Thinking About Getting a Dog? Read This First.
- busy-pawz
- Apr 15
- 5 min read
Bringing a dog into your home is one of life’s most beautiful experiences… but it’s also a big deal. A dog can be your shadow, your best friend, your family’s heartbeat and sometimes, your greatest teacher. But before you race off to meet the first puppy that pops up on Gumtree (please don’t do that 🙈), it’s worth slowing down and asking a few honest questions.
Because when it’s done right, life with a dog is incredible. But when it’s rushed or misaligned? It can become overwhelming - for both you and the dog.
So if you’re in the “should we get a dog?” phase, take a breath—and read this first.
Why Do You Want a Dog?
Let’s start here: what’s the real reason you’re thinking about getting a dog? Maybe the kids have been asking for months, or you’re craving companionship, or you’ve just always been a “dog person.” All of those are valid reasons. But the more honest you are with yourself at this stage, the easier it’ll be to choose a dog that actually fits your life.
And if your “why” is to give your current dog a friend - pause and really consider whether they actually want a friend. Some dogs genuinely enjoy the quiet life as an only dog. Adding a second dog to the mix can shift dynamics, create stress, or lead to tension that wasn’t there before. The whole household (your current dog included!) needs to be on board.
Also- and I say this with love - getting a second dog to fix the first one’s behaviour is never a good idea. More often than not, you just end up with two dogs with the same behaviour issues ... and double the work.
When you’re clear on your why, it becomes your compass. It helps you choose a breed, an age, a temperament… and most importantly, it reminds you of your purpose on the hard days.
What’s Your Life Like Right Now?
Everyone’s a good dog parent in theory. But how much time and energy do you have in reality?
Are you working full-time? Juggling school drop-offs, sports, and dinner prep? Do you enjoy calm mornings or is your household a whirlwind of chaos by 7am?
Dogs don’t just need love - they need structure, enrichment, calmness, and connection. And they also need to fit into your life - not turn it completely upside down.
And here’s something many people miss: if you already have very energetic kids, you probably don’t want a “high-energy” dog. Dogs that appear full of beans often lack self-regulation. Add a bunch of excited children into the mix and … boom. You’ve got a household that’s overstimulated, chaotic, and far from harmonious.
Puppy Love or Grown-Up Goodness?
Ahh, puppies. They’re tiny, wiggly, irresistible little sleep thieves. But they’re also a full-time job - especially in those first few months. We’re talking toilet training, chewing, sleepless nights, and a steep learning curve for everyone involved.
Adult dogs, on the other hand, often come with a few life skills already in place. They’re usually a little more settled, and you get a clearer idea of their personality from the get-go.
Also… a little word of caution if you’re thinking of getting two puppies at the same time (even if they’re not from the same litter): it’s worth thinking very carefully before you go down that road.
Raising two pups of the same age can increase the risk of littermate syndrome - a behavioural pattern where the puppies become overly bonded to each other and struggle to develop healthy independence. It can lead to issues like separation anxiety, difficulty learning, poor social skills with other dogs, and even sibling aggression or fighting.
That doesn’t mean it can’t work but it does mean a lot more time, management, and intentional training. In most cases, I recommend getting one pup, giving them time to grow into themselves, and then (when they’re settled and confident) choosing a second dog whose personality complements theirs.
Breeder, Rescue, or Something In Between?
This is where things get personal. There’s no perfect answer, only the path that feels most aligned with your values and capacity.
A good breeder puts the health, temperament, and socialisation of their dogs first. They’ll ask you questions (lots of them!) and support you well beyond pick-up day. But a good breeder can be hard to find and the backyard ones are unfortunately everywhere.
Rescue dogs can be some of the most beautiful souls you’ll ever meet. They may come with a little extra “life experience,” but with the right support, many thrive in loving homes. Just make sure you choose a reputable rescue that supports both you and the dog.
Choose for Personality, Not Just Looks
That malinois doing tricks on Instagram? Stunning, yes but those results took hours of daily training and structure. Without a job, this breed can easily become overwhelmed or destructive.
Kelpies are bred to notice every little thing out of place and when left in a backyard with no outlet, they’ll make their own fun. Think fence-jumping, hole-digging, and constant barking.
On the flip side, greyhounds may look like they need hours of exercise, but most are actually world-class couch potatoes - calm, quiet, and perfect for laid-back homes.
While every dog is an individual, breed traits exist for a reason. Be honest with yourself: do you want to adapt your life to your dog, or choose a dog that fits your life?
What Happens When Life Doesn’t Go to Plan?
It’s easy to think about all the lovely parts of dog ownership—walks, cuddles, and beach trips. But what about the less obvious stuff?
What happens when you go away - do you have someone reliable to care for your dog? If you get sick or injured, who’s your backup? Can you afford emergency vet care if your dog eats something they shouldn’t at 9pm on a Sunday night?
If you’re renting, would you be able to find pet-friendly housing if you had to move? It’s these behind-the-scenes details that can make or break your ability to give a dog the stability they deserve.
Dogs thrive in calm, consistent environments. Planning ahead for the what ifs is one of the kindest things you can do.
When It Works… It’s Magic
If you’ve made it through all these considerations and still feel that yes! in your heart ... then go for it. Dogs are amazing. Messy, silly, endlessly loving, and full of personality. I could not imagine my life without my dogs.
Bringing a dog into your life isn’t about perfection though - it’s about connection. And no matter how prepared you are, things might not go exactly to plan. That’s normal. That’s why dog trainers like me exist!
Whether it’s toilet training woes, barking at the neighbours, or just that overwhelming 'am I doing this right?' feeling, asking for help is never a sign of failure. It’s actually one of the best things you can do for your dog… and for yourself.
Thanks so much for reading! Whether you're still in the dreaming phase or already scanning rescue pages, I hope this gave you some clarity and confidence for the journey ahead. Bringing a dog into your life is a big step—but it can also be one of the most rewarding.
And don’t forget to throw your (future) dog a treat from all of us 🐶
Deb & the Busy Pawz Crew
P.S. Want to dive deeper into this topic?
🎧 une into the latest episode of the Busy Pawz podcast, where I chat more about choosing the right dog for your life, not just the cutest one!
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