Before getting a dog, make sure you are prepared. Here are three things to be aware of before getting a dog...

If your Instagram feed is full of cute puppies and you are thinking about becoming a dog parent, you MUST understand these 3 things first… 

If you don’t understand these things, you may end up regretting getting a dog! These are the 3 things I wish I knew before getting a dog!

#1- Dogs are expensive
#2- Dogs take a lot of time
#3- You will form an amazing bond with your dog

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OVERVIEW OF THREE THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GETTING A DOG

Between one time expenses, reocurring ones, and unexpected costs, raising a dog can be really expensive.

Here is a rough estimate of monthly costs if you have a 30 lb dog:

Vet bills, insurance, medication - $20-150

To get started $30-100 (dog bed, crate, etc)

If extra time isn't something you have a lot of, it will be hard finding the time necessary to train your dog, exercise them, and give them the attention they need and deserve. Before getting a dog, think about if you have the time to raise them.

Here is a rough estimate of daily time you will need to dedicate to your dog: 

Feed and walk your dog in the morning - 30-60 minutes

Training, play time, grooming tasks - 15-45 minutes

Feed and walk dog in evening 30-60 minutes

You can plan on around 3-4 hours a day dedicated to your dog (if you have a puppy, that number could be ever higher)

What do you do? Who do you have watch them? How much will you have to pay a sitter? 

Leaving home when you have a dog becomes a little more tricky. 

Do you have a friend or family member watch them, dog sitter, or take them to a boarder? Etc. 

Between time, money, effort, training, dealing with problem behaviors, and more, raising a dog is HARD WORK! Things can get really stressful and hectic. Sometimes we can lose our patience with our dogs, but if you're able to be consistent with your training, and work on your relationship with your dog, something great will happen... which brings us to point #3. 

3. YOU WILL FORM AN AMAZING BOND WITH YOUR DOG

Sure, your dog may drive you crazy from time to time, but they will be there for you through it all. They will love you no matter what. Whether you had a long or stressful day, week, month, or even year, your dog can comfort you, and be there for you when we need them, and the relationship you can cultivate makes all those hard moments worth it!

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3 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Dog | Pupford