At the end of freshman year, I was so puppy hungry that I almost stole dogs from the park. My best friend was also ready for a dog. We planned to move in together the following fall semester and decided I would buy the dog, but she would be equally invested. She never came back from going home for the summer and my puppy responsibility went from 50% to 100%. There has been many times where I thought I wouldn’t be able to take on this challenge, but the rewards over powered the chewed up underwear.
I love Kovu, my dog, unconditionally and I needed that aspect of devotion in my life. He makes me smile when tears are streaming down my face. He warms my toes when they are cold and he barks at the creepy guys we see while walking downtown. The positivity that comes from being a dog owner is incredible but I wish I had known a few key things.
Family and friend support is key.
When you get a new puppy everyone will offer to be a puppy sitter including your ex, strangers, co-workers and your second cousin twice removed. Take up the offer from the people you trust who are dog lovers. Begin by having your dog play with them while you are around. Let your dog cuddle with them and have your (insert dog lover here) give your dog treats followed by simple commands. That way when you do need a sitter you know your dog will obey and respect this person. I have four friends I can call in a time of need but most importantly, I would not be able to have Kovu if it wasn’t for my parents and sister. If your family is against you getting a dog maybe put it off for a little while because you will definitely need their help.
Your friends might not like your dog, which makes life really hard.
My sweet pup loves attention and most find him adorable except for two of my best friends. I get defensive when they make rude comments about him. It has put a dent in our friendship. I hate having to stress out about how he is behaving around them and even though their apartment allows animals, they don’t want him there. Resulting in me staying home.
Even though the puppy is cute, be mindful to what breed matches you.
I love my mini Australian shepherd. He is so soft and has really low hygiene maintenance; he is the most loving, loyal cuddly boy and the perfect size. I’m going to be honest and say he has extremely high energy. Every dog’s personality is unique but their breed will play a huge role into how they act. I enjoy going to the park for an hour everyday, but that isn’t for everyone.
Puppy classes are most effective around six months.
I was so excited to get a puppy that I enrolled him right at twelve weeks. He was too young and once he grew up, he cared less about what he learned and I had to become sterner. If I enrolled him at his peak of wanting to learn, it would have been a better experience for both of us. Although do take advantage of “puppy playtime” at Petco or PetSmart.
Kong’s, rawhide bones, Chuck it’s and puzzles.
Spoiling your dog is the absolute best. There are a lot of options and I have gone through some not so great toys and ones Kovu won’t go to sleep without. Stuffed toys are destroyed within a couple of days and fluff gets everywhere. Any Kong toy is amazing because they are durable toys that in cooperate a game and treats. A chuck it is a ball thrower that will help you throw further and you don’t have to touch the slobbery ball. Thick rawhide bones are the same as a binky and are lifesavers when guests are over. Puzzles are great for dogs to exercise their brains plus it will help wear them out.
Your room needs to remain clean.
They chew what is closest to your skin because it smells like you. Which means bras, underwear, pants and socks. They also love to chew in general so the more organized you stay the less you will need to replace.
It is really hard to find a place to rent that allows animals.
It’s pretty annoying how hard renting is with animals. If you have any medical condition or suffer from any mental health issue, a dog is an incredible form of therapy. Make sure to receive a note from your doctor and it will make renting a little easier.
Dog instead of boyfriend really means dog instead of a boyfriend.
Puppies depend on their owners, to them its “you and I against the world.” Eventually there will be three in the picture and you want your dog to think its “you, boy and I against the world.” Since I am a female who owns a male dog, Kovu reacts to the different guys I bring home. He becomes confused when they give him commands and has learned men give him treats. (Idk boys think it impresses you) When the date is a dog friendly activity you obviously want to bring your fluff friend with. I suggest not doing this until you are comfortable with the guy and he understands that your dog is going to get 60-100% of your attention. If it wasn’t for Kovu I wouldn’t be in the relationship I am now but for our first few dates I didn’t bring him around.
Kong’s, rawhide bones, Chuck it’s and puzzles.
Spoiling your dog is the absolute best. There are a lot of options and I have gone through some not so great toys and ones Kovu wont go to sleep without. Stuffed toys are destroyed within a couple of days and fluff gets everywhere. Any Kong toy is amazing because they are durable toys that in cooperate a game and treats. A chuck it is a ball thrower that will help you throw further and you don’t have to touch the slobbery ball. Thick rawhide bones are the same as a binky and are lifesavers when guests are over. Puzzles are great for dogs to exercise their brains plus it will help wear them out.
Traveling is difficult.
Traveling is difficult because you miss your dog. I spent six months living in Hawaii and leaving Kovu was the most difficult part about it. Any travel opportunity I am able to take I will, it is just who I am but any trip that Kovu can come on is preferred. Whenever I am away I do take a little worry is my dog is okay? with me.
You will be called “mom.”
Some people don’t mind or even love being referred to as mom by their animals. I am twenty and do not want to be called mom for another ten years, but here and there I get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing I am Kovu’s “mama.”