Moving out opens up a million possibilities, but one thing a lot of people look forward to is getting their own pet. Dogs appear to be the most popular choice, and I can see why ((as I myself have a dog)). However, people fresh into adulthood often charge right into getting the pup they’ve always wanted, and problems crop up left and right. There’s a lot of factors that should go into choosing a dog, and there may be some you didn’t consider.
Breed, Size, Needs, Costs, Age, Etc.
A lot of people fancy large dogs, and try to make it work without consideration for their lifestyle or accommodations. Very few people live in a house for their first time moving out- most who live in places where dogs are allowed would be apartment complexes. When you’re new to adulthood and still figuring things out, the last thing you want is the expectations that come with a large breed, like a husky or a German shepherd. Think about it; big dogs require more effort than smaller breeds; while more robust, they have much higher demands in terms of exercise and space. As much as you may long for a greyhound or a Labrador retriever, if you live in a small space, it’s probably a bad idea to try and make that work. Frankly, it’s unfair to the dog to have to live in a home where they don’t have the proper room, or where their master may not be around enough or able to meet their physical needs.
As a side note, most apartment complexes that allow dogs have breed restrictions, which you need to go over before making any decisions.
Size also plays a huge role, not only in the needs for space and exercise. Remember, you’re buying this dog’s food, and that can add up to much more than the owner expects. Fresh into adulthood, I’d be surprised if you were rolling in the dough. While larger dogs tend to be more robust and therefore able to eat most brands of food without much finickiness, they eat A LOT. On the other end of the spectrum, small dogs like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus are far more delicate, and it’s important to invest in quality food to maintain their health. While they eat far less, you end up paying near the difference in quality. My dog is a Chihuahua-Terrier mix, clocking in at about 8 pounds. On average, she costs about $40/month to feed, not including treats/dental chews. I do buy her dental chews to keep her on the up and up, but I go through treats much slower, as I’m careful to keep her at a healthy weight. Treats/dental foodstuffs can vary greatly, but probably reach about $20/month on average. This, of course, is for a small dog. I buy decent quality food, but it lasts quite a while.
Of course, there are lots of other costs that happen preceding and following getting a dog. There’s a lot of money up front- for one, there’s the adoption fee ((I won’t go into it in this post, but adopting a dog is LEAGUES better than purchasing on from the pet store, not to mention incredibly cheaper)). Then, there’s an initial vet check-up, a bed, toys, leash, dishes, etc. Again, prices will fluctuate on materials based on the size of the dog ((beds especially jump up in price for big dog beds, as one would expect)). Before you commit to adopting a dog, I’d recommend having about $400 set aside. You may not spend it all, but it’s good to have the money just in case, so you’re not caught in an awkward situation.
Vet visits can vary greatly- the shelter I got me dog from had her already immunized with all but one important shot, so I only paid for one immunization at my first visit. Furthermore, a lot of vet offices will give you your initial check-up for free ((sans any tests/shots of course)). Ideally, a dog should be taken in twice a year, and there is always a possibility of health issues cropping up. However, if you invest in their everyday health, problems will crop up much less. Basically, in terms of health, give them appropriate food, ensure they have their vaccinations, and check them at the vet twice a year or so, unless the dog gets ill.
I’d like to mention one more thing about health- prepare for common illnesses. Specifically, fleas. Do NOT buy a cheap flea collar, though. They are known to severely damage the dog’s skin and irritate, often making them ill. There’s too many horror stories about pet owners getting a cheap flea collar to save money and reaping the consequences. Research your brands. Either have a flea collar on hand, or give your dog preventative medicine. Prices can vary, but do not skimp on this, as you’re dealing with chemicals to put in and on your dog.
Now, here’s something that a lot of people don’t think much about: Age. It’s pretty expected that people want to adopt puppies, but I honestly advise against this. Especially if you’re on the younger side or still getting used to adult life, you should NOT adopt a puppy. As a side note, they do cost more to adopt, anyways. My personal suggestion is to get a dog that is at least 2 years old, with 3-4 being ideal. There’s a bias against older dogs, when they’re actually a much wiser choice. My dog, Peaches, is estimated to be about 2 or 3 years old ((based on the vet’s appraisal when she was taken in at the shelter)). By this age, you know what their temperament will be. Rarely are there any surprises, and the dog is more than likely at its full size. There’s also a higher chance that they’ll be house-trained right away; this isn’t always the case, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that Peaches has almost no accidents and quickly caught on to how to let me know to take her outside. Older does not mean worse; if you take care of your dog, they can live quite long ((depending on the breed)). My best friend adopted a 10 year old dog, and he’s as loving and relaxed as can be, making him a lot easier for them to take of, since my friend is a busy person. Puppies require exponentially more time and training, which can be frustrating or unfeasible for students or full-time workers.
One other factor worth noting is the dog’s grooming requirements. Is the dog short or long hair? How long do they need to get a haircut or be groomed? How often do they need their nails trimmed? Peaches is short-hair and hasn’t needed grooming at all since I got her four months ago; she’s needed her nails trimmed three times, which costs about $10. I bathe her at home since she’s short-hair, small, and tolerant of baths. Overgrown fur can obstruct a dog’s vision, created matted tufts… it’s just not something you want. Long nails are also a no-go; you’ll need to get your dog’s nails trimmed slightly more often if they don’t walk on cement much, as there’s nothing naturally filing their nails. Long nails can be very uncomfortable for the dog, and cause accidental scratches on you when playing.
To recap, these are all the most important traits I would recommend considering before actually getting a dog: Breed, Size, Needs ((Food, Health, Exercise, Space, Grooming)), Costs ((Initial, Monthly, Vet)), and Age. It seems like a lot, but if you bear these in mind, you’ll have a far easier time and know what to expect with your new pet.
This specifically is targeted for people getting their first dog once moving out, but is easily applicable to anyone who is choosing a dog! I hope this helped, and if you have/get a dog, you should definitely submit a picture.