Buying a dog is a big decision, so it’s worth considering all the ways they will impact your life.

Now it is time to figure out what type of dog is right for you. First, there are several factors to consider:

What you’re willing or not willing to change for your dog?

Look at the needs of your family and examine your current lifestyle. Consider what adjustments you are willing to make, especially if you have children and/or other pets.

People with allergies, or those preferring low-shedding dogs, might want to look into hypoallergenic dog breeds.

Most importantly, make sure you can allocate enough time to exercise them and give them enough attention.

How much pooch can you handle?

Think about the ideal size, energy level, and age of your new dog. This will help you determine where to look, too.

Just remember that getting a dog means a firm commitment to responsible dog ownership; from feeding to dealing with the bi-product of that – yes, dog poo!

Big dog, big ‘doo’. Now if this part fills you with dread maybe you need to rethink being a doggy parent. Perhaps you can stand such a daily chore if you have an all in one gadget to deal with it. Love a garden gadget? You’ll love The dooup Complete Pet Waste Clearer!

It is a contactless, hygienic garden pooper scooper that effortlessly clears, sanitises, stores, and seals away dog and stray animal waste. Watch it in action

Upfront and ongoing costs

Any new dog or puppy will come with substantial expenses. Spend the extra money on a quality dog from a reputable and professional breeder, not a “backyard breeder.”

It will cost you less in the long run because the dog will be healthier (and it’s the right thing to do). If you like mixed-breed dogs and you want to do your part to help dogs in need, then get your dog from a reputable shelter or rescue group. However, there are plenty of breed-specific rescue groups if you are intent on a purebred.

Adopting from a shelter or rescue can mean a fraction of the cost. Be aware though, that dogs with unknown histories may come with illnesses, so you might need to spend a bit extra on veterinary care, initially.

Regardless of where you get your new dog, find yourself a good vet. Depending on the need for vaccines, preventive medications, and special treatments, that first visit will likely be pricey but a worthy investment. What you pay for this initial service, could save you unnecessary future bills.

Your final but ongoing expense will be the dog supplies, so decide as soon as possible which type of food and accessories you’re willing to buy and how frequently. These include dog food, leashes, collars, beds, toys, and so on.

Plastic bags for picking up dog poo used to be easy to grab for free. Now, with the reduction of plastic bags, it’s not as easy to fill up your pockets. You don’t want to be caught short out in public where your pooch decides to deposit his doo. Not only will you experience some angry looks from passers-by but you’ll be impacting the environment by spreading harmful bacteria and parasites into our waterways and aquatic life. It may seem a bit over the top but it’s true. Better to train your doggy to do his doo at home in the comfort of your own garden so that you can clear effortless with a pooper scooper, as above.

You also need to think about obedience classes and/or training resources.

It’s worth swatting up now with a good free guide. Then, when you are more ‘in the know’, you’ll be able to determine whether physical training is for you and then look into the best local schools.