10 Things You Should Know Before Getting A Dog | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Things You Should Know Before Getting A Dog

Because a lot of things I know, I learned from my dogs.

135
10 Things You Should Know Before Getting A Dog

Anyone who knows me knows I love my dogs more than life itself, but I would be lying if I said having a dog is easy. While being a dog owner is more than rewarding, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Thankfully for you, if you're thinking about getting a dog, I'm here to give you a little insight into what life with a dog is really like. So here are 10 things you should know before getting a dog!

1. Your patience will constantly be tested

Whether it's due to potty training or your dog just pushing the boundaries from time to time, your patience will be tested not once, not twice, but over and over again.

2. Saving money becomes a bit of a struggle

So you thought you were going to save a little money, huh? Sure, no problem. But first, don't forget to buy the leash, collar, dog food, (endless) dog toys and dog treats, shots, vet appointment costs, flea medication, as well as any and everything else a dog requires.

3. Prepare to say goodbye to some of your favorite items

You know that favorite pair of sandals or tennis shoes you have? Well, just go ahead and get prepared to say goodbye to them. Whether it's shoes, socks, a photo, your favorite chapstick, or your hairbrush, your dog is bound to get ahold of it at some point or another.

4. Dog hair becomes inescapable and unavoidable

It's like a bad dream that never ends. You dust off your nightstand and mop your floors, then you blink and the dog hair has returned. It piles up like leaves outside and after awhile, getting your dog's hair in your mouth will become a normal occurrence.

5. Getting out the door now takes 20 minutes longer

So you think you're going to get somewhere early when you get your dog? Think again. There's literally no such thing as running out the door when you have a dog. You have to make sure your dog is given food and water, has gone potty outside, everything chewable is put out of plain sight, and by the time all is said and done, you've just spent 20 additional minutes trying to leave for a simple Kroger run.

6. Be prepared for anything and everything at all times

Whether it's something small like having to clean up a pile of your dog's throw up or your dog escaping your fence or your dog getting fleas (literally the worst thing ever), you MUST be prepared for anything to happen when it comes to your dog's... especially when your schedule is particularly busy because timing is just so funny like that.

7. The sleep you get becomes sacred

You get into bed at night and you're absolutely exhausted after a long day of school or work, but guess who isn't? Your dog. Whose been sleeping ALL day long. While your pup has dozens of toys to play with, they chose to start playing with them at 6 a.m. or 11 p.m. No kidding, ask any dog owner.

8. Walking into a completely mess-free room looks like a miracle

When you get home from class, work, or errands, be prepared to walk into a landfill of toy stuffing and your couch a wreck. And when you run upstairs to do a quick load of laundry, be prepared that when you come back downstairs, your house might be turned upside down. Dogs are quick, relentless little beings so when you walk into a room that has stayed clean for longer than 30 minutes, it literally is a real-life miracle.

9. Your time spent outside will double

If you hate being outside don't get a dog, just don't. Because if you think you're going to just take your dog outside "really quick", think again. The phrase "really quick" doesn't exist for dogs, especially when it comes to being outside. Your dog will have to sniff every single tree, leaf, and single piece of grass that is outside before even being slightly ready to go inside.

10. Get ready to love something more than you thought was humanly possible

After all the annoying things that can come along with having a dog, they really are the best things ever and you will feel so much love for your little pal. No matter how many times your dog runs into the freshly cleaned house with muddy paws, or chews up your favorite accent pillow, or tests your patience, you should be prepared to love your dog more than anything you ever have before. And the best part is, it will love you even harder right back.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198399
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

19764
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

461561
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28692
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments