During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people thought it would be a great time to introduce a puppy into their families due to the unusual amount of spare time people had on their homes from being confined to their homes. This meant more time to train the puppy and spend quality time watching them grow.
With people still working from home a lot, and with restrictions being put in place which means people are unable to go out as often as they would have in the past, more people may be thinking about getting a pooch but debating whether or not it is the right time.
If you are still unsure whether you should get a dog or not, we will go over some points in this post which will help you decide whether or not now is the right time to get a dog.
Should you get a dog?
Some questions you need to ask yourself before going ahead and buying or adopting a puppy include:
Did you want to get a dog before COVID-19?
If you wanted to get a dog before the coronavirus outbreak and have given it plenty of thought, then now might be the right time to bring a dog into your life.
When your normal schedule resumes, are you able to care for a dog?
A lot of people have been working from home during the pandemic, and if this is the situation you find yourself in currently, then you need to ensure that you can still care for a dog when your normal schedule resumes. If you are heading back to the workplace soon, will someone be able to take your dog for a walk throughout the day? Dogs need plenty of exercise and need to be mentally stimulated as they can often get bored which can result in them chewing and destroying furniture and valuables. So if you return to the workplace, as long as your dog will still be given plenty of care it shouldn’t be an issue.
Are you financially stable?
Owning a dog can be expensive even without any unexpected veterinary bills. When you first get a dog, you need to buy things like a bed, collar, leash, food and water bowls, and chew toys. Then you have to consider the initial course of vaccinations, monthly wormers, and neutering. On top of that, you need to think about food, pet insurance, flea treatments, and yearly health checks. These are just a few things you need to consider financially before bringing a dog into your family.
What are some family-friendly dog breeds?
Picking a dog to join your family isn’t an easy decision to make. With hundreds of breeds to choose from, it almost seems impossible to narrow it down to just one particular breed. There are a lot of things to consider before getting a dog but you need to make sure you make the right choice for you and your family.
A few things you will need to think about before making that all-important decision are what kind of space do you have - is it enough for a big dog or will you need a smaller pooch? Do you have the time to fully train a dog? If not maybe going down the rescue route is your best option, as they may be trained already. Do you have young kids in the family? If the answer is yes, then you will need a dog that is patient and tolerant.
Labrador Retreivers
One of the most popular breeds in America, the Labrador Retriever is a playful, sociable, friendly, and patient dog which makes it a great choice for families with young children. They are very intelligent and eager to please, which makes training them fairly easy. They make a great addition to the family with their need for adventure and a great sense of humor. You can get Labradors in black, yellow, chocolate, and liver. If you’re looking for chocolate lab puppies check out this company.
Beagle
Beagles have endless energy when it comes to playtime which means they do require lots of exercise and stimulation. They are a friendly breed that loves to be around people and as a medium-sized dog, they do make great family pets. Beagles have a curious and sweet personality but due to being a scent hound, they can be a bit more difficult to train.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This sweet-natured breed is gentle and loving, making them a perfect addition to any family. Not only are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels great with young children as they love to play and due to their calm temperament, but they love nothing more than snuggling up on your lap too, so the best of both worlds. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are good with humans but also get along great with other dogs, which makes them a fantastic breed of dog for a family.
Boxer
The Boxer is another breed that loves to play and be around children as they are such an excitable and sociable dog. Boxer pups are especially known for being hyperactive and energetic meaning they do require a lot of exercise and plenty of training. They are curious and love to explore but they have a very patient side to them, which is why they would suit a family with young kids.
Making room in your life for a dog
Getting a dog is incredibly exciting and if you’ve decided to go ahead and get one, you need to make room in your life to accommodate your new furry friend. This doesn’t necessarily mean just making some space in your house where you can place a dog crate or bed. It means you need to make room in your everyday life for your new pooch.
Dogs require some kind of routine, from when they go out to do their business, to when they eat, when they have playtime, and when they nap. So you need to make sure that you have accommodated all of this before getting a dog, as a lot of your time will be taken up by looking after them, and even more so if you decide to get a puppy.
Creating a schedule for your dog
If you can, try to create a schedule for your pooch and take into account what will make your dog happy. Factor in times to feed them and remember puppies will need to be fed more often than an adult dog. Take them out for their daily exercise; if you have a big backyard this is great but they will need to go out for walks too and you should make exercise a priority. Supply them with plenty of mentally stimulating toys to keep them occupied throughout the day.
Don’t forget to create an area in your home specifically for your dog where you can place their crate and bed and they know it’s their special little space. Try to make it as safe and comfortable as possible by adding some of their favorite toys and a blanket. Dogs love spending quality time with their owner and being fussed over, so be sure to give them your time and attention wherever possible.
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