Module 1. Is a dog right for you? How will your life change?
- What are a dog’s needs and what should you be prepared for?
- Exercise, socialization, learning, health – the 4 pillars of a dog’s life.
- What does life with a dog look like? A dog owner’s daily schedule.
- What are the costs of having a dog?
- The most common misconceptions about dogs.
Downloadable materials
Homework
1️⃣ “A Day with a Dog” – check if your lifestyle fits having a dog
For one day, try living as if you already had a dog. Don’t just imagine it – actually do the tasks!
• Wake up earlier and go for a walk – at least 15–30 minutes.
• Plan at least two more walks during the day, ideally at different times.
• Don’t stay away from home for longer than 6–8 hours – a dog shouldn’t have to wait that long for company or a walk. If your schedule makes this impossible, think about who could help with care.
• Find time for play and learning – at least 15 minutes of activities that engage the dog’s body and mind.
At the end of the day, ask yourself:
✔ Was it easy to find time for dog-related duties?
✔ Did organizing your day become more difficult?
✔ Do you see realistic ways to adjust your lifestyle to a dog’s needs?
2️⃣ Prepare a simple monthly budget for dog-related expenses:
– Food
– Vet care
– Accessories and toys
– Grooming
– Training
– Pet care during trips
👉 Compare this budget with your current finances. Are you ready for it?
3️⃣ The 4 pillars of a dog’s life – self-assessment
Think about which of the following pillars you can already provide and which would require some work:
✔ Exercise
✔ Socialization
✔ Learning and upbringing
✔ Health and care
👉 Write down your answers and plan your first step toward each pillar.
4️⃣ Emergency plan
Consider:
– Who could take care of your dog if you get sick or go away?
– Do you know where the nearest 24-hour vet clinic is?
– Do you have savings for unexpected medical expenses?
👉 Create a simple note with your emergency plan and keep it on your fridge or in your phone.
5️⃣ Emotional “pros and cons” + reflection questions
Write down:
– 5 reasons why you want a dog
– 5 real challenges you expect
👉 Then answer these questions:
– Why do you want a dog? What matters most to you in that relationship – companionship, activity, closeness, care?
– What obstacles do you see in having a dog? Can you realistically solve or reduce them?
– What alternatives to owning a dog are possible for you? Have you considered, for example, caring for someone else’s dog (as a petsitter, foster home, or dog walker)?
👉 Reflect on whether this is truly the right time for a dog – and whether it would also be the right decision for the dog.
For one day, try living as if you already had a dog. Don’t just imagine it – actually do the tasks!
• Wake up earlier and go for a walk – at least 15–30 minutes.
• Plan at least two more walks during the day, ideally at different times.
• Don’t stay away from home for longer than 6–8 hours – a dog shouldn’t have to wait that long for company or a walk. If your schedule makes this impossible, think about who could help with care.
• Find time for play and learning – at least 15 minutes of activities that engage the dog’s body and mind.
At the end of the day, ask yourself:
✔ Was it easy to find time for dog-related duties?
✔ Did organizing your day become more difficult?
✔ Do you see realistic ways to adjust your lifestyle to a dog’s needs?
2️⃣ Prepare a simple monthly budget for dog-related expenses:
– Food
– Vet care
– Accessories and toys
– Grooming
– Training
– Pet care during trips
👉 Compare this budget with your current finances. Are you ready for it?
3️⃣ The 4 pillars of a dog’s life – self-assessment
Think about which of the following pillars you can already provide and which would require some work:
✔ Exercise
✔ Socialization
✔ Learning and upbringing
✔ Health and care
👉 Write down your answers and plan your first step toward each pillar.
4️⃣ Emergency plan
Consider:
– Who could take care of your dog if you get sick or go away?
– Do you know where the nearest 24-hour vet clinic is?
– Do you have savings for unexpected medical expenses?
👉 Create a simple note with your emergency plan and keep it on your fridge or in your phone.
5️⃣ Emotional “pros and cons” + reflection questions
Write down:
– 5 reasons why you want a dog
– 5 real challenges you expect
👉 Then answer these questions:
– Why do you want a dog? What matters most to you in that relationship – companionship, activity, closeness, care?
– What obstacles do you see in having a dog? Can you realistically solve or reduce them?
– What alternatives to owning a dog are possible for you? Have you considered, for example, caring for someone else’s dog (as a petsitter, foster home, or dog walker)?
👉 Reflect on whether this is truly the right time for a dog – and whether it would also be the right decision for the dog.