Introduction

When you get your first dog, it’s important to make sure that you’re ready for the responsibility. The last thing you want to do is adopt a pet, only to find out later that it wasn’t right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of questions you should ask yourself before deciding on getting a dog:

Are you ready to have a dog?

You should be sure that you’re ready to have a dog before taking the big step. Are you going to be able to give it the attention it needs? Will your schedule allow for enough time with your dog? What are your allergies? It’s important to consider all of these things before making a major commitment like getting a dog.

In addition, there are some questions you should ask yourself about the animal itself:

• Is this breed right for me? There’s no such thing as “the perfect dog,” but there are certain breeds that may fit better into some lifestyles than others. For example, if you live in an apartment or condo and don’t have much yard space, then maybe adopting a terrier wouldn’t be ideal for you! Be honest with yourself about what kind of home environment will work best with your current lifestyle—and maybe even get some advice from friends who already own dogs themselves!

Do you know where to buy a dog?

If you want to purchase a dog, there are several options. You can buy from a reputable breeder, a shelter or rescue organization, or a pet store. If you’re unsure of how to determine whether an animal is healthy and well-cared for, read up on common signs of neglect and abuse at the ASPCA website.

If you choose to purchase from an individual who doesn’t have registration papers for their dogs (for example, someone advertising online or in classified ads), it’s recommended that you meet them in person first so that you can see what their home looks like and how they care for their animals. The more information about the seller available to you before purchasing your new friend will make it easier for everyone involved! If possible bring along another person who knows something about dogs too – just in case..

How much does it cost to own a dog?

It’s important to know up front how much it will cost you to own a dog. In general, the priciest part of owning a dog is the cost of food and vet care. You should expect to spend anywhere between $500 and $1,000 on food per year, depending on the size of your pet and its diet.

You can find out how much it costs in other ways as well:

• Ask friends who already have dogs what they spend on their pets every month or year
• Visit local shelters and rescue organizations (there are many!) to get an idea of what your new best friend might need in terms of supplies like leashes, collars, toys etc.

How much will my insurance go up if I get a dog?

The good news is that most insurance companies won’t raise your rates if you add a dog. They might raise them if the dog is a “dangerous breed,” but since most people don’t have those types of dogs, this isn’t something to worry about.

Some insurance companies will give you a discount for owning a pet because it’s likely that your pet will be healthier than someone who doesn’t own one—but again, this depends on your coverage and deductible (the amount of money you pay before the insurance company starts paying). Make sure you know what each policy covers before deciding on one.

What kinds of dogs are there?

There are many different types of dogs. If you’re into the more traditional breeds, there are the terrier groups: toy, miniature and standard. These come in all shapes and sizes, from small (and adorable) to large (and very sleepy).

If you’re looking for a more exotic choice, there are also some interesting options you may not have heard of before. You can now find poodles in colors other than black or brown! There are also dachshunds that have been bred to be hairless with wrinkly skin instead of their traditional long coats. And while they may look like an old-fashioned breed, corgis actually originated from Wales in the 19th century where they were used as working dogs on farms because they were small enough to fit under carts and wagons but had endurance for hard work.

What is the best dog for me?

The best dog for you will depend on your lifestyle. If you live in the city and have an active job, a high-energy dog may not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you have a lot of land and love to hike, then consider getting a Labrador Retriever or Siberian Husky who can accompany you on all your adventures.

You can still find a dog that works well with both lifestyles; for example, Labradors are friendly, loyal dogs that make great family pets as well as being known for their eagerness to please their owners.

What should I do to prepare for my new dog?

• Take your dog for a walk. It’s important to make sure that you get some exercise with your dog, especially if it’s a puppy. A brisk walk is an excellent way to bond, and it also keeps them healthy and happy.
• Introduce your dog to friends and family members who will be helping out with the pup (if there are any). When guests come over, they should not be surprised by the presence of an animal in the house; everyone needs to know what to do around them so everyone can have fun!
• Get everything else ready: collar, leash, ID tag(s)… The Doggie Express has everything you need at amazing prices!

Will my dog need obedience training?

Yes, all dogs need obedience training. The reasons are several:

• It helps establish a relationship of trust between you and your dog.
• It helps keep the dog safe by giving you more control over them.
• It allows you to communicate with your dog in a way that makes both of you happy!

Where can I take my dog for fun activities?

If you’re looking for fun activities to do with your dog, there are many! You can visit the vet, go to a dog park or even take them to doggy daycare.

You can also consider taking your pup to see a dog show and training class. If you have time and money to spare on such things, it might be something worth considering.

My new dog just bit/peed on me. What do I do?

If you’re bitten or peed on by your dog, don’t panic. The first thing to do is not to yell at your dog; they’re not doing it on purpose, and yelling will only make things worse. Instead, take a deep breath and try to figure out what caused the issue in the first place.

If it was a bite, did you know that most dogs will bite when they’re scared or startled? If this is the case for you, then consider giving your dog some space from strangers until they get used to them (or consider training them). If it was just an accident then let it go! Remember that sometimes we all have accidents when going #2!

Finally, if none of those suggestions work for you or if this was an act of aggression toward another person/animal then I would recommend calling a vet or trainer immediately so they can help address any issues.

Learn how to best prepare for a dog.

The first thing you should do is learn about what it means to have a dog. This will help you prepare for the costs, time commitment and responsibility that comes with owning a dog.

• Find out how much you can expect to spend on food, toys and other necessities.
• Know that training classes are really important because they teach your new dog how to behave around people and other animals (and vice versa). They’ll also provide an opportunity for both of you to bond as he learns his name, commands such as “sit” or “stay,” and where he’s allowed within the house (like no peeing in the dining room).* You’ll need toys and treats so your pet doesn’t get bored while they’re home alone during work hours—but don’t overdo it! If something seems like too much fun for them (such as playing fetch every day), save yourself some money by limiting playtime only once per week.* Finally: Don’t forget about yourself! When was the last time someone gave themselves permission just for being awesome? It might seem silly now but trust me when I say this will be one of those moments where life changes forever.*

Conclusion

We hope that these questions and answers have helped you feel more prepared for the process of getting a dog. If you’re still unsure about whether or not you’re ready to bring home a four-legged friend, consider spending some time volunteering with an organization that focuses on rescuing dogs—it’s a great way to learn more about what it means to care for another living being and how much joy they can bring into your life! Even if you decide not to adopt right now, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved with animal welfare and help make the world a better place.