Dogs are wonderful companions that bring joy to their families.

Owning a dog can help people to:

• be more active

• feel less lonely

• socialise more

• find a sense of purpose.

Before you bring a dog into your family, there are a few things to consider. Here are a few points that people don’t often talk about:

Each dog has a different personality

You may have expected that your new pup will love fetch and swimming. But then find they prefer tug and digging instead.

Spend some time getting to know your dog. Discovering their personality and temperament can be rewarding. Their genetics and history can inform how they react to different people, toys and other animals. Breed can also play a part in their temperament.

It can take three months for your dog to adjust to their new environment

Moving into a new home can be stressful for a dog. This is common for dogs who have come from a noisy shelter environment.

In the first three days, your dog will be decompressing. They may seem scared or unsure. During this time, you might not see their ‘true’ personality.

After three weeks, your pup will start settling in. Their personality will start to show as they get more comfortable. After three months it's likely that your dog will be comfortable and trust you. It’s important to take this time with them and not try to rush them

You will always need to care for your dog – even on your hardest days

Taking your dog on a walk on a beautiful Sunday is wonderful, but not every day will be easy.

Remember that dogs still need to go for a walk even when you don’t feel like it. Your dog will still need to be looked after when you’re feeling sick, sad or stressed. Consider if you need a support system to help you look after your pet on difficult days.

Owning a dog will change the way your home looks

When you have a dog, your floor may always have a few toys strewn about. There may also be stray pieces of dog food and dog hair on it.

You may also need to change the way you decorate your home. This is to keep fragile items out of your dog’s reach. You should also consider if you are ready to clean up after your dog potentially having toileting accidents inside.

Your social life will look a bit different

Most dogs can be left alone for hours at a time. There are also pet-friendly venues around Canberra.

Even so, you should prepare for times where you need to leave an event early to be with your dog.

There may also be times where your pet is unwell. You may need to miss social occasions to care for them. Consider if these are sacrifices you are willing to make for your pet.

Travelling can be more challenging

Looking for dog-friendly accommodation while traveling can be difficult and expensive. It can also be hard to find someone to look after your pet if you plan on leaving them at home.

Before getting a dog, ask friends or family if they would be willing to look after your pet while you travel. You can also check out the costs of pet-boarding or pet-sitters. It’s important to be aware of these potential costs before getting a dog.

Dogs cost money

In addition to buying dog food, toys, and other treats, in the ACT, owners must register, microchip, de-sex their dog which costs money.  There are also licences and permits you may need to obtain if you wish to breed your dog or if there are 4 or more dogs living at your residence.

Dogs also need regular check-ups and vaccinations to keep them happy and healthy. Dogs can also have accidents from time-to-time which need to be seen to by a veterinarian, often at short notice. Consider whether you can financially look after a dog to give it the best life possible.

Moving your pet interstate and overseas can be costly

Most Australian airlines will not allow pets in the cabin. You might want to consider if you’re comfortable with your pet in the cargo hold, or if you’re comfortable driving interstate with your pet.

If an international move is on the cards during your pets’ lifespan, you need to factor in the extra cost of bringing them. Moving your pet internationally can be costly.

Having realistic expectations of what having a dog looks like is important for making informed decisions. A common reason for dogs being surrendered is because owners weren’t aware of the challenges of pet ownership.

Carefully consider if you’re prepared to make some sacrifices for the well-being of your pet.