The Hardest Thing About Dog Ownership You Should Know

While everyone talks about the joys of having a dog, few mention the challenges of owning one. Sure, you'll enjoy cuddles on the bed, but prepare for lost socks and chewed shoes. Your heart will ache when your furry friend is in the hospital. If you're not financially stable, treating a sick dog can be a significant expense.

Training your dog is challenging

Forget what movies suggest. Most dogs don't follow commands easily. You'll likely have a puppy that barks and runs around, chewing on everything. Be ready to teach your puppy repeatedly. It's difficult to instill the rules of human society in dogs. They don't understand English or any human language, requiring substantial effort to train them on how to behave in a human home.

Dogs are like children

Your struggles won't end after training your dog. They will continue to surprise you with frequent mistakes. It's common to come home to an overturned container or a broken porcelain cup. Dogs have the mentality of a three-year-old child throughout their lives and will always find something to destroy. There's not much you can do to prevent this.

Prepare to be constantly tired

If you love sleep, be ready to stay awake more often. Your dog will act as your alarm, waking you at odd hours for a walk, bathroom break, or meal. Dogs don't care about the time; they'll wake you whenever they want. In short, owning a dog can be exhausting. Prepare for multiple feedings and walks daily. Dogs need regular baths, grooming, and nail trims. You'll need to train your dog and brush its teeth, making numerous trips to the pet store. While these tasks are enjoyable and make dog ownership a wonderful experience, they are also time-consuming and tiring. Owning a dog requires adjusting to a new routine. You'll need to wake up earlier for work, allowing at least 20 extra minutes to get ready in the morning. You can't ignore your dog as it will persistently demand attention until you fulfill its needs.