Whether you’re a first-time owner or you’ve had dogs before, getting a dog is really exciting. But it’s also a big commitment and there’s lots to think about before making up your mind.
The good news is you’re in the right place to help you reach a decision. So, sit back and watch Sue from Woodgreen talk through what to consider before getting a dog (and then read on for more advice).
From cost, breed, and age to diet and lifestyle, there are many things to consider before bringing home a dog. We’ve brought together lots of information to help you make an informed decision. And if you’re still unsure, visit our dedicated dog advice site, Ask Woodgreen.
Here are the top questions you should ask yourself:
Is a dog definitely the right pet for me?
Does everyone else I live with want a dog?
Do I have time for a dog?
Can I give a dog everything they need?
Do I have time for dog training?
Can I afford a dog?
What if I already have pets?
Should I get a puppy or an older dog?
Which dog breed is right for me?
You might be a dog lover through and through, but have you ever thought about why you really want a dog? What do you want from a canine companion and what do you want to give them? Spend time considering which pet fits into your world, so you both live happy and fulfilling lives together in the long term.
Everyone who’ll be living with the dog needs to feel comfortable. Who will be the primary caregiver? If anyone’s worried or unhappy about getting a dog, you might like to consider a different pet.
Dog ownership is a long-term commitment. Dogs live for an average of 8-16 years depending on the breed, and every dog needs daily exercise and stimulation. They’re also very sociable animals. Dogs need their owners to spend time with them, and many can’t cope with being home alone for hours every day. Even if you don’t work long hours out of the house, think about whether you have any other commitments that might keep you from giving them the attention they need!
Every dog deserves the very best care from their human. To achieve that, it’s vital that you look after their five welfare needs, which are covered in the Animal Welfare Act 2006. These are explained below:
All dogs need a safe, loving and stable home. Their environment should have enough space to eat, rest, sleep, and exercise.
You need to feed your dog a suitable diet for their breed and size. They need the right amount of nutritional dog food and constant fresh water. We recommend feeding a good-quality complete diet, free from colourings, additives and preservatives. You can bulk out your dog’s diet with tinned meat if you need to but don’t overfeed them. Obesity causes health problems and shortens life expectancy.
Every dog is different, so you must make sure you understand what yours needs. For example, neutered dogs and senior dogs don’t need as many calories as other dogs.
Learn more about what to feed your dog
Dogs should have the ability to behave naturally for their species and breed. Some dogs like running exercise, while others enjoy retrieving such as fetching a toy back, and others may like tug-of-war games.
Playing search games with a toy can be a great outlet for behaviour. Ideally, most dogs need two good walks a day with time off the lead to explore and run around. And don’t forget mental stimulation, like training, games and food-based activity toys. Enjoy doing your research to find out what your dog likes!
We have lots of behaviour articles, workshops, and courses for dog owners.
Dogs are sociable and need to interact and play with people and other dogs. But just like us humans, they also need a quiet place to be alone when they want.
Protection from pain, injury, suffering and disease is a very important part of pet ownership. You’ll need to register your dog with a vet and keep them up to date with vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. This will help fend off diseases and infections that can be hard to get rid of.
If your dog shows signs of illness, you must take them to the vet as soon as possible. And if they get seriously ill or have a poor quality of life, you must be prepared to make difficult decisions about their future.
Giving your dog vet care is part of being a responsible owner. But vet bills can be expensive, so we recommend you get pet insurance. Always do your research before you buy insurance, and ask for recommendations and advice from your vet.
Training takes time, and it’s a vital part of caring for any dog. Puppies learning from scratch usually need the most training, but adult dogs need ongoing training, too. It’s a lifelong commitment that teaches vital skills, helps your dog stay safe and happy, and strengthens your bond.
Dog training is something owners should do daily. Different dogs will have different training needs. Their age, breed, background, and individual character can affect how much training they should get and which areas you’ll need to focus on.
You may also need to spend time helping your dog if they develop a behavioural difficulty that you didn’t expect. Alongside training and management, this can sometimes involve lifestyle changes, like avoiding leaving them home alone or not taking them to busy social occasions, depending on the issue.
Remember that, as a dog owner, you’re responsible for your dog’s behaviour both in the home and out in public. If your dog is out of control, it could have serious consequences and legal implications for you, the owner.
Dog training can be a very fun and rewarding experience for both of you! You’ll need to work on a variety of areas, including appropriate behaviour around people and other dogs, loose lead walking, recall, and more. You can find videos with tips and examples of some of these in our article on training your dog at home.
It’s very important to choose the right training methods, too, which you can read about in our dog training methods article.
Visit our dog training section on Ask Woodgreen.
The cost of buying a dog is just the beginning. You need to factor in the cost of everything from food and vet care to toys and training, throughout their life. You should also allow for dog walking and holiday care costs, so your dog stays stimulated and well cared for if you’re not around.
If you’re moving, changing jobs, going back to work or having a baby in the next six months, think carefully about getting a dog, and what impact the change could have on them.
Learn more about how much it costs to own a dog on our Ask Woodgreen site
How would a new dog affect any pets you already have at home? For older pets or those with health conditions, the introduction of new housemates could be particularly difficult.
Although puppies can make a wonderful addition to the family, they take a lot of time, hard work, dedication, training and patience to become a well-rounded adult dog. If you think you’re ready for a puppy, read our guide to getting a puppy.
Puppies take a lot of dedication as they are young and still in their early learning phase, to learn more, visit our puppy training videos.
There are also plenty of older dogs looking for new homes, and they can make fantastic family pets. They still need plenty of attention but have usually been through the tricky house-training stage. If you’d like to give an older dog a loving home, have a look at our guide to getting an older dog.
There are many different dog breeds with different needs and energy levels. Research each breed thoroughly to see what type of dog would suit your lifestyle. To get a head start, complete our dog breed quiz and find the dog that suits you.
Don’t just consider size. Some small dog breeds need much more time and energy than some large dog breeds. Would a unique mixed breed be best for you? If you have a family, what’s the best dog for kids?
If you’d like more advice about breeds or anything else dog related, give us a call on 0300 303 9333 – our experts would love to help in any way they can. What they don’t know about dogs, isn’t worth knowing!
For more information about breeds, you can also speak to a vet. Check the Kennel Club’s Breed Information Centre, and speak to breed clubs or other dog owners.
We hope the information above has helped you answer the ultimate question: should I get a dog? Remember, there’s no need to rush – it might be a good idea to pause and spend time reflecting before you take the next step. Whatever you decide, we’ll always be here for you.
Still thinking about getting a dog and need more convincing? Have a read of our getting a dog expert advice on Ask Woodgreen today.
This workshop will guide you through all the big things to think about before making the commitment of a new four legged family member, so that it works for everyone, the dog included.
We want to help people find the right puppy for them, so more pets stay well cared for and in loving homes for life.
Read more about 'Getting a puppy: what you need to know'
Older dogs are a fantastic choice and make a wonderful addition to any family.
Read more about 'Getting an older dog: what you need to know'
Come on a journey, discovering all you need to think about before taking on the commitment of a new canine friend.
Read more about 'Choosing the right dog – Online family course'