With summer right around the corner, you may be thinking it’s the perfect time to adopt a dog. Or, is it? Goodness knows, I love seeing dogs being adopted, but are you sure you’re ready for all that a new dog entails?

Consider the following questions:

1. Do you have enough time, especially for a puppy?

It’s important that caring for a new dog be at the top of your list of commitments. Dogs thrive on exercise and human companionship and, without hefty doses of both, they suffer emotional consequences that often lead to negative behaviors.

Every time I’ve adopted a new puppy, I’ve wound up thinking, “Sheesh, I forgot how much work this is.” I call this puppy amnesia. Youngsters are truly a full time job! They require house training, playtime, puppy kindergarten classes, playtime, veterinary visits, playtime, puppy proofing your home, playtime, and lots of socialization with a variety of people, other animals, and new situations. Oh, and did I mention playtime?

2. Do you have the financial resources to care for a dog?

Responsible care for a dog requires a financial commitment. Quality dog food, whether purchased pre-made or prepared at home, is pricey. Other expenses to consider are routine medical care (heartworm prevention, annual veterinary visits, vaccinations, neutering), microchipping, grooming, collars, leashes, harnesses, identification tags, dog beds, toys, treats, and dog care if you work long hours or go out of town. Unanticipated accidents and illnesses often result in expensive medical care. This is a good reason to consider purchasing a pet health insurance policy. Run the numbers to determine if your budget will allow you to commit to caring for a dog.

3. Can you commit to training?

Behavioral issues are the most common cause of regret for people who adopt a dog. Barking, biting, fence jumping, landscaping doggie style, aggression, and destroying furniture, shoes and other valued objects can all be deal breakers. Without proper and effective training, a well-behaved dog is the exception rather than the rule. Most canine good citizens are made rather than born that way.

Training a dog, whether a puppy or an adult, requires motivation and time, and the training should begin on day one. Unless you have loads of experience, I recommend enlisting help from a professional trainer(s).

4. Is your living situation suitable?

If you are a renter, check in with your landlord before adopting. Some have breed or size restrictions. And, if circumstances force you to move to a different rental, how easy will it be to find one that is pet friendly?

While a fenced yard is not an absolute must, it sure makes life a whole lot easier and ensures your dog’s safety when outdoors unsupervised. Consider the design of the fence. Will it prevent your new dog from jumping over or slipping through or under?

If you are intent on having an “outdoor dog” I strongly encourage you to reconsider your decision to adopt. Most dogs prefer to be where their humans are. Those left isolated in the yard are far more likely to experience emotional distress and develop behavior issues such as incessant barking.

5. Do you have buy in from others in your household?

In an ideal world, every dog would be adopted into a “forever home.” Bringing a new dog into a household in which there isn’t buy in from everyone living there can result in an unhappy ending.

6. Do you have kids?

If you have young children, consider adopting an adult dog rather than a puppy. Most kids can’t provide the consistent training and reinforcement that a puppy needs. And, it’s really hard for dogs, especially puppies, to resist jumping up, biting, and behaving like Tazmanian devils in response to the natural movements and sounds of young children.

Before introducing an adult dog into a household with kids, ask someone with expertise to perform temperament testing. Some dogs who are perfect citizens with adults are aggressive with children.

I’m a huge fan of raising kids with pets. But I encourage you to resist the temptation to adopt a dog if your children are begging for one, but you’re not keen on the idea. Inevitably, the responsibility of properly caring for the new dog will fall squarely on your shoulders. Adopting a dog when you don’t really have the time or inclination is a setup for disaster.

7. How will your other pets respond?

It’s difficult to predict how a new dog will fit in with your already established pets. If possible, arrange for your current dogs to meet the new one on neutral territory, away from the house. If you have a cat or two (or three or four) it’s wise to make sure that the dog has a proven positive track record with kitties.

8. Are you likely to move?

Will you be relocating because of work or other life circumstances? If so, will your dog be able to move with you? If uncertain, it might be best to postpone adopting a dog until your living situation is more permanent.

One final bit of advice. In truth, it’s an adamant plea. Please, please do not adopt a puppy from a pet store or online from a kennel you can’t visit in person. This is the best strategy to avoid doing business with a puppy mill.

After reading all this, do you think you’re ready to adopt a dog?

Best wishes to you and your four-legged family members for abundant good health,

Dr. Nancy