Am I Ready for a Dog? The Comprehensive Guide for Future Dog Owners
The decision to bring a dog into your life and home is more than just a desire for a loyal companion—it's a life-changing commitment. Dogs are not a temporary purchase, but family members whose well-being and health are your responsibility for many years to come. Many people dream of owning a dog, but behind the cute puppy photos and walks in the park lie numerous challenges and responsibilities to consider.
So before you let your emotions guide you, you should seriously ask yourself: Am I really ready for a dog? In this guide, you'll find all the important aspects you should consider before getting a dog – from the time and cost involved to the impact on your lifestyle and scientific findings on dog ownership.
Am I ready for a dog? – The big self-test
A dog is a commitment for at least 10 to 16 years, sometimes even longer [1]. To determine whether you are ready to take on this responsibility, you should honestly answer the following questions:
- Are you willing to regularly put your own interests aside for the needs of a dog?
- Do you have several hours of time each day for walks, grooming, training, and mental stimulation?
- Can you regularly offer your dog activities outside of your home or garden?
- Are you able to cover the ongoing costs (food, insurance, veterinarian, supplies, taxes) in the long term?
- Do you have reserves for unexpected veterinary emergencies, which can be very expensive?
- Are all members of your household in agreement with getting a dog?
- Does no one in the household have an animal allergy or can handle it?
- Are any existing animals in the household dog-friendly?
- Are you willing to take on the primary responsibility (and not your children)?
- Does a dog fit into your long-term life plans (e.g., moving, changing jobs, or expanding your family)?
- Is there a reliable caregiver during your absence (vacation, business trips)?
- Can your dog be cared for during your working hours or can it be left alone for a maximum of 4–5 hours [2]?
- Can you take 2–3 weeks of vacation before moving in to make it easier for your dog to settle in?
These questions form the basis for a responsible decision. Dogs are highly social creatures that depend on a stable caregiver and regular care [3].
Responsibility and Time Commitment: What a Dog Means in Everyday Life
Especially in the first few weeks and months, a dog—especially a puppy—requires a great deal of attention. In addition to training and socialization, numerous veterinary visits, familiarization with the new environment, and the development of a stable bond are on the agenda.
Science shows that dog ownership involves a significant time commitment: Daily walks, exercise, grooming, and training often take several hours [4]. Especially with puppies, lack of sleep, chewed-up furniture, and intensive training can shape the first few months.
If you're currently in a phase of life where you're undergoing major professional or personal changes (e.g., moving, changing jobs, separation), it's better to postpone getting a dog until a calmer time. Dogs need a lot of stability and clear structures, especially in the beginning.
Financial Responsibility: Can You Afford a Dog?
The costs of owning a dog are often underestimated. In addition to the initial purchase price (e.g., from a breeder, animal shelter, or animal welfare organization), there are monthly expenses for food, accessories, insurance, dog tax, regular vet visits, and preventative checkups. Unexpected veterinary costs, such as those caused by accidents or illnesses, can quickly amount to several thousand euros [5].
- Food: €30–80 per month (depending on size and quality)
- Liability insurance: €5–10 per month (mandatory in many federal states)
- Dog tax: €30–200 per year (depending on the municipality)
- Veterinarian (routine): €100–300 per year
- Unforeseen veterinary costs: several hundred to thousands of euros possible
- Other expenses: Dog training, toys, dog bed, leash, harness, transport box, grooming items, etc.
You can find a detailed overview in our article: How much does a dog cost? An overview with sample calculations.
Tip: Pet health insurance can be useful to protect you from high unexpected costs [6].
Puppy or adult dog: Which fits your lifestyle?
Puppies: An Intensive Start to Dog Life
Puppies are curious, playful, and cute – but they challenge you around the clock. They need consistent training, patience, and plenty of time. The first few months often bring sleepless nights, accidents in the house, ruined shoes, and intensive socialization phases [7]. Scientific studies show that the first months of life are crucial for the development of a balanced and sociable dog [8].
- Puppies need to go outside every 2–3 hours
- Short separation often leads to stress
- Constant supervision and training necessary
- Increased veterinary costs (vaccinations, deworming, basic examinations)
Adult and senior dogs: Relaxed companions with a history
Adult dogs are usually already house-trained and often have some basic training. However, dogs from animal shelters or rescue organizations, in particular, can have a turbulent past and sometimes require special care, patience, and training to settle in. Older dogs are often calmer and require less exercise, but can present health challenges [9].
- Often integrated into everyday life more quickly
- Require less training than puppies
- Sometimes they have special needs due to pre-existing conditions or trauma
You can find out more about this in our article: Puppy or older dog: Which is right for me?
Life planning and dogs: Think long-term!
Dogs live an average of 10–16 years [1]. Therefore, think carefully about how your future living conditions might develop. Are you planning a move, a job change, an expansion of your family, or an extended stay abroad? All of these factors influence your ability to adequately care for a dog.
- All household members must agree to owning a dog.
- If you have allergies in the household: Learn about hypoallergenic dog breeds. [More about dogs for allergy sufferers]
- Dog care must be provided in case of emergency (vacation, illness, work appointments).
Ensure that you can care for your dog even during difficult times in your life. Ideally, you have a social network or a dog boarding facility as a backup solution.
Importance of Dog Ownership for Humans and Animals
Science shows that dogs can increase the well-being of their owners, reduce stress, and promote social bonds [10]. However, these positive effects are only achieved if the dog's needs are consistently met. Neglect, excessive demands, or a lack of socialization, on the other hand, lead to behavioral problems and can place a great strain on the human-dog team [11].
A dog is not a toy, but a sentient being with its own needs, emotions, and rights. It deserves respect, care, and a stable environment.
Conclusion: Are You Ready for a Dog?
The decision to get a dog should never be made spontaneously or lightly. It requires honest self-reflection and long-term planning. If, after careful consideration, you can meet all the requirements and are willing to take on the responsibility, nothing stands in the way of happiness with a four-legged companion.
If you're still unsure, take your time. There's no shame in postponing the decision—on the contrary, it shows responsibility toward yourself and the potential dog.
Do you still have questions?
At HonestDog, we're happy to support you with personalized advice, articles, and checklists to help you create the perfect foundation for a happy life together with your future dog.
Sources and Further Reading
- German Animal Welfare Association (2023): Dogs – Lifespan and Responsibility. Link
- RSPCA (2022): How long can you leave a dog alone? Link
- Jensen, P. (2017): The Behavioral Biology of Dogs. CABI Publishing.
- Westgarth, C., et al. (2019): Dog Owners’ Perceptions of Physical Activity Requirements. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Link
- Federal Association of Practicing Veterinarians (bpt): Veterinary Costs and Pet Ownership. Link
- Stiftung Warentest (2023): Pet Health Insurance for Dogs. Link
- Pfaffenberger, C. J. (1963): The New Knowledge of Dog Behavior. Howell Book House.
- Serpell, J. A., Duffy, D. L. (2014): Dog Breeds and Their Behavior. In: The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behavior and Interactions with People, 2nd Edition.
- Rayment, D. J. et al. (2015): Behavioral and physiological differences between adult and older dogs. Applied Animal Behavior Science, 171, 53-62.
- Gee, N.R., et al. (2017): The Power of Support from Companion Animals for People Living with Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review. BMC Psychiatry. Link
- Herron, M. E., Shreyer, T. (2014): Behavioral and Welfare Concerns Associated with Long-Term Sheltering of Dogs and Cats. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 17(4), 319-323.