Over the years, humans and dogs have become an intertwined part of each other’s lives. In fact, dogs are mostly referred to as man’s best friend.

Dogs provide their owners with companionship, unconditional love and emotional support. Because of these benefits, most people see the process of getting a dog an exciting time. But do not underestimate the responsibilities that you’ll be taking on once you bring home one. Here are a few factors you have to consider before owning a dog.

Available space

Before you decide to get a dog, you have to consider how much space you have available. Some dogs require more space than others. Ideally, the larger the dog, the more space is required.

If you live in an apartment or a condominium, a Border Collie will not be appropriate in this environment. A small dog like a Yorkshire Terrier would be a better choice instead.

Children

When trying to decide which dog to get, you have to take into consideration the age and size of a child as well as the age and size of the type of dog you are considering buying.

As a parent, you have to make sure that interaction between the child and the dog will be supervised at all times as accidents do happen. Indoor gates are also helpful in keeping the dog and child separated when they are not being supervised.

Time

Aside from the home considerations, the owner’s time and way of living is an important aspect that requires serious thought.

Taking care of your furry friend requires time. Dogs must be given adequate food and water, requires grooming and must be let outside to live a healthy life. Plus, you have to allot time for play, walking, training and others. If you are too busy with work and other duties, you might want to rethink your plan of owning a dog.

Training

The dog does not know that the yard, not the living room, is the right place to eliminate. As the owner, it is your responsibility to train the dog. This requires a lot of time, a great deal of patience and consistency for it to be successful.