Are you feeling the pressure from your kids to get a dog? If the answer is yes, you’ll need to do your research before you bring home a cute puppy or adopt
an adult dog.
Many new pet owners often realise, once the excitement of bringing home a puppy has passed, that they weren’t prepared to be a pet parent, said Cathy Beer, founder of Pets4Life, an independent online resource centre for cat and dog owners and those who are thinking of adding a cat or dog to the family.
“Busy parents are often pressured into getting a puppy or kitten by their children. When a family takes on a pet without fully thinking through what’s involved in looking after a pet, the result can be pet neglect or surrender,” Cathy said. “Having a pet affects the whole family.”
Owning a dog is a 10 – 15 year commitment to provide the appropriate environment, activities, exercise and training for the lifetime of your dog.
Here are Cathy’s tips before you consider adding a dog to your family.
Tip 1: Everyone in the family needs to be on the same page about getting a puppy
The first step is to have a family meeting to discuss everyone’s views and concerns about getting a dog. This is very important before you start looking at cute puppies!
Tip 2: Do you have the time and money for a dog?
Looking after a dog takes a lot of time and money – $25,000 for the average dog’s lifespan*.
Examine your schedule. Will the dog be left alone regularly for more than 4 hours a day? If you work full-time, consider a mix of strategies to keep your pet happy.
Tip 3: Do your homework on dog breeds
Choose a breed that suits your family’s lifestyle and energy level, research the original purpose of the breed and research inherited disorders. For example, the Mini Goldendoodle is often a popular choice for families because of its friendly temperament, manageable size, and low-shedding coat. It tends to combine the intelligence of the Miniature Poodle with the gentle nature of the Golden Retriever, making it a great fit for many households.
Tip 4: Buyer beware! Be careful with online pet shopping
It’s so easy to click on ‘Buy Now’ and your new puppy arrives by courier soon after. All sounds good, but is it…? You could be buying your puppy from an unethical breeder. Your pup mayhaveongoing health problems from a poor start in life in a puppy farm.
Tip 5: Know how to keep your dog happy and healthy
Keeping your dog happy and healthy requires daily exercise and mental stimulation, and regular veterinary checks.
Tip 6: Learn the basics about dog behaviour and start dog training early
There is a reason for every dog behaviour!
As dog owners, it is up to us to manage the dog and its environment so they make the right choices and channel their energy into acceptable activities instead of digging up the rose garden.
As a new dog owner you need to decide on the adult behaviour you require of your new pup and put training into place early.
Tip 7: Have a Plan B to look after your dog when you no longer can
Unexpected things happen to us throughout life, such as moving house, divorce, illness and death.
Very few of us who have pets have a plan in place should we find ourselves unable to look after them. Who will look after your pet when you are gone?
Tip 8: Do a trial run
Volunteer at a dog shelter/pound or walk your neighbour/friend’s dog for a while to see if pet parenting is for you.
Below you find a list of great family dogs, each of these beloved dog breeds brings its own special traits, making them excellent choices for a variety of lifestyles:
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Cavapoo: A charming mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, the Cavapoo is a small, affectionate dog that thrives on companionship. They’re highly social, gentle with children, and easy to train. Thanks to their Poodle heritage, Cavapoos typically have a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, making them a popular choice for families with allergy sensitivities or those seeking a low-maintenance grooming routine.
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Miniature Golden Retriever: Combining the loyal, loving nature of a Golden Retriever with a more manageable size, the Miniature Golden Retriever is ideal for families who want the heart of a Golden in a smaller package. They are eager to please, enjoy interactive play, and fit well in both large homes and smaller living spaces. Their friendly temperament makes them great with children and other pets, while their intelligence and willingness to learn make training a breeze.
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Golden Doodle: A cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, the Golden Doodle is known for being intelligent, affectionate, and full of energy. They love outdoor activities, excel in obedience training, and tend to form strong bonds with their families. Their curly or wavy coat is often low-shedding, making them a good option for allergy-conscious households. Golden Doodles thrive in active homes where they can get plenty of exercise and attention.
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Teddy Bear Dog: The Teddy Bear Dog is as cuddly in personality as it is in appearance. A mix of breeds such as Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise, this small companion dog is known for its gentle, loving disposition. They’re ideal for apartment living or homes with limited space, and their calm nature makes them especially suitable for seniors or families with young kids. Teddy Bear Dogs are also low-shedding and typically easy to groom, adding to their appeal as a low-fuss, affectionate companion.
Enjoy the journey of dog parenting!
Cathy created a free eGuide: Before you get a dog, 8 essential tips to get it right to help your family to make better choices and feel confident about taking on the responsibility of a dog.
In the eGuide, you’ll find 8 comprehensive tips, eye-opening stories from Sydney families, and a checklist to keep you on track.
Download your FREE copy of the eGuide: Before you get a dog, 8 essential tips to get it right at www.beforeyougetadog.com.au
