Bringing a Dog Home: A Responsibility for Life
When we decide to bring a dog into our home, it means we also take on the responsibility and obligation to ensure their happiness. Owning a dog is not just about sharing moments of joy, but committing to their well-being throughout their lives.
Dogs rely on us for everything — from food and shelter to affection and medical care. This responsibility requires time, patience, and love. It is a promise that we must honor every day, knowing that their trust in us is absolute.
Before welcoming a dog into your life, consider the long-term commitment involved. This means anticipating the needs they will have as they grow, providing training, socialization, and ensuring they lead a happy and healthy life.
Ultimately, choosing to bring a dog home is a heartfelt decision that binds us in a mutual bond of care and companionship. It's a responsibility that, while sometimes challenging, rewards us with unconditional love and loyalty.
In reality, there are five types of people who really aren't suitable to be pet owners, as they might make dogs unhappy.
1. Welcoming a Dog into Your Family: Beyond Self-Centeredness
The selfish person who puts "I" at the center of everything must understand that once you decide to welcome a dog as part of your family, your lifestyle must change. You have to prioritize the dog's needs above all else.
This may include: waking up early on weekends to take your dog for a walk; turning down dinner invitations with friends to spend time with your dog; and playing with your dog even when you are exhausted.
If you are a self-centered person who always puts "I" first, the dog will only feel unhappy in such a life.
2. Understanding the Unfit Dog Owner: The Control Freak
Another type of person who is not suitable for raising a dog is someone who is very opinionated, unwilling to compromise, and unable to make even small concessions for the sake of their dog.
For example, you might have carefully arranged decorations that could get messed up by the dog; or you might want to visit places that do not allow pets.
If you want to live harmoniously with a dog, you must learn to give up many things. If you cannot make even the slightest compromise, neither you nor your dog will be happy.
3. The Financial Reality for "Moonlight Clan" Dog Owners
The spenders who live paycheck to paycheck are those who live paycheck to paycheck. Many people think that owning a dog only means buying pet food, but in reality, the expenses are definitely much higher than you imagine. Vaccinations, deworming medication, grooming and bathing, and even unexpected medical bills for sudden illnesses can add up quickly. Without a stable financial foundation, it's easy to fall into trouble.
The phrase "No money, but there is love." sounds romantic, but for a dog, without basic medical care and resources, love alone cannot translate into happiness.
4. Emotional Management Challenges and the "Bosozoku" Effect
People who have difficulty managing their emotions—often referred to metaphorically as "bosozoku," or those who "go on a rampage"—can inadvertently cause misfortune for their dogs. Individuals who cannot control their feelings may harm the trust they share with their pets. If you frequently yell or scream, or even resort to violence out of anger, you will instantly destroy the bond of trust between you and your dog.
Even worse, some people exhibit unstable emotions: they may laugh off things cheerfully one day and harshly punish their dog the next due to a bad mood. This inconsistent behavior confuses dogs, leaving them unable to distinguish right from wrong and ultimately leading to behavioral problems.
5. The Vanity of Treating Dogs as "Fashion Accessories"
Some people feel a beautiful longing for the dog-owning lifestyle when they see influencers sharing pictures of their dogs online. However, if your only goal is to take pretty photos with your dog and use it as a lifestyle decoration, then that is fundamentally the wrong starting point.
Social media usually presents only the beautiful side of dog ownership. In reality, dogs require time and effort to train, they can dirty your home, and they may bark uncontrollably. If you are not aware of this, you will soon find yourself overwhelmed.
How to Make Both You and Your Dog Happy
How can you ensure happiness for both yourself and your dog? If you truly want to own a dog, it's important to seriously and thoroughly imagine your future life with a dog. Research online, consult experienced dog owners, and think carefully about whether you're willing to make changes for this commitment.
Of course, putting your dog's needs first is a fundamental principle, but don't force yourself into excessive sacrifice. For example, you don't need to give up traveling altogether; you can reduce the frequency or adjust the destinations, and occasionally let your dog stay at a pet hotel.
During the long years of dog ownership, which usually last over ten years, we need to learn to avoid repression and pressure. The key is finding a balance between taking care of your dog and taking care of yourself. This balance is what truly leads to a lasting and happy relationship.
Having a dog brings many restrictions, but it also offers countless joys and happiness that only come from spending time with your dog. Remember, making your dog happy is the start of making yourself happy.
