A dog of your own - yes or no?
The idea of having your own dog is usually associated by most future dog owners with cuddling, playing, fun, and long walks. With a furry foot warmer in bed and someone who can hardly contain their joy when you come home after a stressful day at work.
Many dogs fit this image, but nonetheless, there are a few points that must not be overlooked when it comes to whether a furry friend should soon be part of the family. Dogs need a lot of time and space in addition to cuddles, and they cost money and patience - for their entire dog life.
How much time does a dog need?
If you want a dog in your household, you need time. And this doesn’t mean just a few minutes a day, but several hours - ample and species-appropriate exercise requires at least two hours daily, along with mental stimulation and plenty of cuddles.
If you work eight hours a day, five days a week, and plan to leave your dog completely alone during this time, a dog is not the right pet for you. Dogs are very social animals and need a lot of attention during the day. A job that allows you to take your dog with you or that lasts no longer than 6 hours can usually be well combined with dog ownership.
Perhaps you have acquaintances or family members who can and want to take care of your dog every day while you are at work. However, keep in mind that you would need to clarify in advance how you can involve these people permanently in dog care. Alternatively, dog daycare facilities are also an option.
How expensive is dog ownership?
Dogs cost money. First of all, in the acquisition. However, this is nothing compared to the maintenance costs calculated over a whole dog life: food, accessories, veterinary costs, taxes, and insurance. If you are living paycheck to paycheck, you probably don’t want to have to cut into the rest for a dog.
Depending on the breed you desire, you can calculate what costs you will incur annually, as different costs arise depending on breed, age, susceptibility to diseases, and quality of dog food. Generally, the amount ranges between €400 and €2,500 per year - and for safety, you should always assume you will need to spend more.
Fixed costs such as taxes, insurance, and food costs remain constant, while veterinary costs and expenses for equipment can vary significantly.
How much space does a dog need?
Another question to clarify is whether there is enough space for your future furry friend. Keeping a Labrador or German Shepherd in a one-room apartment is generally not species-appropriate, and it is advisable to consider large breeds only if you live in a larger apartment.
Of course, having a house with a garden is the absolute dream for any dog, but especially in big cities, this is rarely possible. Your apartment should provide not only as much space as possible but also sufficient daylight. Dark apartments are only acceptable for dogs if they can mostly stay outside with you. There should also be enough green space near your apartment where your dog can romp around. If you are out and about with your furry friend all day, a smaller apartment is also fine.
But it also depends on your future four-legged friend: Does he like to sleep and is his favorite spot the sofa? Or does he prefer to use the space as a race track? Activity plays an important role in the question of sufficient space and varies from breed to breed.
The issue with the landlord
If you live in a rental apartment, you will have to ask your landlord for permission before acquiring a four-legged friend. In general, your landlord cannot prohibit dog ownership in your apartment; any clauses in the rental agreement do not apply in general. However, it can be stipulated in the contract that you must obtain your landlord's permission before your furry friend moves in.
When you submit a request to the rental agency, they will review this case on a dog-by-dog basis. If your landlord allows you to have your furry friend in the apartment, you are contractually on the safe side. Certain disruptive factors such as constant barking or significant mess in the hallway and garden can lead the landlord to withdraw their approval. Also, dog hair allergies from other tenants can result in a rejection of dogs in the apartment.
A whole dog life long
You should be aware that when you buy a dog, you have it for its entire life and cannot simply give it up after a few years. (You can, but then we would be very upset with you). This span, during which you must care for your dog, can be 10-15 years, as dogs typically live this long.
With larger plans, such as a job in another country, for example, you must always include your dog and ask yourself: Would this decision also be the best for my dog? A four-legged friend can change your life quite a bit - you then have a new best, loyal friend who always wants to be with you and you must adjust your life to theirs. But it is a life that, from our perspective, is more than worth it.
