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Being a dog owner is a massive responsibility and sometimes people rush into getting a dog without really thinking it through. There are so many things that you should consider before rushing in to getting a dog and Lords and Labradors have come up with a great great infographic to help first time dog owners. Here are just some things that you should think about before getting a dog:
Look at what a usual day is like post COVID
At the minute a lot of us are spending a lot more time at home than we would do normally. This might be because you have been furloughed, you might be working from home or maybe you have to be home to be with the kids. Whatever the reason, it’s important to remember that this isn’t how your life usually is. A new dog at home will soon get used to having company all day every day and won’t know how to cope with being left alone when that time comes. Think about whether or not you can train the dog to be okay with being left alone and how long they might be left alone on a normal day.
Breed of dog
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is not doing their research. So many people choose a breed of dog based on how they look but they might not do much, or any, research into what that breed is like. You might need a quieter, smaller dog if you have a family with young children. You might not have the time to take a large dog for the walks and exercise they need. Some breeds have certain genetic health concerns you should be aware of. The breed of dog you choose will really make a difference to your experience as a dog owner. It can all become overwhelming quickly if you don’t choose the right breed for your family.
Part of the family
One of the biggest things to remember is that a pet becomes part of the family and deserves to be treated as such. You need to think about how much time and love you have for your new dog and be prepared to treat them as one of your own. Dogs take up a lot of time, money and energy and you need to be prepared for how this is going to change not only your life but also how it can affect everyone in your family.
If you’re a family with children then it’s important to involve them with everything dog or puppy related. Teach your children how to take care of a puppy and not only will you have a helping hand but it will strengthen the bond between then.
Dogs can make such wonderful companions and family members and as long as you do your research, both before you make a decision and as soon as you welcome them in to your home, you’ll be fine.