There are many obvious requirements to doing right by the dog you bring into your household: make sure they’re trained, give them a healthy diet, and be prepared for vet costs that may run higher than you had anticipated. All of this counts and all of it is worthwhile to consider.

However owning a pet is a little more than a checklist of items to complete. It’s like bringing a brand new family member into the house only this time they’re furry, will eat anything and everything you put in front of them (or don’t put in front of them), and will demand more of your time and budget than you thought possible.

All of that is fine, of course, because owning a dog is a wonderful life experience. To make it even better, we hope to share some of the insights that dog owners often fail to discuss. We hope that this way, you can curate a better outcome going forward:

Initial Adjustment Period Take Time

It’s good to remember that your furry friend might need some time to settle in. Dogs are pretty tied to their habits, and a new environment can be overwhelming for them. Hey, some of us are like that too.

You might notice some nervous behaviors or accidents in the house at first. This is normal, and with patience, things usually improve. If they seem a little bit much to start with, give it time.

You’ll Have Unexpected Expenses

We all know dogs need food, toys, and vet visits, of course. But there are often costs that slip under the radar when we’re planning for a new pet and dogs especially. Emergency vet visits can pop up out of nowhere, and they’re rarely cheap.

Then there’s the possibility of destroyed shoes, chewed furniture, or that time your pup took your expensive jacket from the clothesline and ran around the garden with it. Owning a dog means having an emergency budget to cover these unexpected costs.

Training Takes Time

We all know we need to train our dogs, but sometimes this can take a lot longer than you had imagined. Sometimes, a dog can take a year or two to properly train, even longer if they’re a little goofy or have behavioral issues.

Just stay positive and keep at it to the extent you can. Short, regular training sessions often work better than long, less frequent ones. You have to put the work in at home, such as by keeping your persona of authority around them.

There’s An Impact On Your Schedule

A dog can change your daily routine quite a bit. All of a sudden you have walks to fit in, feeding times to well, feed, and play sessions to schedule. If you have a large dog, remember that  You might find yourself waking up earlier or adjusting your social plans to make sure your pup isn’t left alone for too long.

If you have a 9-5, owning a dog means you may need to plan to come home with your partner to ensure they’re not left alone for eight to nine hours a day, bring another friend home, or arrange dog walking services.

Hair, Hair & Hair – Oh, And Hair

Even dogs with short coats can have so much more hair than you were anticipating. When summer hits, it’s like your house has grown its own coat, and your carpet looks even more carpet-y. If you’re not careful, the smell of dogs and the annoyance of constant hair on your clothes can be a little irritating to deal with.

A good vacuum cleaner can be a lifesaver, and a pet hair removal tool will no doubt become your new best friend. But most dog owners find that the joy their furry friend brings far outweighs any inconvenience of extra cleaning, of course, so this doesn’t cause too much of a problem if you know how to remove it.

Potential Behavioral Issues

It’s helpful to remember that dogs don’t act out to spite us for the most part – they usually try to communicate something if they misbehave. A professional trainer can be a great resource if you’re struggling with a particular issue, but it can take time.

This is especially true if you bring home a rescue dog, although owning a dog is generally not recommended for first-time dog owners. That said, you can never truly know the history of even well-bred dogs, and sometimes, they may have a less jovial personality than others in their breed.

Understanding that can help you weed out those potential issues but also have patience as you attempt to fix them.

Exercise Needs Change

Different dog breeds have different exercise needs, that much is obvious (a husky is going to appreciate walking more than a chihuahua, no doubt), but all dogs need some form of regular physical activity. This might mean daily walks or walks every other day, play sessions in the garden, or trips to the trainer as we mentioned above.

Exercise isn’t just about physical health though – it’s also crucial for your dog’s mental well-being. Getting out of the house and exploring is natural for a dog, even if that means being held by you.

A well-exercised dog is often a well-behaved dog that won’t act out by scratching up your sofa, because they’ll have expressed that energy in a healthy way.

Importance Of Socialization

If humans can get a little weird if we don’t speak to someone for a while, you can pet pets too. Socialization is about more than just making doggy friends at the park (though that is essential so they don’t bark their heads off whenever someone else walks past). 

Put simply, they need to see life and other people. They need to understand it’s normal for people to walk past the window. They need to know that biting the mailman is wrong. The best first step is to start socialization early and keep it positive.

Treats and praise can go a long way in making new experiences enjoyable for your dog. Heading to the park with appropriate lead control is a good way to start. If they don’t worry about a pedestrian walking past, even closely, then that’s a good sign they’ve become socialized.

Final Thoughts on Owning a Dog

Having a dog is more than a checklist; it’s a rewarding experience that requires time, patience, and preparation.

From unexpected expenses to the need for socialization and training, understanding the full scope of responsibilities ensures a happier life for both you and your furry friend. With this advice, we hope you can make the most of these dog ownership insights.