Top Mistakes People Make When Getting A Dog

So you think it might be time to buy or rescue a dog? Before you do that, you must make sure you avoid some of the following top mistakes. If you don't, you may end up making your own life harder and your dog's life. Here are a few tips on buying or rescuing a dog.

Choosing the Wrong Dog

Getting a dog needs some planning, and choosing a puppy may seem easy; it can be challenging to resist those puppy eyes, especially if you see a dog that needs a home. You have to make many practical decisions before you can decide if a dog is right for you. Ask yourself, can you take the time out for training? Can you deal with shedding, illness, mess, behaviour issues, and more? Is it possible for you to afford the dog? By asking yourself questions like this, you can ensure that you give your dog the care it needs. Keep in mind what the dog needs; for instance, a Border Collie needs plenty of exercise and jobs, so it is not practical to have this breed in a small apartment.

Avoiding the Vet

You are not alone if you wait until your dog is sick before you take them to the vet. Many people do not take their dog to routine vet visits unless their dog has an issue. You may think your dog is healthy, so what is the point? Why stress them out by taking them to the vet? A visit to the vet could save your dog's life as it gives them the chance to uncover any potential health issues ahead of time. You should also have pet insurance if you want to give your dog the most protection. Suppose your dog gets hit by a car or attacks another dog while out on their walk; you will be covered. Vet costs are expensive, and if a dog needs surgery, the fees can be extensive, so it is worth having some insurance for peace of mind.

Dismissing Training

It is essential to know that every dog out there requires a great deal of training and socialisation. Some will require more than others. If you decide not to train your dog, you could well be putting them at a disadvantage. Socialisation gives your dog the chance to know things in their environment, such as objects, animals and even children. If you do not take the time to do this with your dog, you may find that the dog becomes hard to control, and this is the last thing you need. Taking a dog for a walk is embarrassing when it constantly attacks other well-behaved dogs.

Not Giving your Dog enough exercise

Exercise is a basic need for every single dog. If you do not exercise your dog correctly, then you may find that it goes on to experience health issues and that they also begin acting out as well. Again, some dogs will require more exercise than others, so assess your dog's activity needs first.