Updated October 2026 | By Derek (Del) Chambers, Finchley Dog Walker

Thinking about getting a dog?

Perhaps you’ve always wanted one. Maybe you’ve fallen in love with a particular breed, met a lovely rescue dog or decided that now feels like the right time to welcome a four-legged companion into your life.

Getting a dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make.

But it’s also a big responsibility, and one that shouldn’t be rushed.

I’ve been walking dogs and caring for pets around Finchley and Muswell Hill since 2011. I’ve worked with confident dogs, nervous rescue dogs, lively puppies, older dogs and quite a few who haven’t read the breed description they’re supposed to follow.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that the dog you imagine and the dog who eventually shares your home aren’t always quite the same.

And that’s perfectly normal.

The important thing is being prepared to adapt, rather than expecting your dog to fit neatly into every part of your existing lifestyle.

This guide will help you think honestly about your time, finances, home, expectations and the long-term commitment involved.

It’s not a test you have to pass.

It’s a chance to ask some important questions before bringing a dog home.

Quick answer: Are you ready to own a dog?

You may be ready for a dog if you can realistically provide:

Suitable daily care, companionship and supervision.
Time for exercise, sniffing, enrichment, training and rest.
A safe, comfortable home.
Money for food, insurance, veterinary care and unexpected expenses.
Arrangements for workdays, holidays, illness and emergencies.
Patient, reward-based guidance.
Support for any health or behaviour difficulties that arise.
A long-term commitment, even when your circumstances change.

You don’t need to be an experienced dog trainer or have a perfect home.

But you should be willing to learn about the individual dog you’re welcoming.

If you’re still uncertain about several of these areas, it may be worth doing some more preparation before making the decision.

For a wider overview of responsible pet ownership, visit Dogs Trust: Are You Ready for a Dog?.

Affiliate disclosure

This guide links to some of my equipment and enrichment recommendations, including pages that contain Amazon affiliate links. Where a qualifying affiliate link is used, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I don’t believe new owners need to buy an enormous amount of equipment. I recommend choosing products once you understand your dog’s needs.

What Roxy taught me about being ready for a dog

My rescue dog Roxy taught me that owning a dog is about far more than having enough time for walks or choosing the right food.

It’s also about being prepared for the individual animal who arrives in your home.

Roxy wasn’t always an easy dog.

She could be nervous around unfamiliar people, particularly men, and she found some everyday situations difficult.

Veterinary visits were one of those challenges.

Yet when The Finchley Vet opened and she met Oliver, things began to change. He understood nervous dogs, and Roxy became much happier visiting him.

That experience was a lovely reminder of how much patience, understanding and the right approach can matter.

Roxy taught me to build trust, recognise discomfort, and adapt my expectations to suit the dog in front of me.

Those lessons shaped how I approach professional dog walking and rescue dog support today.

When someone asks whether they’re ready for a dog, I think about Roxy.

I wonder whether they’re prepared for the possibility that their new companion might:

Be worried about visitors.
Dislike busy parks.
Struggle with being left alone.
Need additional veterinary or behavioural support.
Take longer than expected to learn new skills.
Prefer quiet, familiar walks rather than exciting adventures.
Need a different routine as they grow older.

None of those possibilities makes a dog less deserving of a loving home.

But they do require patience and flexibility.

Roxy and Missy are sadly no longer with us, but I continue to learn from the experiences we shared.

If you’re considering adoption, my Rescue Dog Support in Finchley page explains why I place so much emphasis on confidence, familiar routines and working at the dog’s pace.

1. Do you genuinely have time for a dog?

Dogs need more than a walk before breakfast and another before bedtime.

Their daily needs may include:

Feeding and providing fresh water.
Suitable exercise.
Opportunities to sniff and explore.
Toilet breaks.
Grooming and body checks.
Gentle training.
Veterinary appointments.
Social contact and companionship.
Enrichment and suitable play.
Plenty of uninterrupted rest.

The amount and type of activity will vary.

A lively young dog may need a very different routine from an elderly dog with mobility difficulties.

Some dogs enjoy long, active outings.

Others prefer shorter, slower walks where they can spend time sniffing.

And more exercise isn’t automatically better, particularly for puppies, nervous dogs or dogs with health conditions.

Think about what an ordinary Tuesday might look like, not just what you’ll do at weekends.

Questions I’d ask

Who will provide morning and evening care?
What happens when work runs late?
Can somebody provide appropriate company or care during long absences?
Do I have time for regular training and grooming?
Can I adapt the routine when my dog is unwell?
Am I prepared to meet my dog’s needs even when the weather is unpleasant?

You may be able to arrange professional support during some absences.

But a dog walker or pet sitter shouldn’t replace planning for how your dog will cope with your household’s everyday routine.

2. What if you work full-time?

Working full-time doesn’t automatically rule out owning a dog.

However, it does mean you need to consider how the dog will be cared for while you’re away.

Some adult dogs can gradually learn to cope with appropriate periods alone.

Others find separation particularly difficult, and puppies need frequent care, toileting opportunities and supervision.

I’d think about:

Your usual working hours.
Travel time.
Whether you work from home.
How often your schedule changes.
Who can help if you are delayed.
Whether suitable professional care is affordable.
How your individual dog responds to being alone.

Don’t assume a newly adopted dog will immediately cope with the same routine as an established family pet.

Also, don’t plan to leave a puppy alone for a whole working day.

Before committing, read my Guide to Preparing a Dog to Be Left Alone.

If a dog shows signs of genuine separation-related distress, seek advice from your vet and an appropriately qualified reward-based behaviour professional.

3. Can you afford a dog throughout their life?

The purchase price or adoption fee is only the beginning.

Over the years, the regular costs can add up considerably.

You’ll need to budget for:

Expense	What to consider
Food	Complete, suitable food for your dog’s age and needs
Veterinary care	Routine appointments, vaccinations and unexpected illness
Insurance	Premiums, excesses, exclusions and policy limits
Parasite prevention	Products recommended for your dog’s circumstances
Grooming	Coat care at home or professional grooming
Equipment	Leads, harnesses, bedding and replacements
Training	Classes or individual professional help where needed
Professional care	Dog walking, house sitting or other suitable arrangements
Emergencies	Additional costs not necessarily covered by insurance
Senior care	Possible medication, mobility support and increased monitoring

The PDSA’s Guide to the Cost of Owning a Dog provides useful estimates for UK owners.

Those estimates vary by size and circumstances, and they don’t cover every possible veterinary bill or additional service.

I wouldn’t choose a dog purely because the initial cost appears affordable.

A dog who develops a health condition, needs specialist support or requires professional care during your working hours can be considerably more expensive than expected.

Could you manage an unexpected veterinary bill?

Consider this before you get a dog.

Pet insurance can be valuable, but policies differ.

Check:

Annual or condition limits.
Excess payments.
Exclusions.
Cover for ongoing conditions.
Dental care.
Behavioural treatment.
Age-related changes.
Any restrictions concerning pre-existing conditions.

If you don’t have insurance, consider how you’d realistically manage an emergency.

A monthly veterinary health plan isn’t the same as insurance for unexpected illness.

Before deciding, I’d recommend working through my Real Cost of Owning a Dog in the UK guide. It includes everyday expenses, less obvious costs and practical budgeting advice.

It’s also worth reading my updated Pet Insurance Guide, particularly the differences between insurance, veterinary health plans and putting money aside each month.

4. Is your home suitable for a dog?

You don’t necessarily need a large house or a garden to provide a good home for a dog.

But you do need an environment where that dog can rest, feel safe and have their needs met.

A secure outdoor area can make toileting and some everyday activities easier.

However, it doesn’t replace walks or opportunities to explore the wider world.

Think about:

Doors, gates and escape risks.
Suitable places for sleeping and resting.
Noise from neighbouring homes.
Stairs and access for older or less mobile dogs.
Space for feeding and water.
Household hazards.
Children and visitors.
Other resident animals.
Restrictions in a tenancy agreement or building.

What about flats?

A flat can suit some dogs if their needs can be met.

But consider access to outdoor toileting areas, communal entrances, lifts or stairs, and the likelihood of encountering unfamiliar people and dogs.

A nervous dog who finds close encounters difficult may struggle with a crowded communal hallway.

A dog who barks frequently may also affect neighbours.

Breed size alone won’t tell you whether the arrangement will work.

My Creating a Pet-Friendly Home Guide explains how to spot common hazards and set up safe resting areas.

5. Are you choosing the right dog for your lifestyle?

This is one area where I encourage people to take their time.

It’s easy to fall in love with a particular breed, appearance or photograph.

But choosing a dog based only on looks can lead to problems later.

Consider:

Age.
Size and strength.
Likely exercise needs.
Grooming requirements.
Temperament.
Health risks.
Working and breed-related traits.
Previous experiences.
Ability to live comfortably with your household.

For example, a small dog isn’t necessarily low-energy.

A large dog isn’t automatically unsuitable for a smaller home.

And a rescue dog isn’t necessarily harder to live with than a puppy.

Individual differences matter enormously.

Puppy or adult dog?

Consideration	Puppy	Adult dog
Toilet training	Usually requires frequent opportunities and supervision	May be established, but not always
Daily routine	Requires considerable early management	Depends on previous experience and individual needs
Behaviour	Still developing	Some established preferences and habits may be known
Exercise	Must suit physical development	Depends on health and fitness
Alone time	Must be developed gradually	May already cope, or may need additional support
History	Early-life information may be available	Rescue or previous-owner history may be incomplete
Long-term needs	Behaviour and health will change as they mature	Age-related needs may arise sooner

There isn’t one universally easier choice.

A well-matched adult dog can be a wonderful first companion.

Equally, raising a puppy can be rewarding if you’re prepared for the work involved.

My Bringing a Puppy Home Guide explains what the first days, weeks and year may involve once you’ve made your decision.

6. Buying a puppy or adopting a rescue dog

However you choose to welcome a dog, take care over where they come from.

If buying a puppy, look for a responsible breeder who is open about health, parent dogs, living conditions and early experiences.

Be cautious about sellers who:

Pressure you to pay quickly.
Refuse to let you see the puppy with their mother.
Suggest meeting in a car park or service station.
Cannot explain the puppy’s background.
Provide unclear veterinary or microchip records.
Avoid reasonable questions about health and welfare.

A responsible breeder should also be interested in whether you can offer the puppy a suitable home.

Dogs Trust provides practical guidance in Buying a Dog or Puppy Safely.

Considering adoption?

If you’re adopting an adult or rescue dog, ask the organisation or current carer about:

Known medical history.
Behaviour around unfamiliar people.
Relationships with other animals.
Handling and grooming.
Existing routines.
Food preferences.
Known fears.
Previous experiences of being left alone.
Any incidents or safety considerations.
Support available after adoption.

You won’t always receive a complete history.

But you should receive as much reliable information as possible to help you decide whether the dog is a suitable match.

See Dogs Trust: Questions to Ask When Adopting a Dog.

For the wider settling-in process, use my Rescue Dog Support Guide.

7. Is everyone in your household, including your existing pets, ready?

Bringing home a dog affects more than the person who made the decision.

Consider children, partners, relatives, housemates and any other animals.

Everyone should understand the basic arrangements before the dog arrives.

Questions worth discussing include:

Who is responsible for feeding and walking?
Where will the dog sleep?
What happens during workdays?
How will visitors be managed?
Who will arrange veterinary care?
Are all adults comfortable with the long-term commitment?
How will children be supervised around the dog?
What happens if existing pets need separate spaces?

Young children must be supervised around dogs.

Children should also understand that dogs need undisturbed rest and must not be followed into sleeping or hiding areas.

If you already have a cat, rabbit or another small pet, don’t assume they’ll simply get used to a new dog.

Introductions need suitable planning, safe separation and careful management.

Sometimes the safest arrangement is to keep certain animals securely separated.

8. Are you prepared for training and behaviour challenges?

All dogs need guidance suited to their age, experience and individual needs.

But training shouldn’t be about making a dog obey every instruction regardless of how they’re feeling.

I use reward-based, force-free approaches and look at what the dog is communicating.

That means helping them learn useful skills while also making the environment manageable.

You might need to work on:

Comfortable lead walking.
Recall.
Settling at home.
Handling and grooming.
Waiting calmly around doors.
Building confidence.
Being comfortable with visitors.
Gradual alone-time practice.

Some dogs will find particular situations difficult.

They may bark, become overexcited, worry about strangers or struggle with other dogs.

Don’t automatically dismiss these responses as stubbornness.

Pain, fear, frustration and previous experiences can all contribute.

I don’t recommend aversive equipment, including prong collars, choke or check chains, electronic collars or harsh physical corrections.

For practical training information, see my Dog Training Hub.

For information about stress and communication, use my Dog Behaviour and Body Language Hub.

If a dog shows significant fear, aggression, separation distress or a sudden change in behaviour, speak to your vet and an appropriately qualified behaviour professional.

9. Do you understand what a good walk involves?

When people imagine owning a dog, they often picture lovely walks through the woods or park.

And those moments can certainly be enjoyable.

But not every dog wants or needs the same walk.

In my work around Cherry Tree Wood, Coldfall Wood and other local green spaces, I aim to make walks suitable for the individual dog.

For some, that means gentle sniffing and exploring.

For others, it’s practising everyday skills or choosing a quiet route.

A nervous dog may benefit from shorter, more predictable walks with space away from things they find difficult.

A puppy needs age-appropriate activity.

An older dog may prefer a slower pace and plenty of time to investigate familiar smells.

I wouldn’t judge a walk by distance alone.

My Dog Enrichment Guide explains ways to provide mental activity without simply trying to tire a dog out.

10. What should you buy before bringing a dog home?

There’s no need to buy every product advertised to new owners.

Start with what is appropriate for the individual dog.

Essential or useful item	My advice
Suitable food	Begin with an appropriate diet, taking account of what the dog currently eats
Water and food bowls	Choose easy-to-clean, suitable sizes
Comfortable bedding	Provide somewhere quiet to rest
Well-fitted harness	Choose a suitable design and ensure a comfortable fit
Fixed-length lead	Secure and practical for everyday walking
Flat collar and ID tag	Check identification requirements
Poo bags	An everyday essential
Grooming equipment	Match the coat type
Suitable toys and chews	Start with a small number, selected for the dog
Cleaning supplies	Store safely and use according to instructions

I’d avoid buying specialist equipment until you know it is needed.

Walking equipment

I prefer comfortable, properly fitted harnesses and suitable fixed-length or double-ended leads.

I don’t recommend retractable leads for ordinary urban walks or equipment designed to cause pain or fear.

For specific options, see my Guide to Dog Leads and Harnesses.

Enrichment toys

A suitable food toy can help some dogs, but the right activity depends on their age, chewing habits, diet, and confidence.

Two examples from my existing equipment recommendations are the KONG Classic and LickiMat.

Introduce them appropriately and supervise, especially until you understand how your dog uses them.

See my Dog Enrichment Ideas and Equipment Guide, which includes selected affiliate product links.

I would rather owners bought one useful item than a cupboard full of things their dog never enjoys.

If you’re unsure which equipment is genuinely worth buying, visit my Dog and Pet Products I Recommend page.

I’ve brought together practical UK buying guides for harnesses, leads, training treats, enrichment toys and puppy essentials. Some recommendations include affiliate links, but suitability, comfort, and animal welfare always come first.

I’d much rather help you choose a few useful items than encourage you to spend money on equipment your dog doesn’t need.

11. Have you considered veterinary care and identification?

Before bringing home a dog, identify a veterinary practice suitable for their needs.

Find out:

Whether the practice is accepting new clients.
What services are available.
How appointments are arranged.
Who provides out-of-hours treatment.
What it costs to attend an emergency consultation.
Whether the practice can accommodate nervous dogs.

My Guide to Choosing a Vet in North London includes my experience with Roxy and The Finchley Vet, plus local considerations for owners around Finchley and Muswell Hill.

Microchipping and identification

In the UK, dogs must normally be microchipped and registered by eight weeks of age.

In England, dogs must also wear a collar and identification tag with the owner’s name and address when in a public place, subject to certain exemptions.

Make sure the microchip database details are kept up to date.

For current legal information, read GOV.UK: Get Your Dog or Cat Microchipped.

12. What happens during holidays, illness or emergencies?

It’s worth thinking ahead to situations where you may not be able to provide your dog’s normal care.

For example:

You’re away on holiday.
You need to travel unexpectedly.
You’re admitted to hospital.
Your working arrangements change.
A family emergency affects your routine.
Your dog requires medication or restricted exercise.

Who would care for your dog?

Would they know their normal food, walking routine and veterinary details?

Would your dog cope with an unfamiliar environment, or would care at home be more appropriate?

I offer House Sitting and In-Home Pet Care for suitable households, helping pets maintain familiar routines while their owners are away.

I’d also encourage every owner to prepare an emergency plan with veterinary contacts, medication details and agreed alternative carers.

13. Are you ready for your dog to get older?

It’s easy to picture life with a young, healthy dog.

But the commitment extends into their senior years.

Older dogs may need:

Shorter or slower walks.
More frequent veterinary appointments.
Medication.
Changes to their home environment.
Help with stairs or slippery floors.
Different enrichment activities.
Additional support with daily care.

Health problems can also arise at any age.

Before getting a dog, ask yourself whether you’re prepared to adjust your routine and budget as their needs change.

That long-term responsibility is part of the commitment.

Are you ready for a dog? My practical checklist

Use this as a decision-making tool rather than a scorecard.

Time and companionship

I can provide appropriate care every day.
I’ve thought about working hours and time away from home.
I can provide suitable exercise, enrichment and rest.
I have arrangements for days when I cannot provide care myself.

Finances

I can budget for food and routine veterinary care.
I’ve considered insurance and unexpected medical costs.
I understand that grooming and professional care may cost extra.
I’ve thought about long-term expenses.

Home and family

My home can be made reasonably safe.
Everyone in the household understands the commitment.
I’ve considered children, visitors and existing pets.
I can provide a quiet place for the dog to rest.

Choosing the dog

I’ve researched the individual dog’s likely needs.
I haven’t chosen a dog based on appearance alone.
I’ve considered puppies, adult dogs and rescue dogs.
I’m prepared for health or behaviour difficulties.
I understand that the dog’s personality may differ from my expectations.

Long-term planning

I’m prepared to use patient, reward-based training.
I know how I’ll arrange veterinary care.
I have a plan for holidays and emergencies.
I’ve considered how my circumstances might change.
I’m prepared to care for an older dog.

What if you cannot tick every box?

It doesn’t necessarily mean you should never have a dog.

Perhaps you need to research costs, arrange support or choose a dog whose needs are a better match.

Sometimes the most responsible decision is to wait.

There is no shame in deciding that now isn’t quite the right time.

You’ve decided to get a dog. What next?

Once you’re confident that dog ownership is right for you, you can start preparing for their arrival.

I’d suggest this order:

Choose a suitable dog, breeder or rescue organisation.
Confirm health records and microchip arrangements.
Register with an appropriate vet.
Arrange insurance or other realistic veterinary financial planning.
Prepare a safe resting area at home.
Organise food and a small number of essential items.
Agree the household routine.
Plan the journey home.
Allow plenty of time for settling in.
Arrange any professional care or training support you genuinely need.

For the next stage, use my Bringing a Puppy Home Guide or the broader Your First Pet Hub.

You don’t need to organise everything in the first 24 hours.

A calm, manageable start is more valuable than an exhausting to-do list.

Local help for new dog owners in Finchley

If you’re based in Finchley, East Finchley, North Finchley or nearby parts of North London, I may be able to help with suitable practical support.

My services include:

Solo Dog Walking for dogs who benefit from individual care.
Rescue Dog Support for nervous dogs needing patience and predictable routines.
Pet and Home Readiness Visits to help owners prepare their environment and practical arrangements.
One-to-One Dog Training Support for suitable reward-based skills, confidence and enrichment.
House Sitting when care in familiar surroundings is appropriate.

Preparing for your first puppy?

My New Puppy Support Package provides practical, one-to-one help before and after your puppy arrives.

Depending on your household’s needs, this can include preparing suitable routines, discussing equipment, introducing everyday skills and arranging appropriate puppy visits.

Support is tailored to the individual puppy and household rather than following a fixed programme.

I work with one household at a time and focus on calm, practical care.

I’m not a veterinary surgeon or clinical animal behaviourist. Dogs with significant aggression, separation distress or other complex behaviour difficulties should receive appropriate veterinary and qualified behavioural assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Is getting a dog worth it?

For many people, sharing their life with a dog is enormously rewarding. But you should consider the responsibility, costs, and commitment carefully before deciding.

Is a puppy easier than a rescue dog?

Not necessarily. Puppies require considerable time, supervision and teaching. Adult rescue dogs may already have established skills but can also have individual needs or an incomplete history. The best choice depends on the dog and your circumstances.

Can I have a dog if I work full-time?

Possibly, as long as you can meet the dog’s care and companionship needs. You must plan suitable arrangements rather than assuming the dog can cope alone all day.

Do I need a garden to own a dog?

Not always. Some dogs can live comfortably without a private garden if their exercise, toileting, safety and other welfare needs are met. Consider the individual dog and your practical access to outdoor areas.

How much does owning a dog cost in the UK?

Costs vary considerably by size, age, health and lifestyle. Budget for ongoing food, veterinary care, insurance, equipment and other services, not just the initial purchase or adoption fee. The PDSA provides independently researched estimates.

Should I get a dog if I’ve never owned one before?

First-time owners can provide excellent homes. The important thing is researching the commitment, choosing a suitable dog and being willing to learn and seek help.

What if my dog has behaviour problems?

Start by identifying possible causes rather than assuming the dog is being naughty. Veterinary issues, fear, frustration and previous experiences may all play a part. Seek appropriate reward-based professional help when needed.

What are the biggest mistakes first-time dog owners make?

Common difficulties include rushing the choice, underestimating costs, expecting too much too soon, and failing to plan for the individual dog’s needs.

How do I know if I’m not ready for a dog?

If you cannot realistically provide suitable daily care, afford essential veterinary treatment or make arrangements during unavoidable absences, it may be better to wait.

What’s the first thing I should do after deciding to get a dog?

Research the dog or breed carefully, choose a responsible source and make sure the animal is a good match for your home and lifestyle. Then prepare the essentials without overbuying.

Final thoughts: It’s about the dog you actually get

I think back to Roxy whenever I consider what makes somebody ready for a dog.

She wasn’t perfect, and she certainly didn’t fit every expectation people might have of a family pet.

But she taught me more about trust, patience, body language and understanding dogs than any straightforward companion ever could.

Being ready for a dog isn’t about having every answer.

It’s about accepting that the animal who comes into your home will have their own personality, preferences, worries and needs.

There will be wonderful moments.

There will probably be muddy footprints, unexpected bills and days when things don’t go to plan.

And, hopefully, there will be years of companionship that make all that effort worthwhile.

Take your time choosing.

Ask questions.

Think beyond the puppy stage.

And choose the dog whose needs you can realistically meet, not simply the dog you originally imagined.

That’s a much better starting point for a happy life together.