Should I Get A Dog? Pros and Cons

While owning a dog can bring many benefits, it's also important to consider some of the challenges and responsibilities that come with dog ownership.

Pros of Dog Companionship

Dogs love to be social and tend to bond well with humans

Dogs have evolved to live in social groups and have a strong pack instinct. This has made them naturally inclined to form close bonds with their human caregivers, who they perceive as members of their pack. This bonding process can be further strengthened through positive reinforcement training, regular interaction, and providing physical affection and attention. In addition, dogs have a natural drive to please their human companions.

Companionship and sense of purpose.

Dogs make wonderful companions. Taking care of a dog in a sense, helps us to take care of ourselves. Dogs can give humans a sense of purpose. For many dog owners, their pet becomes a central part of their daily routine and a source of comfort, joy, and fulfillment. The time, effort, and attention to care for an animal can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as the dog thrives under our care. For people who may be feeling lonely or isolated, dogs can provide companionship and social interaction.

Entertainment

Dogs are naturally playful and energetic creatures, their enthusiasm for play is contagious. Whether it's playing fetch in the park, going for a walk, or simply roughhousing on the living room floor, playing with a dog can be an enjoyable and stress-relieving activity. Play can build and strengthen the bond between the dog and their human companion.

Mood boosting

Having a dog can reduce a humans stress and anxiety, and help with loneliness. Dogs are known for their enthusiastic and playful personalities, and their ability to bring a smile to the face of even the most stressed and worried person. Their energy and excitement can be contagious and can help to brighten up even the most challenging of days. The physical affection from a dog can help to release endorphins and other "feel-good" chemicals in the human brain and improve overall mood.

Increased fitness

Owning a dog encourages regular exercise for both the dog and the owner. Daily walks, playtime, and active adventures provide opportunities for physical activity. The responsibility of caring for a dog can create exercise accountability and establishes a routine. Check with your veterinarian to determine your dog's specific exercise needs.

Unconditional love

Dogs are well-known for their unconditional love and loyalty to their humans. This means that dogs will love and accept their owners no matter what, without expecting anything in return. Dogs do not judge their owners based on their looks, social status, wealth, or success. Instead, they love their owners simply for who they are, without reservation. This type of unconditional love is rare and can be incredibly healing and supportive, especially for people who may struggle with forming close relationships with others.

Routine builder

Dogs can help you get into a routine. Dogs require regular feeding, exercise, and attention, which can help you to establish a daily routine.

Intelligence

Dogs are intelligent animals and can learn several tricks. The more time and effort that you would like to spend teaching them, the better they will become. Some examples are sit, sit pretty, play dead, roll over, spin, bow, fetch, bark on command.

Conversation starter

Bringing your dog to a park or a doggy friendly establishment can be an instant conversation starter. Dogs are universally liked and most often considered to be friendly and approachable. So many people love dogs and enjoy talking about them, making it a common interest that can bring people together.

Loyal

Dogs are pack animals and view you as their pack leader. Dogs are also very loyal to the humans that feed and shelter them.

Cons of Dog Companionship

Poop

Dogs poop a lot, daily picking up of poop piles is needed. Poop scooping equipment and a dedicated can is helpful to completing this smelly task. Remember that even the best housetrained dogs can have an accident in the house.

Pee

Dogs also need a dedicated spot to pee outside in the grass or a dedicated peeing spot inside that they will have to be trained to use. Again, remember, accidents can happen.

Negative Behavior

You will need to spend time with your dog to properly train and socialize them. If a dog does not receive the proper guidance, training and socialization, they could potentially develop behavioral problems. Problems can include barking, chewing, jumping, digging, separation anxiety, or other inappropriate behaviors. Socialization especially at a young age can help keep dogs safe by teaching them how to react appropriately in new and potentially dangerous situations and to be less fearful of environments.

Demanding

Dogs often seek physical touch and closeness. They may nudge you, paw at you, stare at you, bark, or whine to get your attention. Dogs may follow you around the house, wanting to stay close to your side, even to the restroom. Setting consistent routines, providing mental stimulation, and gradually teaching them to enjoy calm alone time can help foster a healthy balance of attention and independence.

Damage

Some dogs can exhibit negative behavior such as scratching, chewing, or urinating in places that you don't want. This behavior can ruin carpets, rugs, furniture, or other items. Puppies will go through a teething phase during their first year in which they will want to chew on everything and will need constant supervision. Older dogs may display negative behavior out of boredom, separation anxiety, or other. Dog owners need to provide supervision, appropriate training, exercise, attention, and redirection when needed to help prevent this behavior. Patience and consistency will be needed.

Dog sitter

If you go on a vacation, or if you work long hours you will need to arrange for a dog sitter to watch your dog. Dog daycare, dog boarding, or in home dog sitters are an expense that you will need to consider for your budget.

Long-term commitment

Dogs can live on average somewhere between 7-15 years. Some will feel this is a very long time to have to care for an animal, while others may feel that it is not long enough and feel intense grief when the dog passes.

Messy

Dogs can be messy in various ways. They shed fur, drool, leave paw prints, create food messes, bring outdoor debris inside, and may have occasional accidents. Regular grooming, training, and creating dog-friendly spaces can help manage the mess and keep your home clean and enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Health maintenance

Like a human, you will need to take your dog regular health maintenance veterinary visits and help them receive medical care when they are sick or injured. Medical care can be costly.

Noisy

Dogs can be noisy with whining or barking, some dogs bark excessively and would not be well suited for apartment living.

Expensive

Caring for a dog can be expensive with upfront and recurring costs for food, health maintenance, and all the items needed for dog care. For the pet parents who rent, you may need to factor in additional pet rent costs.