Getting a dog is a big decision. You’re essentially adopting another child into the family! When choosing a new pup, we have a few questions you should go through as a family, as well as questions for the breeder / vet / shelter once you’ve narrowed down which dog to get.
Is this dog breed “safe”?
Of course, a dog being labeled as “safe” depends on the dog’s training and temperament, but there are a handful of breeds that tend to be more friendly than others. Explore those kid-friendly dog breeds here.
How energetic is this type of dog?
This is one that people tend to overlook. Kids will see a cute puppy and beg their parents for it. The parents can’t say no and buy this pup, only to find out the energy levels are way more than they anticipated. Energy levels often equate to how much TIME you need to dedicate to playing / walking / running your dog. Be sure to ask about energy levels and think through what will be a good fit for your family.
What type of grooming is required? And will this pup shed?
Do you want a long-haired dog that will need regular brushing and grooming, or a hypo-allergenic and virtually shed-free dog? Your schedule and your tolerance of dog hair on your sofa will greatly come into play here!
What extra expenses will we need to budget for?
Start a list of additional expenses to see if you’re ready for the commitment:
- Grooming
- Heartworm
- Flea & Tick Prevention
- Vet Visits / Vaccinations
- Treats & Food
- Boarding Fees
- Up-Front purchases (bed, crate, bowls, collar, training etc.)
- Etc.
What age range do we want our dog to be?
Puppies require gobs of training but will likely socialize really well with your kids and family overall. However, an older dog will likely come potty trained, but may need more time to get used to your lifestyle / family. Also, you may get hit with larger vet bills sooner when purchasing an old dog.
Will this dog acclimate with our other animals?
If you have 3 birds, 2 cats, and a partridge in a pear tree at home, you’ll definitely want to consider how this new dog addition will fit into your home environment.
Sure, there are a lot of questions to ask when getting a dog, because it is a really big commitment. But it’s one that’s sure to bring a ton of joy to you and your family.