Thinking About Getting a Dog? Read This First.

A happy family with their new dog.

Bringing a dog into your life is one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. It’s also a big one. Like, life-altering big.

At Tri-Dog Solutions, we love dogs (obviously), but we love prepared humans even more. Because being realistic on the front end can save you and your future dog a ton of stress, confusion, and heartbreak later.

So before you pick out that perfect puppy or hit “submit” on an adoption application, let’s pause. Take a breath. And walk through the real-life stuff that doesn’t always make it into the highlight reel.

🧠 1. Lifestyle Check: Do You Have the Time?

Training doesn’t stop after puppy kindergarten. Dogs need daily structure, exercise, boundaries, and enrichment—whether they’re 8 weeks or 8 years old.

Ask yourself:

• How much time can I realistically dedicate to walks, training, play, and mental stimulation?

• Am I home enough to support a puppy’s schedule (think: potty breaks every 2–3 hours)?

• What’s my energy level compared to the type of dog I want?

Dogs aren’t furniture—they’re family members. And they need our time just like any other relationship.

💸 2. Let’s Talk Money

Spoiler alert: Dogs aren’t cheap. And that free puppy from your neighbor’s cousin? Yup, it's still going to cost you.

Here's a rough breakdown of what to budget for your dog:

• Vet care (vaccines, annual exams, emergencies)

• Food (quality nutrition matters)

• Training (early investment = long-term success)

• Gear (crate, leash, collar, toys, etc.)

• Boarding/pet sitters if you travel

• Grooming (especially for doodles, poodles, or double coats - this can be $100+ every month!)

And if you’re getting a puppy? Add in expenses like multiple vet visits, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and replacing everything they chew before they grow out of it.

A dog at their monthly grooming appointment

🧬 3. Do Your Breed & Background Homework

Whether you’re adopting or buying, not all dogs are wired the same. Genetics matter. Breed traits matter. And understanding what your dog was bred to do can make or break your training experience.

For example:

• Herding breeds often struggle with reactivity and, are likely to chase children or other pets around the house.

• Guardian breeds may be slower to warm up to strangers and new environments.

• High-drive working lines need a different kind of lifestyle than the average pet home, think training & exercise like a pro athlete.

We’re not here to judge your dream dog, but we are here to help you figure out if that dream matches your day-to-day life.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 4. Family Dynamics: Is Everyone On Board?

It happens more than we’d like to admit: one person is 100% invested, and the rest of the household is... well, not.

Before bringing a dog home, make sure:

• Everyone agrees on expectations and responsibilities

• Kids understand how to respectfully interact with dogs

• There’s a plan for feeding, potty breaks, training, and exercise

• You're not about to enter a major life change (new baby, move, job shift)

Dogs thrive in consistent, low-stress environments. If your home is in transition, now might not be the best time to add a pup to the mix.

🐾 5. Consider Your Other Pets

Adding a new dog into a home with existing pets isn’t always smooth sailing. It can be done well, but it takes planning.

Things to ask:

• How does my current dog react to new dogs in their space?

• Do I have the ability to manage slow, structured introductions?

• Can I safely separate pets if tensions rise?

• Am I ready to advocate for both animals?

Real Talk: Many of our clients come to us because dog #1 is struggling with dog #2. The more prep you do now, the better off everyone will be long term!

🏗️ 6. Are You Ready to Build a Relationship? Not Just add a cute toy to your life?

Dogs aren’t plug-and-play. Even the “easy” ones require ongoing partnership, communication, and trust-building.

Training is less about fixing behaviors and more about building a foundation. That’s where we come in. We help you understand the dog in front of you, build a language together, and create a life where both of you thrive. If you want a dog who looks pretty but don't really want to play, train, or invest in them, maybe get a fish ;)

✅ Quick Checklist Before You Commit:

•  I’ve researched the breed/mix I want

•  I’ve budgeted realistically for dog ownership

•  I have time to train, walk, and engage daily

•  My whole household is on the same page

•  I’ve considered the impact on my other pets

•  I’m ready to commit to this dog for their whole life (sometimes 15+ years)

If you’re nodding your head “yes” across the board, awesome. If not, that’s okay too. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a dog—it just means you might need more prep or a different timeline.

🎯 Final Thoughts: It's Not About Perfect, It’s About Prepared

Getting a dog isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions. And having the right support along the way.

At Tri-Dog Solutions, we specialize in helping new and aspiring dog owners build sustainable, enriching partnerships with their dogs. Whether you’re planning for a puppy, adopting your first rescue, or just feeling overwhelmed—we’ve got your back.

📩 Ready to chat? Reach out here and let’s set you (and your future dog) up for success.