When you and your family are considering getting a pet dog, there are many factors you must consider before getting a fur baby for your family. It is not a decision you want to rush, and you should only adopt a puppy if you are 100% committed to the dog, as being a dog owner takes a lot of responsibility. You must sit down and discuss as a family and go through all the factors together before making your decision. Some factors to consider are listed below to help you get started and ensure you make the correct decision when considering getting a dog.

Training The Dog

There will need to be one person in the family that is going to be responsible for training the dog to ensure they are obedient, well-behaved, and can socialise with other dogs. The rest of the family will also need to help with this, but there should be one person doing most of the training. When looking for dog training, Scotland has many options available, with private individual classes, group classes, and residential dog training courses available. You need to teach your dog to obey basic commands and how to behave, s select the best option for your family and your dog and give them the training they need.

House Training

It will also take all the family to help house train your dog and teach them where to go to the toilet. You can use puppy training pads they can use when they need the bathroom, and it is an idea to dangle a bell off the door so the dog can easily let you know when they need to go out.

Exercising The Dog

You will also need to consider how much exercise you can give your dog daily, as they need to go out no matter the weather. The larger the dog, the more exercise it will need, so you should choose a size and breed of dog that matches your lifestyle. It is also an excellent way of ensuring the family gets regular exercise, and you can enjoy taking the dog for a walk together. You can click here to get more information on dog breeds and their exercise requirements to help you choose the best breed for you and your family.

Getting Everything You Need

Whether you buy a dog or rescue one, getting everything that you need to care for it will be a large expense. It will require a dog bed and maybe a crate, bowls, a lead, harness, dog food, dog treats for training, and dog toys, to name but a few, so you can see it requires investment before getting a dog.

Insurance & Vet Bills

You will also need to consider the insurance fees and vet bills when getting a dog, and it is worth choosing one of the healthier breeds of dogs. Some dogs have been so inbred that they are prone to genetic problems, such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. Get advice from a vet before you get a dog and select a breed that matches your lifestyle and is healthy, and they can make an excellent addition to your family.