Planning for a Long Future – How to Handle a 15 Year Plan with a New Dog

There is something so exciting about the idea of getting a dog. There’s the anticipation, the joy, the feeling of adding a new family member without even having to go through childbirth. Dogs are amazing, and it’s so exciting to know that you can bring them into your home and have a loving companion for years to come.

But it’s also an *extreme* commitment. We talk about dogs like they’re “just” pets, but a puppy can live to be 15+ years and needs regular ongoing support not unlike a human. They need walks multiple times a day. They need to be fed. They will have medical needs that increase as they get older.

You may be ready for a dog now. But are you ready for a dog in 5 years? 10? What about 15 years?

This isn’t to tell you not to get a dog. You should. But you should strongly consider what your 15 year plan is, and determine how you’re going to incorporate a dog into that plan *before* you get a dog.

Prepping for a Long Road of Dog Ownership

If you love dogs, you should get a dog. They make amazing pets. The right dog will bring so much joy to you not only now, but 15 years in the future.

Still, don’t simply jump into getting one. Instead, have a plan. Consider what you need to make sure that your next 15 years are amazing, and that you’re always ready for what your dog may need. Specifically, plan for the following:

Early and Significant Dog Training – Dogs that learn how to behave early in your home become better members of your family in the long term. They behave in ways that are less frustrating, make it easier for you to care for them, and are better behaved should you add people to your family in the future. Early dog training makes sure not only that the transition to your family goes well, but also the next decade+.
Savings Account for Medical Expenses or Pet Insurance – You never know when you might run into money troubles, and the last thing you want is for your dog to have an accident at a time when you cannot afford to care for it. Start a savings account early, when your dog is healthy, so you have $$ available should they have needs.
Consider Pet Insurance – Similarly, consider pet insurance. Pet insurance is not always the right decision, as it depends on how much you make, how you budget, and more, but it’s still very helpful to at least do your research and see if pet insurance is right for you.
Plan Your Options for Emergencies/Babysitters – Dogs are not allowed in hospitals, or on some vacations, or what have you. You won’t be able to take your dog everywhere. So, *before* you need help, make sure you have a pet sitter you can call, a babysitter, and/or someone that is willing to take your dog in emergencies – or even if you just want a little break – so that you are not rushing to get your dog help and you have someone to call easily when you need them.
Make a Plan for Babies/Marriage/Moving – It may seem silly, but you want to mentally and thoroughly plan for what your future life will have. If you’re 20 and unmarried, for example, you’ll want to be as prepared as you can be for having kids at 30 and still needing to walk your dog, make sure your dog is safe around kids, and more. You don’t know what the future holds, but you can have a plan for it.

You may even find that, while you can commit to a dog for 5 years, you aren’t sure if you’ll be able to commit for 10 or 15. That’s okay! You can still get a dog. You should just make sure that you’re:

Choosing a dog that is most likely to be able to play a long role in your life. Planning to move to an expensive city with very small apartments? Maybe you should get a smaller dog so that you can fit them in any size home.
Consider a shelter dog. Dogs that are purchased from puppies are going to be around for 15 years, but a shelter dog that desperately needs a home only needs between 5 and 10 years depending on their age, which is less commitment AND a great way to help a dog that needs support.

Even if you have no way to prepare for the road ahead and you want a puppy, that’s okay too. Dogs make amazing pets and companions. But make sure that you’re still considering the future whenever you can. You, and anyone else in your family, should at least plan every 3 years to make sure that your dog can be cared for, and figure out what you need to do to ensure they’re loved. With dog training, especially, you can make sur that your dog is an amazing family member ready to grow with you as you continue along your own path. Reach out today to learn more.

Calvin and Colleen Sheehan (Assoc. Producer - The Oprha Winfrey Show)

Marc Goldberg with Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer"

Our Philosophy & Goals

Our philosophy is simple. Improve the life of both dog and family. All too often, unruly dogs do not fully enjoy life because their families constantly become upset and frustrated with them. This is difficult for both family and dog.

Our mission is simple. Make both dog and family happy.

What does is take to make your dog happy? He will thrive when you give him leadership and attention.

Making the family happy is a bit more complex.

Families typically want their dog to:

Come when called, every time, on or off leash
Walk nicely on a loose leash without pulling
Sit until released
Down until released

Families also want their dogs:

Not to jump on people
Not to charge through doors
Not to dig in the garden
Not to bark and chew inappropriately
Not to climb on furniture you prefer they avoid
Not to sniff and eat off the table and counters.
Not to be wild and uncontrollable
Not to ignore you when you want their attention