Everyone should have a dog, don’t you think?
Family dogs make our lives so much brighter!
They are funny and loving; they don’t judge you and they make great friends for your kids.
However, there are some things no one is going to tell you about life with dogs.
They are not scary, but it is essential to know them in order to prepare better for the cute addition to your family.
5 Things No One Tells You About Getting a Family Dog
Training Happens Every Day
Many people believe that once you train a puppy it’s going to be obedient for the rest of its life.
On the contrary, dogs are not static and they will always find new ways to get what they want. Even if they have been properly trained, when they get overly excited they can easily forget everything they have learned.
That’s why you should know that the training will happen over and over again, every single day, and they will have to be reminded of the things they were already taught.
They Smell
Here, we are not only talking about their odor.
If you bathe them regularly, their fur won’t really smell.
However, no one probably told you that their gas can be dangerously smelly. I thought that having two boys was going to be messy, but I was wrong.
When our German Shepherd passed gas for the first time, no one knew where the smell came from. We figured out who did the deed, and it sure wasn’t a pleasant smell.
So, be prepared for some seriously foul flatulence, and yes, it’s coming from your dog.
No More Spontaneous Travels
A family dog entirely depends on you, so your spontaneous travels are not an option anymore.
There will be a lot more planning involved, especially if you want to go on a vacation for a longer period of time.
Luckily, there is a new trend in many cities that makes everything easier. You can leave your house AND dog to the tourists seeking cheap accommodation during their own travels.
I signed us up for house sitting in Brisbane and every tourist that is willing to take care of our house and pet can stay for several days.
You get both a house sitter and a pet sitter while you go on vacation, and they get a cheap place to stay on their own vacation.
They Can Cost You
Spending money on your pet doesn’t stop after the adoption.
Sure, you have to purchase plenty of toys, food, and other gear for the new pup, but the expenses will keep increasing as the dog grows.
There are plenty of shots and visits to the veterinarian that can cost a lot.
Also, you will spend more and more money on food if you have a big breed like we do, and the toys are going to get chewed up pretty fast so you will have to keep buying new ones.
Moreover, since your pet is part of the family, as soon as it gets sick you will do your best to help him get better, and that can cost a pretty penny as well.
They Are Part of the Family
You are going to love your dog more than you expect and you will see that sometimes it needs more attention and care than your own children.
The gentle and trustworthy hearts of dogs will melt your own, and you won’t even be able to get mad at them when they make a mess.
Your children too will adore the furry ball in your home and the dog will truly be a part of your family.
The hardest part will come when your dog gets older and you know your time is running out. You may want to shield your kids from this, but it’s important to make sure they understand that dogs don’t live as long as people so they aren’t blindsided when your dog’s “time” comes.
Having a family dog is a big responsibility since everyone needs to take part in its upbringing. Nevertheless, they can teach us a lot, and they bring fun and happiness to every family.
Can you think of anything that no one told you about having a family dog? Share below!
