If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will know that I adore animals so you can understand that owning pets and caring for them is a huge passion of mine. But, I also understand that it can be difficult for people to commit to looking after a furry friend, especially in this case a dog.
Sure you may think that owning a pet dog is easy, but there is actually much more to it than meets the eye. So I thought it would be worth giving you all a quick overview of some of the things that are involved in pet ownership, perhaps reiterating that a dog shouldn’t just be a snap decision, but a lifestyle choice to enhance your daily life.
Dogs need a lot of things
So you may be aware of what it actually takes to own a dog, but they do need quite a few things. There is the standard food and somewhere to sleep but there are also other things you need to factor in. This might be grooming products, toys or chews to keep them occupied and avoid boredom, as well as lots of love and attention from yourself.
The money doesn’t stop with food
Just like children, there is some financial expenditure to consider when it comes to dog ownership. Of course, you have the usual things I have noted down already, but if you are a regular reader, you will also know the agony we have been through when it comes to frequent vet trips. All of which can add up. As the costs mount up, this is where some people won’t want to keep their pets anymore, so it’s always worth factoring in this before making that all-important decision.
Some dogs need regular exercise and training
Many dogs will require regular exercise each day and more often than not this means taking them out for a walk. It doesn't necessarily involve any huge lengths of time, it all depends on the breed of dog and how much they really need. Some dogs will also need you to spend time training them with basic demands and behaviors like being on the lead, sitting and understanding instruction. There are plenty of classes you could attend, or websites that could advise you on some methods to try at home.
You can’t leave them for long periods of time
It wouldn't be fair to anyone to be left on their own for long periods of time, so the same thought should be implied for pet dogs or any pet for that matter. So if you are thinking about getting yourself a pet, you will need to consider how long they will be left in your home. This might be while you are working etc.
There are so many positives
Finally, while it is so important to highlight some of the main concerns and criteria of owning a pet dog, there are so many positives to outweigh the negatives. I adore my four dogs, and wouldn't want them to not be in my life. A dog can be such a wonderful companion, offering loyalty and friendship like no other. As long as you can properly care for them, then it’s definitely an experience to enjoy.
