Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog
Table Of Contents
- Intro
- Things To Consider
- Time
- Spontaneity
- Cost
- Space
- Exercise
- Life-Long Commitment
- Other Pets
- Legal Responsibilities
- When Things Go Wrong
- Other Options
Thinking about getting a dog?
Dog ownership can be an incredibly rewarding experience. From providing companionship to keeping us fit and active, there are many ways that dogs enrich our lives.
When considering introducing a dog to your family, it’s important to think about what you can offer a dog in return. Taking some time to consider whether you can fully commit and cater to the needs of a dog, and choosing the right one, can help to set you up for a successful and happy relationship.
Things To Consider Before Getting A Dog
Time
Dogs can’t be left on their own for long periods. As well as needing regular toilet opportunities, they are social creatures that need company and bond closely to their family.
Most dogs can learn to spend some time alone at home, but it can take a while to teach them to be comfortable with this. Distress at being left alone can manifest as barking, soiling and destructive behaviour, known as separation anxiety. For some dogs, this can represent a more significant behavioural problem and may require input from a registered behaviourist to address.
Dog walkers and day care can help if you’re out at work during the day, but dogs still need lots of daily attention, play and training. Puppies in particular need a significant amount of time to ensure that their needs are met as they develop – it can feel like a full time job in their first year. If your life is already busy, is there enough time for the daily exercise, attention and training a dog needs?
Spontaneity
Planning life around the needs of a dog can be hard – as they can’t be left alone for too long; you can’t head out for the day without ensuring they are cared for.
While the UK is typically very dog friendly and they are welcomed at many attractions, holiday accommodation, pubs and cafes, inevitably there will be times that they cannot come with you. The need to arrange day care or holiday kennels can make last-minute days out difficult or expensive.
Sharing dog care or socialising with friends and family that have dogs isn’t always a straightforward solution. Integrating dogs from multiple households can be complex; not all dogs are social butterflies, whether this is with other dogs or with people. Caution in particular should be taken when visiting families with children.
Cost
Purchasing a dog or paying an adoption fee is just the first cost of many throughout a dog’s life. Regular maintenance costs include food, bedding, toys, treats, grooming and insurance. There will be expected visits to your vet for health checks and preventative care, and potentially unexpected vet bills if your dog is injured or unwell.
Some breeds of dog will need more frequent trips to the groomer due to their coat type, while others have a higher risk of suffering from health issues and may need more frequent trips to the vet.
Use of dog walkers, day care and kennels can come with significant fees.
Space
The type of home you live in, the size of your garden, available outdoor spaces for walking and even the size of your car will determine the size of dog you are able to cater for.
Exercise
All dogs, even small companion dogs, need daily walks for their physical and mental health. The amount of time dedicated to walking will depend on your dog’s breed, age and health status, but can be upwards of two hours per day to fulfil the needs of an energetic working breed.
Likely exercise needs are a key factor in choosing the right breed for you.
Dogs need to exercise their brain too and benefit from structured play, obedience training, and items like puzzle toys and slow feeders to keep them occupied. Many dogs enjoy the mental and physical stimulation of dog sports like agility and Canicross, and taking part in these can also help build your bond with each other.
Commitment for life
Most dogs can be expected to live until around 10 to 13 years of age, but some can exceed 15+. Consider whether you are likely to move house, change jobs or have children in that time period. Of course the unexpected will happen, but thinking about the long term now can help to reduce the chances of not being able to care for your dog in the future.
A dog’s needs may also change as they become older. They may require more company and supervision, more regular toilet trips, vet visits, medication and adaptations in the home as they age. Dog ownership can bring a lot of joy but it’s important to remember that your responsibility to them is lifelong and this can come with worry, stress and sadness too.
Other Pets
If you already have a dog, cat or other animals like chickens and livestock, you need to consider the impact a new dog will have on them. Many cats are nervous of dogs and not all dogs can learn to safely cohabit with them, particularly those with a high prey drive. An elderly dog may not welcome the attentions of a rambunctious puppy.
Legal Responsibilities
There are many pieces of legislation applying to dog ownership in the UK, from having your dog microchipped (and keeping the details on the database up to date) to keeping your dog under control in both private and public places. Part of responsible dog ownership is ensuring that your dog doesn’t have a negative impact on others.
When Things Go Wrong
Dog training is a lifelong commitment and they can go through periods where they are more difficult to care for, or don’t meet your ideal expectations of what dog ownership is like. This is typically in adolescence, but dogs can develop behavioural issues at any time.
Problems like separation anxiety, aggression or reactivity can be challenging to overcome and make dog ownership stressful or unpleasant. You may need to continue paying for and finding the time for training classes, or seek the help of a specialised trainer or behaviourist.
Other options
If any of the points above have sown doubt in your mind, now may not be the time to consider getting a dog. Waiting until you can prioritise the health and happiness of a dog is a very responsible decision.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy canine company for now. As well as offering to care for the dogs of family and friends, many dog rescue centres accept volunteers to help walk and care for their animals – and this could give you valuable experience with a range of breeds and types, ready for when you can decide which dog is right for you.
There are also events like Discover Dogs where you can watch dogs in action, meet and greet all the different dog breeds and learn more about the world of dog ownership before taking the plunge.
Disclaimer
Please note that the content made available on this webpage is for general information purposes only. Whilst we try to ensure that at the time of writing all material is up to date and reflects industry standards, we make no representation, warranties or guarantees that the information made available is up to date, accurate or complete. Any reliance placed by yourselves is done so at your own risk.
Page last reviewed: 27th January 2025
Next review due: 27th January 2027