Should I Get a Puppy? How to Know If You’re Ready

Ever since you saw that couple walking down the street with a puppy, canoodling in their cozy coats and scarves, trading the leash and the shared peppermint mocha back and forth, you’ve had the urge to put a puppy under the tree. It was almost sickening, the charm of it all, and yet, you want it. You want it bad.

7 Questions to Ask Yourself to Know if You’re (Really) Ready for a New Puppy

So now you’re seriously considering that puppy. After all, you love dogs! You’ve always wanted one! Right? Maybe this is the beginning of everything. Maybe this is exactly what you need. Maybe you’re one puppy away from endless canoodles and peppermint mochas and all the happiness life has to offer.

You think to yourself, why not?

Actually, this “why not” is a good place to start. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of a new dog without considering all the important practicalities it involves. So before you go out shopping for that, puppy-sized Santa hat, here’s a list of questions to help determine if you’re ready for this potentially 10-15 year commitment. More importantly, it can save you the agony of trying to find a new home for your new puppy in February when both of you are profoundly regretful and peppermint mochas are out of season.

Okay, here goes:

Do You Have Experience With Dog Ownership?

Have you owned a dog before? Are you already familiar with the time, care, and attention it requires? (News flash: it’s kind of a lot.) Are you ready to head up the basic training and problem-solving involved? There will be bumps in the road like chewed-up stilettos and carpet stains. Of course, there will also be cuddles and wonderful puppy breath, but still. Chewed stilettos.

How Will Your Schedule Impact Pet Care?

Does your daily schedule work with a dog? Do you have a structured routine, or do you like the flexibility of sleeping off a weekend hangover until 2:00 p.m.? (Because while you’re drooling a pool onto your pillow, your dog is taking a dump in the corner and destroying your coffee table books.) How often do you travel? What’s your plan when you can’t be at home? Dogs thrive on structure and routine, so be honest with yourself. And if you have a hard time being honest with yourself, tell your most blunt friend that you’re thinking about getting a dog. His or her reaction will tell you all you need to know.

What’s Your Living Situation?

If your living arrangement includes you plus someone else, or you plus kids, or you plus a roommate, or all of the above, make sure everyone affected is on board. Now is also the time to find out about potential allergies or pet-related health concerns. If anyone has objections or concerns about sharing their home with a pet, pay attention to their needs and preferences, including their input on choosing the right breed for your family.

Gear Up! Check Out Our New Puppy Checklist For Must-Have Supplies 

Is Your Home Suitable For a Dog?

Is your home pet-friendly? Think about where your dog will sleep, play, and exercise. If you live in an apartment, consider how often a dog needs to go outside during the day (at least a handful of times). Are you up for all of those elevator rides and walks outside? What about your neighborhood? Are there good places for your dog to walk, play, and (ahem) defecate?

Are You Prepared For The Financial Commitment of Dog Ownership?

Are you ready for the financial responsibility of pet ownership? Food, immunizations, medications, grooming, boarding, training, and vet visits are all part of the commitment and many of these fees are ongoing. As far as we know, there are no such thing as Trust Fund Dogs. However, if you adopt a shelter dog, their initial vaccinations and spay/neutering procedure may be included in their adoption fee. 

Adopt or Shop? Where Will You Get Your Dog?

Are you planning to adopt a dog or purchase from a reputable breeder? This is a personal decision and should be made with ample information and consideration. Regardless of your choice, educate yourself on puppy mills and be sure to avoid supporting them with your money. You don’t need any Cruella DeVille juju in your life.

Learn More About Adopting a Puppy with These 5 Must-Knows

What Kind of Dog Do You Want?

Have you considered your ideal dog’s size, temperament, and general energy level? A good rule of thumb is to consider a breed with an energy level equal to or lower than your own. A mismatch either way leads to all sorts of terrible stories your friends will enjoy telling at parties about you. Simply put, some dogs need more exercise than others, so if walking twice a day is not your thing, find a dog who agrees that binge-watching NARCOS on Netflix trumps all other forms of activity.

Find Your Match: Considerations for Choosing The Right Breed

• Compatability: The ideal dog should fit your lifestyle, including where you live, how active you are, and your daily routine.
• Room to Grow and Thrive: Small puppies can grow into big dogs, so be aware of each breed’s anticipated adult size and needs. Is your home and outdoor space large enough for both of you to be comfortable?
• Personality: Every dog is an individual with unique quirks and characteristics, but researching a breed’s typical temperament can provide a good idea of what to expect. Look for dog breeds with traits and qualities that align with your or your family’s wants and needs.
• Maintenance and Care: Consider each breed’s grooming needs, including time and cost. Some breeds and breed mixes require regular professional grooming while wash-and-wear breeds can often be maintained at home with a basic care routine. 

If you’ve been able to answer these nine questions with confidence, congratulations! You’re ready to take the next steps toward living the pet parent life. Do your homework, visit shelters, and ask friends or family who’ve walked this path to start preparing. Better yet, go to your local dog park and start talking to people there. It’s a great way to meet new friends (two- and four-legged alike) and gather helpful info to start you on your way.

If you’ve been unable to answer these questions, or your answers led to more questions,— it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate your desire for a dog. Consider volunteering at a shelter or fostering a dog first to try out dog care without a long-term commitment. Maybe you’ll find that a low-maintenance hermit crab is more your style. Or perhaps, at the end of the day, what you really want is a peppermint mocha.

What to Expect: The Challenges of Owning a Puppy

So you’ve done your homework and you’re ready for a new puppy. Yay! But before you open your heart and home to a new four-legged friend, there are a few important things to consider. Taking time now to plan and prepare may feel tedious, but it can help you avoid frustrating and even heartbreaking challenges later on.

• Time and Attention: Puppies demand a lot of your time, especially during their first few weeks at home. However, investing time during this critical phase will help your puppy feel comfortable and safe, which simplifies training in the long run. Be prepared to maintain a consistent daily routine of feeding, exercising, potty breaks, and training so your puppy can succeed. Consider bringing your puppy home over a long weekend or take a few days off to focus on bonding and establishing a routine.
• Financial Costs: Purchase or adoption fees are the first of many costs you’ll need to account for when getting a puppy. In addition to early purchases such as puppy supplies, training classes, and spaying or neutering, consider ongoing costs such as food, vaccines, annual veterinary care, parasite prevention, grooming, and boarding or day care. Finally, consider pet insurance for help covering unexpected costs such as emergency visits or urgent care.
• Training, Socialization, and Behavior: Early training helps you bond with your puppy and provides them with valuable life skills, confidence, and comfort in new situations. Helping your puppy understand proper behavior can also prevent or reduce bad habits such as chewing, digging, nipping, and jumping. Successful training requires dedication, patience, and consistency so be prepared to devote time and energy to ensure your puppy becomes a well-adjusted companion.
• Pet Allergies and Safety Concerns: Puppies don’t mean any harm, but their presence can affect your family’s health and safety. Before you say “Yes” to the puppy of your dreams, consider any allergic family members or potential health or safety concerns (e.g., exuberant puppies may knock senior family members or small children off balance). Determine how you’ll handle these potential problems before introducing a puppy into your home.

Whether you’re ready for a new puppy or you’re going to spend a little more time researching what’s best for your next best friend, you can be confident that you’re feeding them fresh, customized nutrition with Ollie. Our Meal Plans make it easy to select the foods that fit your pup’s taste and your budget. Take our pup quiz to get started today!

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.

PS: Once the formal introductions are over, get to know your new puppy on a deeper level with Ollie’s Health Screenings. With on-demand convenience and customized feedback, these app-based services help you keep track of your puppy’s health and enjoy expert support and guidance every step of the way.