5 Reasons NOT to Get a Dog

You’re seriously thinking about adopting a dog. It’s that time of year for gift giving, right? Stop!

Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t.

1. You’re not ready for a baby; you’re not ready for another child.

A puppy is a 4-legged baby; a dog is a 4-legged child. If you’re not ready for a baby or another child, do NOT get a dog.

2. You’re unwilling to make a lifestyle change.

You love going out with friends shopping, to sporting events, the restaurant scene, nightlife, or to places that don’t necessarily allow you to take your dog with you. Having a dog means you’ll have to come home early to walk the dog, or feed or let the dog out. If you’re unwilling to make time for your dog, then do NOT get a dog.

3. You want a dog, but your spouse/partner is hesitant.

Before you bring a dog into your home and life, everyone must be on board. And I mean, EVERYONE.  Dogs are sentient beings meaning they have feelings and emotions. There is absolutely nothing more crushing than adopting a dog and then returning it. Unless everyone is committed to having a pup, do NOT get a dog.

4. You’re not known for your patience.

See #1. Dogs require a lot of work to mold them through love and training to where they’re your best friend and family member. Dogs have unique personalities like humans, and you must work w/them just like you would any partnership. And if a dog comes from an abuse/neglect situation, or a stay in the shelter, it will take them time to acclimate. If you’re not in it for the long-haul, then do NOT get a dog.

5. You’re not sure how much a dog costs.

If you’re a first-time dog owner, whether you adopt from a breeder, rescue or shelter, your first-year setup costs will be a minimum of $2000. This entails not only the cost of the dog, but food and vet bills — the two most expensive costs in owning a dog — but also purchasing all the supplies needed for owning a dog and training. 

When it comes to vet bills, a foreign object surgery, should your dog swallow something, can run $4000 or more.

Based on the breed of dog, it can live anywhere from 8 yrs to 18 yrs or more. Do the math.

And of all the dogs pictured in this post, what do they have in common? They were all owner-surrendered. Six out of 10 dogs adopted are returned within 60 days of adoption; 60% of adoptees are no longer living with their original adopters within six months.

When a dog is returned to a shelter, they’re automatically bumped up to the top of the euthanasia list.

So you think you want a dog? Before you make the financial commitment, the emotional commitment, read “To Puppy or Not to Puppy” available at Amazon in Kindle, paperback and Audible editions. You could be saving a life.