Want to adopt a dog but unsure if i can handle it.

Moderator Announcement Read More » Welcome to r/dogs! We are a discussion-based subreddit dedicated to support, inform, and advise dog owners. Do note we are on a short backlog, and all posts require manual review prior to going live. This may mean your post isn't visible for a couple days. This is a carefully moderated sub intended to support, inform, and advise dog owners. Submissions and comments which break the rules will be removed. Review the rules here r/Dogs has four goals: - Help the public better understand dogs - Promote healthy, responsible dog-owner relationships - Encourage “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive” training protocols. Learn more here. - Support adoption as well as ethical and responsible breeding. If you’d like to introduce yourself or discuss smaller topics, please contribute to our Monthly Discussion Hub, pinned at the top. This subreddit has low tolerance for drama. Please be respectful of others, and report antagonistic comments to mods for review. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

Yes, if you go through shelters that have dogs available to "foster to adopt" which is essentially a tryout time for both human and dog.

It’s like having a child who never grows up, the good parts and the bad parts. Going to the store? Where will the dog be while you’re gone? $5 til the end of the week? Dog food comes first. Going on vacation? Where will the dog be? Going to bed? Take the dog outside first. Waking up? Dog needs to go out before you have your coffee. Dogs need training, stimulation, a schedule. If you can’t commit to a lot of work but want a cuddly cozy companion you want a cat.

Then foster first!

I have fostered 35 dogs and now have my own too.

are you able to try dog sitting before committing to adoption? The fact that you are concerned enough to make a post is indicative of your willingness to be a responsible pet owner. Each dog has different needs. You should stay away from high energy dogs and working breeds that require constant attention and training. “low maintenance” dogs won’t need much more than a walk, food, attention, and periodic outings on a daily basis. Worst case scenario, you should be willing to rehome the dog with a great pet parent. So many people will neglect their animals instead of finding a capable owner.

I came here to say exactly this. Foster! That will give you a “test run” on having a dog. And you’ll save lives as well. Win-win

Read up on what being responsible for a dog actually involves, both in terms of raising one and covering all the costs. Ask yourself honestly whether you have the time, money, patience, and willingness to take that on. It may seem simple when you’re sitting alone at home imagining having a dog, but the reality also means going out for walks in awful weather, paying expensive vet bills, or hiring a behaviorist if the dog develops serious problems. You also need to think about what you’ll do with the dog when you want to go on vacation, get sick, work long hours, or simply need a break. A dog can be wonderful company, but it’s a long-term responsibility, not just a solution to feeling lonely.

OP, if you're unsure then don't do it, getting a dog is a big commitment and not something to do if you're not prepared to give 100% to it, it's unfair on the dog.

Sounds like you may have some things to work out first before you get a dog. Either way your social life will improve, I met three of my girlfriends because of my dog. But it’s a burden, to be sure. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t have any regrets about adopting my dog.

Get a cat, much easier and if you get a good one, they are awesome. I’m a dog lover, but miss my cats.

I just did it in January and again in June. My heart is so full and my life with them is so much better But I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss not having pet responsibilities I wish I could go back but love my life now lol

Dogs are a LOT more work than cats, who are also very loving! The fun thing about dogs is you can take them on adventures with you, cats would make a great companion for around the home. If you’re trying to have an enthusiastic buddy to get out of the house and go places, then there’s nothing like a dog to force you to get up off the couch and do something! So it depends on what you’re looking for, beyond just “a pet”

Two cats is also a great option. Cats are pretty cheap to own and so low maintenance but high reward. Take your time to find the nicest ones that you have good chemistry with. Kittens are really no harder than adult cats.

Adopt an older dog from the shelter. I think you will be much happier with a dog. Puppies are really really hard. So at least adopt a dog and not a puppy.

Try fostering

Try fostering a dog first

The fear you're describing is honestly a good sign, it means you're taking the responsibility seriously instead of impulsively grabbing the first cute dog you see. What helped me was fostering first instead of committing straight to adoption, it let me test whether I could actually restructure my routine around another living thing without the full weight of a lifetime decision hanging over the first month. Ended up adopting my foster dog anyway after three weeks because turns out solitary habits bend more easily than you'd think once there's a reason to bend them

Volunteer at a shelter walking dogs. You’ll have a great time, but won’t have to worry if you work late or have to travel.

If you’re unsure, I wouldn’t suggest it. Depending on the dog, they may need a lot of activity daily and if you don’t have time or don’t want to, not a good idea. Are you financially ready for a dog? Some dogs probably are more than others, but vet bills, food, enrichment toys, etc all add up. Our dog goes to the vet and it’s $100-$300 every time depending on what the visit is for. $100/mo on just her regular food even, but she has to have special food for her diet bc of stomach type issues. Plus if you go on vacation you either need someone to watch them or they would have to go with. When we travel, we have a dog sitter watch our dog. It’s $50/day. So if we go on a week long vacation it’s another $350 on top of the vacation price.

Consider an older dog

A dog is a HUGE commitment especially if you live alone. Your life will revolve around taking care of it. Overtime at work, vacations, social life etc will be issues then add the 2 hrs everyday for exercise/feeding/grooming etc. Finally consider the cost of food, insurance etc Think it through thoroughly before committing. I live alone and have dogs however fenced yard and dog door. Foster first if possible. Do not get a pup unless you can be home with it for a few months.

If you think you may regret it, dont do it.

Why don’t you start by fostering instead?

I have two cats and a dog. The cats are way easier to care for. I underestimated how much work a dog would be. That being said, I would do it all over again and I love my dog as if he were my child. I agree with those who suggest fostering. That gives you an out if you feel like it’s not a good fit. You can be helpful while finding the perfect companion for you. I also think dog breed is something to consider. I have a lab and he is big, sheds a lot and is high energy. Certain breeds might be a better fit for your lifestyle. My dog has helped me meet neighbors and get out of the house for exercise.