Am I ready for a dog? Here’s how to find out

Are you ready for a dog? Well, there’s no denying dogs are cute. Who can resist fluffy puppies with those big, round eyes? But just like a human baby, a dog can be hard work. And if you’re not able to put in time and effort, you can end up with a whole host of problems.

Yet it’s not uncommon for people to buy a dog on impulse. According to research by The Kennel Club, only 10% of people said they purchased a puppy after checking that that dog would work with their lifestyle.

So how do you know you’re ready for a dog? If you take the following factors into account, you’ll be more than prepared for a pesky pooch.

You have the time to properly care for a dog 

First up is your lifestyle. That includes work as well as any other commitments you have – and even just the things you like to do.

If you like spontaneous trips and lots of days (and nights) out or work long or unsociable hours, a dog may not be the best pet for you. Dogs are social creatures and do need to spend the majority of the day with others. So if you’re not there, someone – such as a pet sitter –will have to be.

In fact, government guidance recommends not leaving a dog alone for more than four hours. Of course, a young puppy won’t be able to be alone for anywhere near that long. And even older dogs need to settle in and feel secure before being left for extended periods.

Plus, you’ll need to spend a considerable amount of time building a bond with your dog as well as all the training and supervision that a new pet requires.

Some dogs may need more time and attention than others. For example, if you pick a high-energy breed such as a Border Collie or Malinois, you’ll need to dedicate more time to providing adequate stimulation (both physical and mental) than you perhaps would with a toy breed.

You’re able to afford a dog (and everything that comes with them)

Whether you buy or adopt, getting a dog isn’t just about the initial cost. You’ll need to factor in all of the following as well:

🐾 Vet bills (including routine check-ups, regular medication and potential emergencies)

🐾 Insurance

🐾 Regular food and treats

🐾 Toys, beds and bowls

🐾 Walking equipment, including harnesses, collars, leads and coats

🐾 Professional training and behaviour help

🐾 Dog walkers and sitters if needed

🐾 Professional grooming and/or grooming equipment

It’s best to budget more than you think. After all, having a dog will cost you money each and every day. According to the latest statistics, a dog costs around £1,875 a year in the UK.

Remember that unexpected vet trips can set you back a hefty amount and dogs may cost more in the medical department as they age.

You have enough space for a dog to live comfortably

Can your home fit the dog you’re dreaming of? While smaller breeds may do fine in a flat, bigger dogs tend to need more space and their own garden to mooch around in.

Dogs also need a safe space where they can’t be disturbed. So you’ll need a room or part of a room that they can comfortably stretch out in all to themselves.

You understand your limitations

We all have things we can and cannot deal with. I, for one, would not be the right person for a dog who requires a high level of mental and physical stimulation.

Some people may find bigger dogs more difficult to handle and so may opt for a smaller breed.

(Remember that while reward-based methods can successfully train any breed of dog, any issues you do encounter can be harder to deal with in a bigger, stronger dog. I’ve experienced a 70 kg dog pulling and lunging on the lead and it’s not for the faint-hearted!)

All dogs will require some form of daily exercise and stimulation. So if you’re unable to do that or unable to hire someone else who can provide those things, a dog may not be the best pet for you.

You’ve thought about the future

It’s not just your general routine you need to consider either. Think about future life plans. While lifespan differs by breed, the average dog can live for up to 14 years.

So if you’re planning to move abroad or start a family in the next decade, will you realistically be able to bring your dog along for the ride? And are you willing to put in the extra effort to make sure your dog’s comfortable and calm around babies and the like?

Even if you’ve got a short holiday in the near future, it may be best to wait until you’re back before welcoming a dog into your home. The same goes for things like surgeries where you may be out of action for a while.

Everyone in the house is in agreement

While dogs bring a lot of love and fun, they are a commitment. So it’s a good idea to make sure that the person who’s going to be looking after the dog is fully ready to take one on.

And that everyone else who lives in the house, including other pets, are happy to welcome them too. (People who are scared of dogs or allergic to them may not be so excited! The same goes for pets like cats.)

If you’re the only person to consider, then great! You’ve hopefully already thought things through.

But if you’re getting a dog because your kids want one, remember that children aren’t old enough to be responsible for another living thing and can quickly become bored. Plus, young children need to be supervised around a dog at all times.

If you want a dog because you think another dog needs a companion, think carefully about whether that’s actually true.

For an elderly dog, having a bouncy puppy in the house can be difficult. So consider your dog’s personality and the kinds of dogs they might like as a friend. Meet and greets can be really useful to see how the two get on.

And it goes without saying that a dog isn’t the best surprise present for a friend or relative who hasn’t previously agreed to the responsibility, no matter how cute that dog is.

So are you truly ready for a dog?

A dog may be one of the best additions to your life, bringing love and laughter. But they are a long-term commitment that come with costs, muddy walks and potentially some destruction every now and then.

If you’re sure you can meet all of a dog’s needs, then it may well be time to take the plunge. Why not take a look at my guide to picking the right dog for you?

But if you don’t think you’re ready, there’s no harm in waiting until the time’s right.

In the meantime, you can get your fluffy fix by volunteering at a rescue centre or signing up to a charity like The Cinnamon Trust to help elderly and terminally ill people look after their pets.