Dogs are a lot of work

Anyone who reads this blog or knows our family knows that we love our dogs and would go to great lengths for them. They bring more joy, laughter, fun, experience, positive energy and enjoyment than I could ever describe. My husband grew up with dogs, but my first dog was Danny, who we adopted in March 2007. When we were gearing up to adopt and early in his time with us, I was an outspoken advocate that anyone who could care for a dog and wanted one should adopt one. I believe it is possible to give a dog a great life and adequate exercise even if you live in an apartment.

Two and a half years, one more dog and one health crisis later, my encouragement to potential dog owners is just as strong, but is more tempered with reality. Having known for years we wanted dogs, I thought I was prepared for the experience. What I didn't know was the true extent of the time, energy and money it takes to be a dog guardian.

I recently tallied up the time I spend every day on our two dogs, and it turns out to be a whopping 2 3/4 hours! This doesn't include trips to the vet, monthly baths, trips to the pet supply store, applying flea treatment, nail trims, coat brushing, teeth brushing, research, dog park time, affection, the bedtime routine my husband does with them, other outings or time spent with a trainer or in class.

Here's the break down (in minutes):

Morning out for Calvin 10
Breakfast 15 (make food and supervise eating)
Morning walk 75 (60+ minutes walking, leash up, water, etc)
Pick up yard, change water 15
Training 20 (10 minutes each on commands)
Dinner 15
Evening walk 15
-------

Total 165 minutes, or 2 3/4 hours

You might think that with this amount of time my dogs are well-groomed, usually good and tired and well-trained. The reality is the are pretty good on most counts, but there is huge room for improvement. If I could put even more time in, I would do a second 10 minute training session each, an additional 1 hour walk per day, more trips to the dog park, more outings, more coat brushing and more teeth brushing.

I'm not complaining - I love my dogs and I find it immensely satisfying to give them the best life I can. It's worth getting less done in other areas of my life to care for my dogs. I do think it's important that potential dog owners really think about how they would work this kind of time commitment into their daily lives. Some dogs may not require this much care, and perhaps I could get away with less if it was necessary but no matter what kind of dog or how old he is, he needs a good amount of time every single day.














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