I Want a Dog in My Life. What Do I Need to Know?

If you're at that wonderful stage in your life where you want to share your time and love with a dog, congratulations. You'll soon see your life change for the better, much better. But remember, it's important to have a basic understanding of what having a dog in your life will be like. We show you below.

What's Better: Buying or Adopting a Dog?

If you're thinking about buying a dog, we recommend first considering the idea of adopting one instead. Adopting a dog is much cheaper than buying one, and on top of that, you'll be giving a homeless dog in need of a family a chance.

Adopted dogs are just as good as bought ones — in fact, many people claim that, due to their circumstances, they're even more grateful than bought dogs.

The breed doesn't matter — believe us when we stress this point: it makes absolutely no difference whether it's a purebred or mixed-breed dog. Are you of a "pure breed" yourself?

The Dog's Size Does Matter

We need to carefully consider what we can offer a dog before getting one. If we have a small apartment, we obviously shouldn't take in a large dog, since it wouldn't be comfortable. A medium or small dog is more suitable.

If we have a big house with a large yard where our dog can play and run, then we can also consider large or giant-sized dogs.

It's a huge irresponsibility to lack the space and still adopt a dog that needs room to be happy. Never adopt or buy large or giant-sized dogs if you don't have a big yard where they can be happy.

The Importance of Climate

Not every dog adapts well to southern Spain or northern Argentina — each dog is its own world. Over many years, they've evolved based on their environment, so dogs living in very cold places have developed strong defenses like thicker, more abundant fur or an extra layer of fat, to protect against the cold.

A Mastiff-breed dog is better suited to living in cold climates than to living in the Canary Islands or Andalusia, where it's warm year-round....

We should be aware that, depending on the climate of the area we live in, we can consider one breed or another. If the dogs are mixed-breed, we should assess their condition ourselves (whether they resemble dogs suited to cold places, like Mastiffs, Huskies, and so on).

Similarly, a dog poorly adapted to cold weather isn't recommended for places where temperatures are low. Don't forget to ask the shelter or breeder — it's a very important point to keep in mind.

Remember a dog isn't a gadget to keep tied up in the yard — if you're looking for a dog just to guard your house and/or yard, please don't get one, and get an alarm system instead.

Puppy or Adult?

Everyone seems to melt when a puppy is put in front of them, which is very normal, since they inspire so much tenderness. But adopting a puppy comes with big responsibilities, since puppies can't leave the house until they're fully vaccinated (usually until three months old).

That means they'll pee and poop all over the house during that time, and they'll also need constant attention. Their training will require large doses of patience and affection — it's not something done in a few weeks; proper training takes months of work.

In short, a puppy means a lot of work and dedication. Make sure you have all that time and patience before getting a puppy.

Adult dogs are generally much calmer than puppies, and most are even already trained and know to relieve themselves outside the house. That said, if you adopt or buy an adult dog that still doesn't know how, you can teach it by following these simple steps: How to Teach a Dog to Pee and Poop Outside the House.

My Needs - Its Needs

Another very important factor is considering why we want a dog. If, for example, we want it to keep us company at home, go out to play and walk, and so on... a medium or small-sized dog with a calm temperament will be enough (it can also be large if we have plenty of space). It's very important to assess a dog's character, whether puppy or adult.

If, besides keeping us company and playing with us, we want it to join us for exercise (biking, rollerblading, running...), then we need to make sure our dog is energetic. Certain dogs, like those used for herding, have much higher energy than other dogs. They can be a great option if we want to exercise alongside them.

Remember, if you get an energetic dog, you'll need to exercise with it often. Going for a run once a week and calling it done won't work — for that, better to find a friend instead. Herding dogs, for example, need exercise every day, without exception.

There are countless dogs that need little daily exercise, that are satisfied with just a walk and a bit of play. Choose carefully what type of dog you want to have, since they're not all the same.

Before Having a Dog: Fixed and Variable Expenses

Having a dog isn't cheap — if you don't have financial resources... seriously reconsider having a dog. Every dog, without exception, comes with fixed and variable expenses that can end up being quite high.

Fixed expenses include the monthly cost of its food, which isn't cheap. Forget about giving your dog leftovers or buying cheap kibble — you should look out for its health and, as a result, feed it quality kibble.

We also need to factor in deworming expenses, like the monthly spot-on treatment and the flea and tick collar. A good antiparasitic shampoo is also highly recommended, since we need to bathe our dog once a month (generally speaking — if it's a puppy and gets dirty more often, it might need more monthly baths).

Fixed expenses also include the vaccines it needs every year of its life, the cost of its bed, food and water bowls, the cost of its leash and collar, and so on...

Variable expenses include vet visits, since if our dog gets sick, we'll need to see a vet for the corresponding tests. We should also have regular checkups every few months. Vet tests are generally quite expensive, so you should have extra money set aside for these situations.

In short, don't for a second think having a dog is free. We need to have solid finances to cover the expenses our dog generates. If you're planning to buy or adopt but your finances don't allow it, please don't.