Getting your first family dog can be a surprisingly difficult undertaking. Most people’s first thought is what breed they should get. But after the initial excitement dies down, the more serious factors such as cost, space and how to meet the needs of the new pet start being discussed. Above all, you are making an addition to your family and you need to plan the logistics carefully to ensure that your family and your new pet will be happy.
The benefits of getting a family dog
While there can be many serious considerations to consider when getting a family pet, usually the benefits far outweigh the negatives. Dogs are great for teaching young children about responsibility and learning key social skills. Having to train a young puppy and understanding that their own actions and behaviour has an impact on the animal is a good way to help children develop positive behavioural habits.
Supporting childhood development is another great benefit of getting a family dog. Children who grow up around animals have been reported to have better health and have fewer learning problems.
Dogs are also a great outlet for energy and opportunity to exercise because they can match a child’s endless energy while also helping them to understand their boundaries when playing. Nowadays, family life can be so hectic that it’s hard to find time to exercise. Walking your dog is a great way to get in lots of activities which is beneficial for parents, children and your dog.
Understand the significance of getting a new pet
Of course, we all want our lovely dogs to live forever, but the average lifespan of a dog is approximately 12-15 years. You should be prepared to commit to your new pet through the cute puppy stage all the way up to the elderly years.
The costs associated with a dog over the course of their lifetime could be up to £20,000, so be sure that you are able to adequately provide for your pet and ensure that all their needs are met. It is possible that your dog will have healthcare needs that you haven’t anticipated and it’s advisable to have pet insurance to cover any unanticipated costs.
Sometimes dogs can become ill, leaving you with hefty vets bills. Recurring problems like stings and tooth pain can sometimes be treated at home while you wait for an appointment with the vet. In the early days you might find yourself Googling things like “can I give my dog ibuprofen?” but you’ll soon get into the swing of what your dog needs and what your vet suggests.
Many new dog owners underestimate the importance of nurturing the individual personality of their pet. If you are getting a specific breed of dog, you might assume that you know exactly what they will be like to live with. Ten minutes with your new dog might quickly rid you of that thought! Allow their natural personality quirks to shine through and reinforce their positive behaviours.
Of course, it can be difficult to adapt to the excitability and endless energy of a new pet, so you should take all the help that you can get. Consider whether a regular dog walker would suit your family’s lifestyle and help your pet to settle into your home.
Exercise and mental stimulation is an essential aspect of your dog’s life and you must be able to provide that. If you are in a situation where you are away from your dog for long periods during the day, check out Rachel’s Dog Club (a Manchester-based dog-walker) for some brilliant testimonials from new dog parents. Looking at reputable dog walkers will also enable you to get a greater understanding of what you should expect from a team or individual you can trust.
Final thoughts on getting a family dog
Getting a family pet can be one of the most exciting times. As a 6-year-old, I remember clearly when our first puppy was brought home and how fun it was to play with them and look after them. Once you’ve done the right research and you know that you will be able to give your dog the best possible home, then don’t wait any longer – your pet is out there waiting for you!
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