Signs You Should Not Get a Dog
According to the ASPCA and the National Shelter Animal Database, approximately 6.5 million pets enter shelters in the United States every year. There are a variety of reasons, such as stray and rescued animals, but there’s no ignoring that a significant number of these are owner surrenders. In a 2018 study conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (originally published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, and later in an article I found on the Associated Press) the top reasons that people surrendered their pets to shelters were as follows: moving, landlord not allowing pet, too many animals in household, cost of pet maintenance, personal problems, inadequate facilities, having no time for pet, pet illnesses, and behavioral problems. Some others I have seen via adoption postings: the dog got too old, the owners were having a baby, the dog was from a bad breeder who disappeared from contact when it was revealed the dog was bred with genetic health issues.
At the time I’m writing this, it’s the holiday season and many people all over the country are going to try to gift a dog this year. Let me just cut to the chase and say this is a bad idea, no matter the time of year. As romantic as it sounds to wake up one day to a puppy under the Christmas tree, or how great of a story it would be that you surprised a loved one with a fluffy bundle of joy, getting a pet is not something to be considered lightly or acted on impulse. Like any other big life decision, this is one that requires serious, logical thought from the entire family.
Trust me, I have been there. For years and years, I wanted my own dog. I couldn’t even count on both hands the number of times I was seconds away from just saying “screw it” and getting a dog. I’ve had dogs growing up; I can handle it, right? I love dogs so much, I am obviously the perfect candidate, I would think. But then, I’d have to snap myself out of it and come to terms with the fact that I was NOT ready. Financially, I was either a student or fresh out of college with zero money. I was hopping around to a new living situation every six months. All of my jobs were time consuming, and sometimes I was juggling more than one. There were so many reasons and clear signs that I wasn’t ready to adopt a dog, as much as I hated the fact. It is humbling and super disappointing to think of these things, but it has to be done.
Before you get a dog, sit yourself and all of your household down and make a list. List the reasons why you want a dog; include all of the positives. Go on and address why you believe you (and all participating parties) are ready. Consider what kind of dog you are looking for, including breed(s), age, size, energy level, etc. Finally, address the cons. What are some things you believe you need to improve or contemplate before this living being is brought into your home for the next 10-15 years? Below is a list that covers topics on the table before you bring home the cutest commitment of your life.
1. Your schedule.
This is a very basic litmus test that indicates if a dog is able to fit into your life. Lots of things change when you bring a dog into your home for the first time, but some things are going to have to stay the same — particularly your work schedule.
Although things have definitely taken a 180 due to Covid, we aren’t sure how things will end up and if there will be a “normal” again. To be safe, consider your old schedule before shutdowns and quarantines and act like this is still your schedule — it will likely cover the busiest you may be. Do you work long hours in an office that requires a 1+ hour commute? How many hours are you actually home on a regular weekday, not including when you are asleep? Dogs are a lot of work at all ages, from puppies to seniors. Walks, training, and vet appointments can take out a large chunk of a regular day. Can you slip out during the day to walk the dog? Are you willing to find a dog walker?
Of equal importance, consider the transition period for the post-covid era. Work time into your regular work from home schedule to begin setting your dog up for success when you are gone during the day. This means being able to step away for increasing increments of time to leave the dog alone at home. Can this fit into your schedule now while you’re home?
2. The Over 10-Year Investment
In a study by Rover, the beginning costs of getting a dog (including buying all of the basics, new vet appointments, microchips and licenses, but not including adoption fees or costs from a breeder) can range from $610 to $2350 upfront. That is just off the bat, continuing with $55-$176 per month for the rest of the dog’s life. That’s about $650-$2115 a year for over ten years. You are paying for routine vet visits, food, treats, flea and tick prevention, heart worm prevention, poop bags, etc. This isn’t including things that are considered “extra” depending on your lifestyle or the breed: grooming, daycare, dog walkers, training, or pet insurance. Using these services costs an additional $1645-$4315 a year. And then there’s emergency vet bills which can easily add up to thousands of dollars.
Now comes the dreaded budget. Pet costs have to be worked in to the budget you already have, and I recommend doing this as you make your dog pro-con list. How does a dog fit into your budget based on the numbers above? If it doesn’t, are you willing to cut back on your personal spending in areas? Are you willing to compromise things? For example, if you are hesitant about spending $50 a month on grooming, do not get a dog that requires regular haircuts such as a poodle, doodle, or sheepdog. If you are not interested in spending a few hundred dollars a month on food, don’t get a large dog that can eat through a bag of food in a week. These are costs that will ebb and flow throughout the dog’s life (vet costs will probably be higher during the puppy shot stages than a healthy adult dog in their prime, but the costs will go up again as seniors). Like having a child, your money will start going to the dog and less toward yourself.
3. Are you a patient person?
Even dogs from the best breeders in the world come as crazy puppies that need training. Dogs take a lot of work regardless of where they come from. Some take more than others.
My dog was a rescue. We got lucky because he spent enough time in foster care that he was familiar with some basic and potty training. Even in spite of this, we still had to work extremely hard on reinforcing training, and he still peed in the house on occasion. We spent months teaching him how to walk on leash without pulling, and we still have to remind him about leash manners over a year later. We have been working on recall for a full year and he still frankly sucks at it. All this to say, if my adult dog with a basic training foundation still took that much work, imagine a brand new puppy. Do not be shocked that a puppy will jump, bite, and bark. It is guaranteed that they will do this, and you are the one responsible for curbing these habits.
This is a point I cannot make lightly: if you are the type of person who craves instant gratification, you should not get a dog.
With that being said, it is totally okay and encouraged to ask for help when it comes to training. Having to get a trainer does not mean you are failing. Although I have had dogs my entire life, I knew I needed some extra help with my first dog in the city. I grew up being able to let the dogs out whenever they wanted and never knew how to properly walk a dog (yes — there is a right and wrong way). After a few sessions, we were able to use the tools and insight our new trainer provided us to develop a routine that worked best for us and our dog. Working with a trainer was worth every penny, and we still call her with questions and advice a year later. After all, training isn’t a one-and-done experience; you will be working on this with the dog it’s entire life. Yet another part of the ten-year investment.
4. What do you know about the dog you want?
So you want a very specific kind of dog. Why? Do you want a running buddy and this dog’s energy level perfectly matches your lifestyle? Or, do you just want it because your neighbor got one and they’re really cute? Research and anticipating your future dog’s needs can ensure an easy transition period and allow you to predict the future.
I personally went into an adoption event with a fairly open mind. The only requirements we had for our potential dog were dog-friendly and medium to low energy for these reasons: my partner and I’s families both have dogs, and we aren’t the type of people that are willing to take a dog on a 5 mile run every day. My partner always had the wolf-dog types (huskies and samoyeds) while I grew up with scent hounds — primarily beagles and beagle mixes. It wasn’t much of a surprise when the first dog we met was a floppy hound dog that immediately stole my heart. Surprise: it was Jonathan.
Honestly, if my partner was adopting a dog alone, he probably would not have gone for a dog like Jonathan. He didn’t know anything about the breed except that they are typically hunting dogs. I, however, felt confident in our decision to adopt a Coonhound mix because I knew from experience how they act. I knew we would be able to provide the right home for him. I also was comfortable with how much they shed, how often their nails need cut, and aware of how they are prone to hip dysplasia. Although they are stubborn dogs genetically inclined to not listen, I firmly believed I had to patience and understanding to work through it while training. My partner, however, was completely shocked by how little Jonathan obeyed commands, and I know he would’ve been completely overwhelmed if I wasn’t there to provide my insight.
Do your research on breeds you are interested in. If you are planning to adopt, ask lots of questions about the adoptable dogs. Analyze their energy levels: can you afford to take the dog running every day, or do you prefer a couch potato? Research their grooming needs: how often will they need a haircut, a bath, or their coats blown out? Do you have the time and money to keep up with it? What about pre-dispositioned health risks and lifespans for purebreds? For example, Golden Retrievers are extremely susceptible to cancer. Frenchies, pugs, and other “brachy” dogs often have serious breathing problems. A good breeder will genetically test the puppy’s parents to make sure they are birthing healthy pups, but being wary of risks can help you in the long run.
5. What do you know about breeders or rescues?
If you are going to a breeder, do a simple Google search. It is shocking how many “breeders” operating are not reputable, ethical, accredited, and selling unhealthy puppies in awful conditions. See: puppy mills and backyard breeders. There are plenty of red flags to run away from, such as refusing to show the parents or not being able to produce proof of genetic health testing. Avoid breeders that sell a bunch of different breeds (or made up designer mixes), and puppies sold in Amish communities — these are almost aways puppy mills. A good breeder will not hand over a puppy to you the first time you have ever met. You should not be able to click “pay” or show up randomly and get a dog. Plan well in advance because a breeder should be conducting interviews and background checks. You very well may be on a waiting list for the next litter because of proper waiting times for the mama.
On the other hand, how do you choose a rescue? Here in New York City, there are probably a hundred different rescues in all five boroughs with adoptable dogs. Where do you even begin? Petfinder and The Shelter Pet Project are fantastic places to start, but be sure to check out the organization the dog is coming from. Unfortunately, not all rescues are created equal.
We decided to adopt from Jonathan’s rescue because our values aligned. A few questions to research about the group can include where they get their dogs, if they are a registered non-profit, their policies on returning the dog, etc. Jonathan’s rescue transports dogs to NYC that are from kill shelters in the South. I loved this because they give a second chance to dogs that some may consider “less desirable”. On the other hand, I would not support an organization that claims to be a rescue but is buying litters from puppy-mills. This is problematic because they are claiming to be saving them, when in reality they are giving the commercial breeders money that allows them continue operation.
Jonathan’s rescue, a 501(c)3 non-profit, also has a policy that they will accept the dog back at any time if it does not work out, even years later. This is important because it ensures the dog is still in safe hands even if the home was not the right fit, preventing the dog from ending up in another shelter, abandoned, or in another improper home. Check out the rescue’s credentials and decide if you are willing to support their cause.
6. Be honest… are you doing this just for Instagram?
You’d be surprised at how many people have an instagram ready for the dog before it is even home. Rephrasing this question looks like this: why are you getting a dog? This point is to address your priorities of dog ownership. Are you getting a “doodle” because everyone else is? Are you thinking about all the cute pics you’ll be posting of the dog before you think about how often this dog is going to need walked? While creating your pro-con list, this refers back to why you want a dog and why you believe you are ready.
Is there a completely right answer? Not really. Here’s mine: I was ready to get a dog because I was finally in a financial place to do so. I had just moved in with my boyfriend, we were saving money because of it, and we had been talking about getting a dog together for two years. We picked out an apartment that would accommodate a dog well, we discussed our co-parenting duties, and we waited until we were done with our move and vacations of the year. I wanted a dog I have had one my entire life. It was almost three years since my childhood dog passed away, and I felt I was ready for the next dog of my life. I love dogs more than anything and it had been a goal of mine to finally rescue my own. A few years after graduating college, I felt I was in the right headspace to officially make it happen. The dog’s Instagram, of course, came later. It’s a bonus, not going to lie.
Before you get a dog, go through this list and sit on it for a few weeks. A dog cannot be a rash decision by any means. Dogs are the greatest creatures in the entire world. Being able to provide for them in time, money, and care is what they deserve for the unconditional love they provide us. Dog ownership has not been all butterflies and rainbows for the year and a half I have had my rescue dog, but it has been worth every chewed shoe and stained carpet. Besides, if I had tried to get a dog straight out of college, the dog wouldn’t have been my Jonathan. I’m glad I waited for the stars to align for us to find each other. He is my perfect dog.