So You Want a Dog? Let’s Talk Fur, Freedom & Fairytales Gone Wrong
Hello, future paw-rent! It’s me — Pickles, your scruffy, biscuit-obsessed guide to all things dog.
Before you start picturing lazy Sundays and perfect walkies in the park, let’s get real for a moment. Puppies might look like bundles of joy, but behind those big eyes and wobbly tummies lurks absolute chaos (the fun kind, promise).
So before you dive head-first into the world of squeaky toys, muddy pawprints and “who chewed this?!” moments, let’s check if you’re really ready for life with a four-legged flatmate.
You can also take the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz
if you’re still deciding who might suit your lifestyle — some dogs are marathons, others are Netflix binges on paws.
1. Time: Puppies Don’t Do Office Hours
If you’ve ever met a toddler with teeth and unlimited energy, congratulations — you’ve met a puppy.
Dogs don’t clock off when you go to work. They need feeding, playtime, naps, cuddles, toilet trips, more cuddles, and probably another toilet trip (right after you’ve mopped up the first one).
If you’re out the door by 7 am and not back until tea time, ask yourself honestly — who’s letting me out for a wee? Dogs can’t hold it all day, and loneliness can quickly turn into chewing, barking or a full-scale sofa-shredding.
Dog walkers and day-care can help, but even that takes planning and pennies. Unless you work from home, have flexible hours, or a kind neighbour, someone needs to be around for toilet breaks, company and fun.
Because trust me, no amount of Netflix cuddles makes up for ten hours of staring at the door.
Pickles’ Top Tip: Puppies nap a lot, but never when it’s convenient. Think “toddler on espresso”, not “lazy Sunday lie-in”.
2. The Money Bit: Dogs Eat More Than Just Kibble
Here’s a fun fact that’ll make your wallet whimper — the average dog costs £20,000 over their lifetime. That’s a car, a few holidays, or roughly one year’s worth of Pret lunches.
Between vet bills, insurance, food, grooming, microchipping (a legal must in the UK), toys, training classes and poo bags that disappear faster than socks in the wash — it adds up.
And if you’ve ever fallen down the rabbit hole of “cute personalised collars” or “matching human and dog pyjamas”, you’ll know the true danger isn’t the vet… it’s Etsy.
It’s not just about affording the basics either. Can you handle the unexpected? That “free” puppy from a friend might one day need a £2,000 cruciate surgery or develop allergies requiring special food.
Pickles’ Top Tip: Sort pet insurance early. It’s not glamorous, but neither is choosing between a vet bill and your rent.
3. Home Sweet (and Hairy) Home
Got cream carpets? A white sofa? Or a garden fence with “great escape” potential? Life with a dog will change your interior design priorities faster than you can say “muddy pawprints”.
Dogs don’t care if you’ve just cleaned. They’ll find the one puddle in the park, dive in it, then bring it straight onto your rug.
Before you bring home your new fluffball, think about:
Is your garden secure?
Is there space for beds, bowls and a toy explosion?
Are your neighbours chill, or the “knocks on your door if the postman sneezes” type?
And remember, not all homes are right for every breed. A Great Dane in a studio flat? That’s basically living with a small horse.
Pickles’ Top Tip: Forget “show-home chic”. Go for “cosy chaos with dog hair highlights”. It’s a lifestyle, not a phase.
4. Walkies: Every. Single. Day.
Rain? Snow? The apocalypse? Doesn’t matter. Dogs still need walkies.
Some pups are happy with a gentle potter; others (looking at you, Spaniels) need miles of zoomies just to warm up.
And there’ll be nights when you’re shattered, it’s raining sideways and your dog’s looking at you like, “So… are we doing this or what?” Spoiler: yes, you are.
Daily exercise keeps your dog happy, healthy and sane. Without it, they’ll get bored — and bored dogs become furry wrecking balls with teeth.
Pickles’ Top Tip: Find walks you enjoy too — forest trails, beach runs, or park sniff-fests. Happy human equals happy hound.
5. Training: The Secret to a Dream Dog
Everyone wants the dog who walks nicely, greets politely and comes when called. But that pooch didn’t pop out pre-programmed.
Training takes patience, repetition, and a pocket full of treats (the stinkier, the better). Every dog has quirks — some bark at hoovers, others chase leaves like they’re life-threatening.
Classes aren’t just for obedience; they’re brilliant for confidence and socialisation. You’ll learn to communicate, your pup learns to listen (eventually), and you’ll both come away feeling rather proud.
Pickles’ Top Tip: Keep training fun. Short, positive sessions beat long, frustrating ones. If either of you gets grumpy, call it a day and have a cuddle.
6. The Reality Check (With Belly Rubs)
So, you’ve ticked all the boxes:
- Time to spare
- Budget for biscuits and vets
- Home ready for fur storms
- Love for walkies in all weathers
- Patience for training chaos
If that’s you — congratulations. You’re ready for the best adventure of your life.
Owning a dog isn’t just about walks and cuddles. It’s about unconditional love, muddy shoes, stolen sandwiches, and a daily reminder that joy hides in the silliest moments.
It’s waking up to a cold nose on your face. It’s a friend who doesn’t care how bad your day’s been. It’s laughter, loyalty and (yes) mountains of poo bags.
Because when you get it right, there’s nothing better.
Pickles’ Top Tip: If you’re still wagging your tail after all this — welcome to the Crazy Dogs Club. Grab your lead, your sense of humour, and maybe a lint roller. You’re going to need it.
Want to Find Your Perfect Match?
Try the Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz
or start short-listing name ideas with the Dog Name Generator
— because once you’ve met your furry soulmate, things get very real, very fast.