beneficial, especially for first-time dog owners. Costs vary depending on location, type of training (obedience or behavior), and whether you choose group or private sessions. Group lessons, focusing on basic skills, tend to be more affordable, while private training or advanced classes may incur higher fees.
Other non-recurring fees
Allocate funds for potential one-time costs such as microchipping and pet ownership fees, especially if you live in an apartment where special fees may apply.
Dog food
The cost of dog food depends on several factors such as the quality of the food, your dog's size, and activity level. Choosing between premium and basic food, as well as between dry, wet, or mixed food, affects your dog's health. Read more under the "Food" tab on this page to learn more about the importance of feed for health.
Pet insurance
While pet insurance may seem like an extra expense, it can be a lifesaver in the event of unexpected medical expenses. Premiums vary but average around $45 per month in the US. Compare different insurance providers to understand the coverage before choosing one. If you are bringing home an adult dog that is already insured, talk to the insurance company before changing insurance. It may be that a new company does not cover certain costs for illnesses or injuries that the dog was previously treated for and in the future come back.
Dog grooming
Grooming costs may vary depending on your dog's needs. Basic grooming tasks such as brushing, shampooing, and cutting nails can be done at home. Occasional professional grooming for tasks such as haircuts can cost around $50 or more, depending on your location and breed.
Dog walker
For busy dog owners, hiring a dog walker is an option. Costs range from $15 to $45 per walk, depending on factors such as duration, frequency, and location. In areas of high demand, prices may be higher, such as in cities such as NYC. Remember that these expenses are estimates and actual costs can vary greatly depending on your location, lifestyle, and your dog's specific needs and size. Careful planning and budgeting can help ensure your dog's well-being without breaking the bank.
Here is an example of how you can calculate how much it might cost to get a dog. Please note that these are approximate figures, and actual costs can vary based on factors such as breed, health, and location. It's essential to be prepared for unexpected expenses and to create a detailed budget based on your specific circumstances when planning to own a dog. This example is in US Dollars.
