We all know that Dogs are man’s best friend and they have proved as one of the most loyal animal. A few days ago while I was walking leisurely in one of the parks where my daughter likes to play, I met a friend along with her pup chained and anxiously looking at me, deciding if I was an ally or a foe. Well, whatever it was thinking I could not resist patting him on his head and talk few nice things to such a cute dog. Finally, it did give its approval shaking its tail left to right in an informal manner probably deciding that I might not be any harm. The next thing I know, before finishing my walk I began to wish to own a dog myself. But am I ready? I had to ask myself the question because bringing home a dog is as akin to bringing home a baby. But trust me, once we consider in all the facts, which we need to be careful and be prepared, a dog can be your best buddy at all times. So what are those things we need to consider before we buy a dog? Below are just some of the key things to know and be ready before you bring home a dog for yourself.

10. Your time and energy

Like any other family member dogs also need a lot of your time and energy. Dogs of any breed tend to develop a special bond with humans where they also look for love and attention. The owner of the dog should be able to spend sufficient time everyday and make sure it’s not left alone. They need their regular playtime, exercise time and the time just to cuddle with you. Hence before you bring home a pet make sure you will be able to spend enough time and you have the patience to take care of all the details of your dog.

9. Lifestyle matters

Depending on the breed and nature of your pet, dogs can adjust living with you only, if it is suitable for them. For example, if you are living in a small apartment and you bring a big dog, surviving can be difficult for the dog. Because big dogs need a lot of indoor space as well as an outer space unless you are prepared to have broken things in your space, health issues, ill and a bored animal. Each breed is suitable for a particular environment. Some dogs are happy with a little space and love to be cuddled in your arms while, some needed to be playing and strolling out the entire time. Some of them find it hard to adjust to a particular climate as well. Hence making a note of all these things based on your requirements is very important.

8. Training

When you bring home a puppy, be prepared to train the pup in all the initial habits. All they need a place to pass urine and your rooms and sofa is just the kind of place for them. They do not know where what to be done and how. So a puppy needed to be trained in all ways. I would say get ready, as it’s a lot of work and the initial days can squeeze you off. Yet, once they learn they are as obedient as one can ever be. It all depends on trainer skills.

7. Regular exercise

Like us humans, dogs also need its regular walk and other kinds of exercise to its body in the form of play time to keep itself active and interested. Else, most dogs tend to get bored. Well, it’s obvious that they cannot get glued to televisions and smart phones isn’t it? Everyday you must be ready to spend some quality time to get your dog well exercised. The benefit part here is along with your dog, you too can get some flexing time. All in all, having a dog has its benefits as well.

6. Maintain tidiness

Dogs are fond of chewing and if you do not want your new many dollar shoe chewed up, better keep them in a place where the dogs cannot reach. It is also advisable to keep all the medicinal and any kind of chemicals away from the dogs reach which could be harmful to it. Surely, you do not want to have a trip to your veterinary too often with your dog being ill. So keeping a dog proof home is essential before you get yourself a dog.

5. Special health care

Like we humans dogs also can get diseases and infections often. Hence they too have health insurance to make life easier. Get details of a best vet for your pet before you bring it home. Discuss with the doc about the breed of dog you want to own and its care. There are different health insurance available which the vet doctor can give more details. So ensure you know about all health details of your dog and its body changes and reactions over the years.

4. Acceptance of entire family

if you are staying alone and need a dog as a companion than it might not be an issue, but if you are staying with a partner and or a family, its most important that the other members of the house accept the dog with equal love and affection. At least to an extent that they not be rude. Dogs are as loyal as they are sensitive. They expect love and affection and can get moody and rejected when any one of the family members is rude or in any way harsh to them. Dogs especially love children, but it might be necessary to keep them at arm’s length when near young children and toddlers.

3. Pet sitter facilities

In today’s world while both husband and wife are the bread earners and most being the nuclear families it can be difficult to leave the dog alone at home. Though its not a problem, as there are many pet care facilities where the facilitator take care of your pets for a discussed period of time of your choice. These facilities can be extremely useful while you are on travel or a holiday and cannot take your pet along. It might be necessary to leave your pet a few different pet facilities initially without a reason to check its compatibility and making the dog get used to the pet care environment too. This can also add up to the expenditures.

2. Grooming and educating

Last but not the least, grooming your dog with proper skilled groomers is essential. Educating them with all the necessary skills is also as much needed. Educating your dog about how to be protective your family, behaviors with family and friends and with strangers, how to listen to its master and so on many other skills needed to be trained.

1. It can be expensive

The first and most important thing to think about is your financial status before getting a dog. Having a dog can be expensive. They need to be vaccinated and their regular dog food and dog toys can be expensive. On an average the yearly expense for a dog can range between $600 – $1000 where as its medical and emergency expenses alone can range between $500 to $5000. So make sure you are proficient enough to own a dog financially.

Finally, do you think you can handle all the things we discussed above? Then, go ahead and bring home that beautiful animal who is just waiting for you to be its master and friend for lifetime.