A dog is a loyal companion and is considered man’s best friend for a reason. If you want to have a dog, you should keep a few things in mind. Unfortunately, many do not get enough information before purchasing a dog and, as a result, many four-legged friends end up in the animal shelter Dog Board & Train.

Buying dogs should be well thought out and you should be sure you are ready for a four-legged companion. Here you can find everything about dogs and get useful tips for before and after the purchase!

Having a dog: tips before buying

Are the general conditions correct for the dog?
The first question you should ask yourself before buying a dog for the first time is whether the framework conditions allow you to have a dog. Before purchasing a dog, you and your family should get yourself and your family tested for allergies, against dog hair. Because otherwise the animal’s joy can quickly come to an abrupt end. If you can rule out allergies, it’s especially important to consider how much time you can spend with your dog.

The most important thing for every dog ​​is enough exercise and you have to take the time to walk it daily. Above all, your overall life situation plays an important role. A dog and a full-time job are not easy to combine, unless you can take your four-legged friend to work or have someone watch him during the day. Depending on the size of the dog, you need enough space for him to move freely. If you live in a rented apartment, you should talk to the landlord in advance about owning a dog.

Even if you meet all the requirements for a dog, it should not be a frivolous or spontaneous acquisition. Depending on the breed, you bond with the dog for 8 to 18 years and should offer it a beautiful, dog-friendly life. Going for walks regularly, even several times a day, is in the plan with a dog in any weather. The dog’s food bowls and bed should be cleaned and you should have enough time for grooming and activities. Dog breeding should not be taken lightly either. Before buying a dog, you should keep in mind that you are assuming a responsibility from which you cannot take a break. Anyone who decides to live with a dog and takes on the task with a lot of love and passion will receive endless love and loyalty from their faithful companion.

Puppy or adult dog?
Many people choose to have a puppy as their first dog. The little dogs not only look cute, but they also romp around the world in an innocent and curious way. They want to explore their environment and have to learn a lot from their owners. You can accompany the puppy from eight to ten weeks of age and observe its development.

However, having a young dog also means even more responsibility. He needs a lot of attention and can hardly be left alone at first. Inconsistent parenting can have fatal consequences. The time a puppy is receptive is short and you must take advantage of every second. They like to play wild and wild, although something may break in the apartment.

With a puppy from the breeder, you get a still untrained dog, which you can watch as it grows. Unspoiled is understood to mean that the four-legged friend has not yet experienced anything bad, unlike many animal shelter animals.

An adult dog from an animal shelter or private owners may have the advantage of being a little calmer and more relaxed. Ideally, he has mastered the basic rules of coexistence and can be left alone for a few hours. Their character is pronounced and you can quickly see if you are a good catch or not. Older dogs can also be taught new commands or tricks and usually know more quickly what you are asking of them.

Animal shelter dog: with love and patience as a loyal companion
Unfortunately, adult dogs are not always so lucky. Coexistence can be difficult if the dog has had bad experiences or has been raised without love. For many novice dogs, these so-called «problem dogs» can hardly be trained without the help of a trainer.

However, there are so many different dogs in animal shelters eagerly awaiting a new home, so there is a suitable dog for everyone. With a lot of love and patience, even a stamped animal shelter dog can become a great companion. In any case, one thing is for sure: he will thank you and let you feel it too.

What breed is right for me?
If you want to have a dog, you need to think about the right breed of dog. Worldwide, 346 different breeds are recognized by the FCI (The Fédération Cynologique Internationale). So you have many options. Of course, the breed of dog only says something about the character to a certain extent and each dog is individual in nature. Broadly speaking, however, it can be said that some dogs are better suited to beginners and others are worse. Dogs with the so-called “desire to please” such as the Golden Retriever, the Labrador Retriever or the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are especially suitable for dog owners without experience. Also the Bichon Frize, the Pugo and the Bullmastiff are good beginner dogs.

training the dog
Anyone who wants to have a dog must be willing to train it. Only with constant but loving education will the four-legged friend become a good and pleasant companion for everyday life. Dog training can be a complicated business and each dog has its own unique characteristics. One of them pulls like crazy on the leash, the next has a marked hunting instinct and another prefers to bite his new shoes. The most important thing when raising your new arrival is to start from day one. Don’t miss out on anything from the beginning that your four-legged friend can’t do later. Once learned, behaviors are difficult to eliminate.

Dogs learn best with positive reinforcement, for which, for example, small treats or favorite toys are suitable. Experienced dog owners can try professional clicker training. Exercise is particularly important for dog training, because nothing is worse than a bored or under-challenged dog.

Basic equipment for the dog
What do I need for my dog?

Before bringing a dog into your home, you need to get the right accessories. A solid basic dog kit initially includes a small selection of food and water bowls. In order for you to fill the bowl with something, you need to choose a balanced dog food. Some breeders give their puppies a starter pack with food they are familiar with, so getting used to them isn’t too difficult.

To sleep and rest, your four-legged friend needs a comfortable dog bed that adapts to his size. A collar or harness and leash are essential for daily walks. If you pick up your new darling by car, you should get a safe one. Have a carrier box or dog seat belt. For a happy dog’s life, you also need tasty treats, bones to chew, sturdy toys, and some grooming tools.

How much does it cost to have a dog?
The most expensive part of owning a dog is initially purchasing the four-legged friend. The cost depends on where you get your dog. For an adult dog or puppy from the shelter, you usually have to have a small nominal fee to pay from 100 to 300 euros or dollars, so breeds or dogs especially rare ones can be even more expensive to breed. Added to this are the costs of the initial equipment, which can vary greatly depending on the quality or brand of the accessories. Approximately, you can expect costs of 100 to 300 euros for the basic equipment.loresprice ranges between 500 and a good 2000 euros or dollars. For a purebred dog from the breeder, the price can be much higher. The

Once the dog has moved in with you, you will have to pay the running costs. In addition to dog food, you should also regularly purchase wear parts such as toys or poop bags. You should plan around 150 to 200 euros or more for annual veterinary costs. So with regular costs you come to around €1000 0$ per year.

living with dogs
As you can imagine, a dog causes big changes. The entire daily routine should revolve around the needs of the animal and it comes first. Suddenly you have a great responsibility for another living being and you have to take care of it.

However, living with a dog has many positive aspects. There’s nothing like coming home after a busy day and being greeted with a cheerful wagging tail. You have your four-legged friend around you who supports you in every situation. A dog is the best therapist when you feel bad because he always listens.

The playful and inexperienced nature of the dog automatically makes you happier and more balanced. In addition, by walking outdoors every day, his lifestyle will be healthier. You will meet many like-minded people and make new friends. If you want to own a dog and have the opportunity, you should definitely not miss this experience!