Dogs are known as man’s best friend, and with good reason, according to Javier Burillo. Dogs are not only loyal companions, they are intelligent animals who form complex bonds with the humans in their lives. Raising a dog, from a puppy right up to the end of its life, is a very rewarding experience, but it is also hard work. In order to get the most out of your canine companion, you will have to be prepared to train them and to show them as much love and affection as you hope for them to show you.

Raising a dog isn’t always going to be fun and games, just like raising a child there will be challenges and obstacles to overcome, but as long as you remain determined and patient, you should find the whole experience a joy. In this article we have gathered together some of the things that new dog owners might not know, but which will make the whole process that much easier.

Know What You are Getting Into

This is perhaps the most important piece of advice. Make sure that you understand what you are letting yourself in for when you take on the responsibility of raising a dog. You need to be prepared for the long haul as the lifespan of a dog varies by breed, with smaller breeds tending to live longer, but assume that you will be responsible for your dog for at least 10 years.

Research Beforehand

Make sure that before you commit to taking on ownership of a dog you research the different breeds and their requirements beforehand. Choose a dog that is suitable for your individual circumstances and be aware that some dogs, like huskies, require much more from their owners and environment.

Work out the Costs

Dog ownership isn’t cheap, not only will you need to buy the dog itself (of course) you will also need to keep it supplied with food, buy a leash, make sure that you have nappy sacks to pick up waste, and potentially fork out money for vet bills. Most of these are small costs, but they are constant costs. If your current financial situation doesn’t give you much room for extra expenditures, then you need to be certain of your ability to provide for your dog before you take it on.

Make Sure You Have Time

Most households are empty for most of the day as people have jobs, and usually these require that they be away from their homes for the bulk of the day. Even a puppy does not require constant supervision, but you need to make sure that you will be able to set aside the time to walk them every morning and evening. Ideally you will want to set aside a little time whenever you can to play with them and to ‘socialize’ with them.

Taking on ownership of a dog is a big responsibility, it is not something that you should enter into lightly, on a whim. However, as long as you research beforehand and ensure that you are able to fulfil your pets needs, owning a dog is a joyous experience.