Getting a dog - Checklist | Alpenwuff Guide

Getting a dog is a dream come true for many. However, this decision should be carefully considered, as it involves taking on a huge responsibility for many years to come. A dog needs love, training, food, and, above all, time. Here, you'll learn what requirements you should meet and find help with the all-important question: whether to get a dog or not, with a checklist.

Dog yes or no: Reasons for having a dog

There are very different reasons why people get a dog. The most common is to expand the family. Dogs have adapted to humans for decades, allowing for a deep emotional bond between humans and dogs. Social closeness is therefore a strong motivator. Families with children, single people, or childless couples often choose a dog for this reason. But dogs can also be a decisive reason for getting a dog if they have health problems.

Getting a dog: What are the personal requirements?

☑️ Time in everyday life

A dog needs time, both in everyday life and over the years. Will I be able to walk the dog at least three times a day? If I can't manage it, who will help me? Can I take the dog to work? Will I be able to ensure that my dog ​​is not left home alone for longer than four to five hours? Who will be responsible for training it, and where can I find help with training? Who has enough time for training and education, for example, housetraining a puppy? Who will secure the facility against clumsy puppies? Am I prepared to go outside in rain and storms? It is important to bear in mind that some breeds need more physical and mental stimulation than others.

☑️ Commitment and responsibility in life planning

Will my life plan for the next few years allow for a dog to be with me all the time? Which breed fits this plan? Be aware that the dog will be with you for the next 10-15 years, and critically question whether this fits with your life plan and whether you are ready to take on this responsibility.

☑️ Personality: Patient and consistent?

Dog training takes not only time but also patience and consistency. Can you show a dog boundaries with patience and consistency?

☑️ Suitable living situation

Do I have enough space for a dog? Does the dog have a place to retreat to? Am I even allowed to keep a dog? Do I have people around me who are allergic to dog hair? Do I plan to move in the near future? Finding an apartment with a dog is often much more difficult than without.

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☑️ Substitution options available

Who will take care of your dog if I can't? You should have several options in mind for who can care for your dog if you can't. For example, if you have to go to the hospital or take a long vacation by plane, you should know who could take care of your furry friend.

☑️ Being able to accept the dog as a dog

Dogs are mammals and naturally exhibit animal behavior and react to different stimuli. Dogs, for example, have a better sense of smell and hearing than humans and have a different field of vision. This leads to dogs perceiving stimuli and signals that we are not even aware of. We humans often wonder why dogs exhibit certain behaviors, and this leads to frustration. It is also problematic when dogs are expected to satisfy certain needs that humans would not otherwise have, and the animal is humanized. If the dog is intended to serve as a substitute for children, for example, problems often arise when people forget that the dog lives in a completely different perceptual world. Therefore, it is important that you do not turn the dog into a human, but accept it as a dog. You should answer the question "dog yes or no" objectively and not emotionally.

☑️ Be able to cover the costs of a dog

Can I even afford a dog? A dog costs money for cold-pressed dog food , taxes, insurance, dog trainers, accessories like leashes, bowls, and dog beds, as well as veterinary costs. Do you have enough monthly budget to provide proper care for a dog?

☑️ Want to change your social life

A dog can't always be with you everywhere. Be aware that you might have to miss a party or two, or you might not be able to go to a friend's weekend because the hotel doesn't accept dogs, or you might be turned away from a restaurant with your dog.

Checklist - Should I get a dog?

Conclusion - dog yes or no

Getting a dog means change. You're taking on a huge responsibility for a living creature that can't fend for itself. Therefore, a dog should only be purchased after careful consideration. They can't simply be left in the garage like an old bicycle. A dog is incredibly enriching and brings a lot of joy. On the other hand, getting a dog also means a lot of responsibility, expense, and time commitment. If you're not sure whether you're up to this responsibility, consider volunteering at an animal shelter or dog-sitting for friends or neighbors. This will slowly give you a more realistic picture of what your daily life with a dog will be like. This will help you better assess for yourself whether a dog is right for you or not.