With the global pandemic and increased hybrid work schedules, the pet business has been booming over the past year. People are spending more time at home, which has proven to be a great time to consider adding a four-legged friend to your family.
There are many ways to prepare both your home and your wallet for a new pet. Weighing all the pros and cons upfront can help you make the best possible decision for your family. It will also help you be a better pet owner in the long run.
What breed of dog should you consider?
Without much hesitation, many people can tell you what their favorite dog breed is. Whether you plan to purchase a purebred pup from a breeder or take a trip to the shelter, there are many important factors to consider.
First, what is the breed's natural temperament? Although every dog has its own personality, some breeds are more likely to be high energy, vocal, or generally more family-friendly. Before getting overly excited about a particular breed, make sure to do some research to determine if the temperament and personality of the breed match your family's.
Once you've narrowed it down, it's essential also to consider how a particular breed may affect your homeowners insurance. Although it's typical for potential owners to calculate the expected costs of owning a dog, it's less typical to consider their homeowners policy. For example, you may not realize that you could see a policy price increase with a Siberian husky on your homeowners insurance.
In general, Siberian huskies are considered excellent pets but can raise your insurance rates with some companies. Before you commit to a particular breed, it makes sense to contact your insurance company to check how your policy may be affected.
Additional Costs of Dog Ownership
You've determined the breed you are interested in and have done your homework on your insurance company. Now it's time to consider the everyday costs of pet ownership.
On average, the annual cost of veterinary care is roughly $400. That is factoring in routine vaccinations. This doesn't include preventative medicine for fleas and heartworm or recommended teeth cleaning.
Just as unexpected health costs come up with humans, plan on the possibility of your dog also needing additional care from time to time. Pet insurance is something to consider, and some veterinary practices offer wellness plans. Choosing a pet protection plan can provide you with some peace of mind if something unexpected occurs.
Food is another important cost you'll want to consider. Depending on what you decide to feed your dog, you can plan on spending anywhere between $30-$90 a month. Ask your breeder what they have been feeding your puppy and keep them on the same food initially.
Transitioning your pet to a new food needs to be a gradual process, mixing the current food with the new food until they've adequately acclimated to it. Changing foods too quickly can cause digestive problems.
If you're not sure what the best food is for your dog, ask your veterinarian. Start with a small bag and make sure your pet does well before investing in a large supply. Follow the recommended feeding instructions and set up a feeding schedule that's easy to follow. Just as humans enjoy predictability in life, dogs do as well.
Will your dog need professional grooming? For allergy sufferers who choose a non-shedding dog, you'll also want to factor in the cost of grooming, which typically occurs every five to eight weeks and can cost up to $100 a visit.
Getting Your Home Ready for Your New Dog
Believe it or not, new home builders are considering the family pet when designing new homes, even calling pets a top priority in their designs. Although they may not have their own private room like some are planning, it's essential to create space for your pet in your home. In addition to water and food bowls, you'll also want to have a dog bed and a crate for your pup if you plan to use one while training.
It will take time for your pet to acclimate to its new environment, and puppy training takes patience. Just as you would babyproof if you have a young toddler, you need to set your dog up for success by preparing your home.
Accidents are inevitable as puppies learn to control their bladder and understand expected behaviors. If you have area rugs you are worried about being ruined or are particularly attached to, this could be a good time to remove them temporarily.
Dog Training
Before we brought our puppy home last year, we spent a lot of time online researching the best way to house train a puppy. We learned that we should let our dog outside every one to two hours at under 12 weeks of age. This means you will want to let them out soon after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up.
Learn to use an easy phrase during training such as "go potty" and keep it consistent each time they go out. When your puppy follows your directions, it's essential to reinforce the behavior positively. Always have treats nearby as a reward.
In addition to "go potty," you can help your puppy learn obedience and stay safe by teaching them other basic commands like "sit," "leave it," and "stay."
Just as you've prepared the interior of your home, you'll also want to puppy-proof your yard. Make sure your outdoor space is a safe place for your puppy. Don't allow too much free time before they've learned their boundaries. If given the opportunity, they may dig, eat things they shouldn't, or find a way to escape without proper supervision.
Consistency is everything, whether you are potty training or teaching your pup not to chew your furniture or favorite pair of shoes. If the training process becomes frustrating or overwhelming, look for a puppy class or other training options. You will learn a lot in the process and become a better leader, and your pup will get a chance for socialization in the process.
If you have furniture you would like to protect, keep your new dog off of it until they're fully house trained. Once you've allowed an all-access pass to your home, there are specific pet-friendly fabrics to consider that work well in homes with animals.
Man's Best Friend
A family dog can be an excellent addition to your family. They can provide years of love and companionship. It's no surprise that they call dogs man's best friend.
Integrating a new pet into your home will take time, patience, and a financial commitment. You must consider all facets of pet ownership before making a decision that will impact the next decade or longer.
Take the time you need to do your research, and don't allow your emotions to decide for you. Dogs require a big commitment. Once you're prepared, it can be a wonderful decision for your family.
About The Author : Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, USInsuranceAgents.com. She is an avid animal lover with two dogs of her own. She enjoys helping others prepare themselves for their new furry friend.
