Are you planning to bring a furry buddy home? Then this article is the perfect place for you to start.
Sharing your life with a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. For many, the moment they lock eyes with their future pet is nothing short of magical—it’s the instant they decide to welcome a new companion into their lives. But bringing a dog home is not as straightforward as many of us think it is.
Much like raising a child, raising a dog demands time, energy, and unwavering dedication, among other things. It’s not just about providing them with food and shelter; it’s more about understanding their needs and nurturing an environment that suits them. Now, you might ask, how do I know if I’m ready?
To help answer this question, HFM decided to interview Atul Kuduk, a dog behaviourist at VivaK9, with whom we talked about the few things every future pet parent should know before bringing a dog home. So, without further delay, let’s dive into the essentials of responsible pet parenting.
Understanding the Commitment
Before understanding a dog, we need to ask ourselves why we want a dog in the first place; at least, this is what Atul believes in. Hence, whenever he receives a call, he asks the caller this one simple question – why do you want a dog? He explains, “Most calls I get are from first-time dog owners, and it’s important to understand their purpose. Some want a guard dog, some seek companionship, while others simply follow a trend or receive a dog as a gift.”
One thing that every dog parent needs to understand is that bringing a dog home is a long-term commitment. Becoming a pet parent cannot be a temporary or impulsive decision. For Atul, dogs are not like machines that can be replaced or discarded later; they are “living beings that need time, care, and responsibility.”
Many people fear the expense of bringing a dog home. But Atul believes that time and responsibility are far greater concerns. “If you don’t take responsibility, the dog will. And when that happens, they start behaving instinctively—running wildly, taking food from anywhere, barking excessively.” Being prepared is essential to ensure a harmonious life with your future pet.
Choosing the right dog
Now that you have answered the question of why you want a dog, it becomes important to understand what kind of dog would suit your lifestyle. Unless you have decided to adopt a stray or have been gifted a puppy, you need to consult a behaviourist who can help you choose the right buddy who matches your energy, quite literally!
Atul says that a potential pet parent should understand their energy first instead of focusing on the breeds. “People assume that a German Shepherd will always be active and a Beagle will be calm, but that’s not true. You can find a low-energy German Shepherd who is laid-back or a hyperactive Labrador who needs constant engagement.”
Dogs fall into three energy categories: low, moderate, and high. To ensure your dog matches your energy, Atul recommends consulting a professional who can assess your lifestyle and suggest a dog accordingly.
Having understood how energy levels work in dogs, it becomes crucial to perform health and behavioural checks before adoption or purchase. This is a necessary step because people today bring home puppies that are too young. Atul would advise bringing home puppies after 2-3 months. By this time, they are naturally separated from their mother and have learnt the corrections required to live in a pact.
But in today’s time, “People often bring home puppies too young—sometimes just 45 days old—which can lead to health and other issues. Always check if the dog has received vaccinations, deworming, and proper nutrition.” Atul further advises people adopting older dogs to also check for behavioural history: “A 4–5-month-old dog might already show signs of food insecurity, trust issues, or noise sensitivity. Understanding these signs early can prevent future challenges.”
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Dog
Just like you prepare your home for the arrival of a human child, your house needs to be dog-proofed as well. The most important things to remember are that you need to remove hazards, create safe spaces, and establish routines. However, this is where the similarities must end. Your dog is not a human, and you must stop treating it like one; otherwise, it can cause behavioural issues.
“Many families make the mistake of raising their dogs like humans so they feel included, but this only confuses the dog,” says Atul Kuduk. “Instead, we must understand their world and treat them like dogs.”
Atul has listed a few key aspects that everyone needs to adhere to in order to have a hassle-free life with dogs.
Removing Chewable Items: Before you bring a dog home, ensure that every chewable and hazardous item, such as shoes, charging cables, and small scattered objects, is stored away. This prevents your dog from swallowing anything harmful and keeps your valuables intact.
Crating Training Dogs: Simultaneously, learn to crate train your dog. Remember, this is not a method of punishment but providing a safe, personal space for your pet. “Dogs are den animals, so crating feels natural to them,” says Atul Kuduk. Make the crate inviting by adding toys, bedding, and essentials so your dog sees it as their own retreat.
The most important thing to remember is that dogs thrive in a structured environment. And for that to happen, everyone in the family must be on the same page. “Dogs are pack animals,” explains Atul. “If the family doesn’t function as a united pack, the dog will take charge, leading to various issues.”
Hence, to ensure no such situation arises, the members should keep in mind the dog’s key responsibilities like feeding, walking, training, and medical care and distribute them equally among themselves. When everyone in the house shares responsibility, it creates a balanced and harmonious environment, and the dog feels close to everyone.
Long-Term Care: Health, Expenses, and Training
As mentioned earlier in the article, bringing home a dog is a lifelong commitment. Hence, you and everyone in your house should always prioritise your dog's health. Dogs are prone to bacterial and fungal infections, tick fever and canine cough. Hence, you should have a good idea of what they are and how you can avoid them.
Furthermore, once the dog is in your house, you might want to abstain from using regular floor cleaners. Atul warns that the use of phenyl can cause serious issues for dogs. Apart from that, always make sure to provide your dog with fresh water and keep it hydrated, for Heat Stroke has become a common yet dangerous issue in warmer areas of the country.
While medical care, food, and accessories can be costly, smart choices like home-cooked meals and rotating toys can reduce expenses. However, no matter how much you invest, proper training remains key to raising a well-behaved dog. “Never treat your dog like a human,” Atul emphasises.
Many pet parents humanise their dogs, leading to confusion and behavioural problems. Instead, focus on understanding their instincts, setting boundaries, and providing structure so they grow into confident, well-adjusted companions.
Bringing a dog home is more than just an exciting milestone—it’s a journey of love, responsibility, and mutual understanding. A well-cared-for dog will be your most loyal companion and bring joy, warmth, and countless unforgettable moments into your life.
As Atul Kuduk says, “Dogs don’t need luxury; they need structure, care, and a family that understands them.” So, if you’re truly ready to embrace this commitment, take the leap. Open your heart and home to a furry friend, and you’ll discover a bond unlike any other—a bond built on trust, respect, and unconditional love.
Penned by: Vaibhaw Tiwari
Contact Information:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viva_k9_training/
Mobile: +91 816 907 4715
Email ID: vivapettraing@gmail.com
Website: https://vivak9.com/
Check out Hello Fitness Magazine. There is never a wrong time to go on a fitness quest. Contact us and allow us to assist you in leading a better lifestyle. Follow us on Instagram. We share the best Health & Fitness related Articles for information based on healthy eating, health and fitness recommendations, health problems and their solutions, human body fitness, and much more.
