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.
