Dogs are often called man's best friend. It is therefore no great surprise that many people would like to have a dog. Before acquiring your own dog, however, there are a few things you need to check first:
Am I permitted to keep a dog in my flat or house?
Do not forget to first check with your landlord or the management whether you are allowed to keep a dog. Ask for a written confirmation. Keeping a pet is not permitted in many rental flats.
Do I have enough space and time for a dog?
Dogs take up a lot of your time. However, the different breeds have rather varying needs. Some dogs require much more exercise than others and therefore are more time-consuming. As dogs naturally live in packs, they do not like to be alone for too long. You should therefore carefully consider if you have enough time before you get a dog. Another important question is who is going to look after your pet if it falls ill or when you go on holiday. Space is another important matter. For instance, a dog should be able to withdraw to a quiet space when it needs it. Furthermore, it would be a great advantage if it had direct access to the garden.
Can I afford a dog?
People often underestimate the cost of a dog. There are, of course, differences among the breeds. A smaller dog is less expensive than a large one. A medium-sized dog with a life expectancy of 15 years can cost up to 24,000 francs (not including the purchase price).
The following costs have to be anticipated:
Vet bills
Cost of a chip
Neutering/spaying
Mandatory course for dog owners (depending on canton)
Obedience school
Leashes and collars
Bed
Care products and dog groomer
Toys
Food, treats and feeding dishes
Dog tax
Vaccination and parasite prevention
Liability insurance
The purchase price is another matter of expense. It varies depending on the dog's age and on whether you buy a purebred dog from a breeder or a shelter dog.
What breed suits me and my lifestyle?
There are great differences among the breeds. They not only vary in terms of size, length of coat and need for exercise, but also with regard to their character and requirements. It is therefore essential to get a good idea of the desired breed and ask for advice from a specialist (breeder, dog trainer or shelter staff). You should not choose a dog by its appearance, but rather by its character and temperament. A Husky, which loves to run a lot, will never be happy living in a small flat with an owner who dislikes all kind of exercise. Not every breed is suitable for families with children, either. It is therefore essential that you take your own lifestyle and personal circumstances into consideration when choosing a breed. Certain dog breeds are banned in some cantons. You can obtain more information on the subject from animal welfare. Make sure that nobody in your household is allergic to dog hair.
Do I want to get a puppy or a grown dog?
Dog puppies are adorable, but they also require a lot of work. They need much more attention than a grown dog. A puppy has a lot to learn and first of all needs to be house-trained. Your home must be made "puppy-proof" and things are quite likely to get broken or ripped to pieces. It takes plenty of time and patience to teach a young dog what it may or may not do. Watching an animal grow up is fulfilling, but it should not be taken lightly. Fully grown dogs have usually had obedience training and are house-trained. They no longer require watching around the clock. As you can see, there are certain benefits to getting a fully grown dog.