7 Valid Reasons Why You're Not Ready for a Dog ...

The most obvious of all the reasons why you’re not ready for a dog is that your place is too small. Whether it’s an apartment or a small house, your dog needs room to grow, play and run around. Some breeds are more suitable for small living areas, such as Chihuahuas, Maltese, or similar small breeds, but others cannot. If you love large breeds like myself, a small apartment or a small yard is not enough space. It’s not fair for your dog to be cooped up all day.

Dogs need a lot of attention. If you are busy with work, school, or other activities, you won’t have the time to properly care for a pet. Everything from grooming, giving baths, feeding, relieving themselves, to playing with them is time consuming. If you’re not ready for that type of commitment, you’re not ready for a dog.

On top of time, keeping a dog is expensive. If you have a puppy, then you need to register it and get all its shots. Not to mention a leash and collars, shampoo, chew toys, training pads if you have an indoor dog and food. Food can be the most expensive. I have two medium sized dogs, and I have to buy a hefty amount of food twice a month. If you are unable to financially keep a dog, your best bet is to wait until you can.

Speaking of food, you must find out what’s the right food for your dog. It took us a few tries. My dog, Houdini, used to be really picky with her food, but we also kept one of her pups, and he’ll eat just about anything! However, certain types of dry dog food makes his poop extra smelly (yuck!). We finally found one that is suitable for both dogs without the extra smell.

Training a dog can be difficult, especially if you’re busy and low on money. Setting aside time for training or paying for a trainer (doggy day cares and such) can take a toll if you are not aware how to properly train your dog. If you are training your dog on your own, take the time to research the best methods for doing so. You don’t want to get your furniture ruined because your dog decided to tear it to shreds or pee on it.

Many dogs shed hair. All over the place, too! If you’re not comfortable with the hair getting on your clothes, carpet, or the couches, you’re probably not ready for a dog. This seems like a minor nuisance, but it could eventually become a bigger problem.

The ultimate question is, does it fit the life at the moment and for the next 10-15 years? If you can’t guarantee that, it’s probably best not to have a dog. There are many questions to ask before being a dog owner. Do you have or will you have a family in that time? Will you be moving? Will you be more financially stable? What are your thoughts on breeding? For that dog, you are his/her best friend for the rest of their life. Be sure you are ready for that type of commitment.

For me, I'm glad I'm not the only one caring for my two dogs. I wouldn't have been able to take care of a dog on my own. Your situation might be different, but I urge you to thoroughly research and evaluate whether you can keep a dog at the moment. What are some reasons holding you back from owning a dog or a pet?