As you can probably already tell, I am a crazy dog lady. Schatzie is my favourite little buddy, and I love him to death. He’s cute, smart, funny, loving, and the most loyal dog ever. So, in honour of his birthday, I feel the need to tell you the top 10 things I’ve learned over the years, as a first-time dog mom.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted a dog. I begged and begged, only coming close once but ended up with a couple of Furbys, but that’s a story for another day. Finally, at the ripe age of 21, it was happening, I was getting my dog. My neighbour knew a breeder, yes I am totally aware that adoption is the way everyone wants you to go, but she wasn’t just any dog breeder… she was a chihuahua breeder. All my life I didn’t just want a dog, I wanted a chihuahua. So, when I heard that there was a lady who breeds them in my city, I WAS SO PUMPED. Fast forward a couple of weeks, and that’s where our story begins.
Doing your research is important.
I spent years researching dogs, so I felt very confident in my decision to get a Chihuahua. What I was worried about, was where I was going to get one. Do I wait until I find one at a shelter? Do I find a breeder? What should I look for in a breeder? How much is too much for a puppy? That is what made me nervous.
Luckily, I happened to know someone who knew a breeder. With that said, I didn’t just jump into it. I researched her. How many dogs did she have? How many litters? Do the parents live in the same household? Did they have any shots yet? How many happy customers and good reviews did she have? There were so many questions I needed answers to before I went for it. Luckily for me, everything checked out, and I was ready to go ahead with it. Also, I mean, how could you say no to this face??
Bringing them home for the first time is scary.
I remember it like it was yesterday. We were all set to pick him up around 3 pm, so obviously the day went by SO SLOWLY. It was torture, but I spent the day getting the apartment ready for my new best friend. The time finally comes, and we go to pick him up; carrier, blanket, and his new toy in hand. We got there and he wasn’t interested in me, or the toy, at all! How could my new puppy not like me? This isn’t how I dreamt of this day going, maybe I was just over thinking it, but it was a little heartbreaking.
Regardless, we packed him up in his carrier and headed home. He cried most of the way, and I kept having thoughts like “Oh no, did I just made a huge mistake? Can I really take care of him and give him everything he needs? WILL HE EVEN LEARN TO LIKE ME?” Why was I having so many doubts about something I’ve wanted my whole life? We finally get home, and I let him sniff around, but he seemed so nervous and overwhelmed. I picked him up and showed him around, and then it happened, he gave me a tiny little kiss on my chin. All I could think was “It’s happening! He likes me! Oh, my god, he likes me!” Our little house tour was over, I laid on the sofa with him, and he fell asleep on my chest. It was that moment that all the doubt was gone. This was going to be the beginning of a journey with my new best bud.
You will make a fuss over everything, good and bad.
As a first-time dog mom, everything is a big deal, and no amount of research can truly prepare you. Let’s start with the good things; the things that make you say “AWW” and fill your phone with nothing but dog photos. It’s mostly the first; The first time you notice them dreaming, watching them play with a new pal, when they fall asleep on you, etc. Basically, anything they do, you’ll think is the cutest thing in the whole entire world.
Then, there are the things you don’t think of. Have you ever heard of a reverse sneeze? Yeah, neither did I. It was unnerving to hear and I totally freaked out. I thought he was choking or couldn’t breathe! It turns out that it’s pretty normal. The vets got to know us pretty well during the first year. Some of the times we went were for legitimate reasons, most of them were because I was a paranoid new mom and thought he might be dying or sick. I guess the plus side of going to the vet so often is I have full trust in their capabilities to make sure my little man stays healthy! The downside: the money it cost, but it was worth it.
They cost a lot of money.
Speaking of numerous trips to the vet, it gets hella expensive. Let’s start with the cost of a puppy. This varies a lot, ranging from free to thousands. They also need a set of shots; I want to say six? Then they also need to be fixed. THEN, depending on the dog, they may need teeth removed. They also need a bed, toys, bowls, food, treats, and little outfits. Ok, the outfits aren’t necessary, but they just look so adorable! I’m super lucky because I only pay around $20 every month or so for food. I mean, he’s only five pounds, so he doesn’t eat that much. However, I have friends who have much larger dogs and pay around $120 a month for food. It all adds up, and quickly. Then you also have to think about the dogs who need to get groomed, unless you have the skills to do it yourself. Last, but not least, there are the unexpected vet visits.
You’ll have to make some adjustments.
Before having a dog, I could go out whenever I wanted. I could stay out all day or all night, sometimes both! I didn’t need to think about anything other than myself. Gone are the days where I could go to work for eight hours, and then immediately go out for dinner and drinks. If I can’t bring him with me, I have to plan everything around making a pitstop at home first. I have a dog who needs love and attention, not to mention a bathroom break!
Want to go on vacation? Well, be prepared to spend extra time planning it. Are you bringing your pup with you? Here’s a list of things you need to think about:
1. Are you flying? If so, is your dog small enough to sit in the cabin with you, or does it need to be placed in cargo? Did you know that there are certain times of the year that they won’t accept pets in cargo? Yep! Some months it is too hot or too cold. How long of a flight is it? How long is the layover? Will there be a spot for your dog to do its business? Do you have the money to pay for their ticket? They don’t get to ride for free you know.
2. Where will you be staying? Are dogs allowed? Is there a “pet fee”?
3. If you can’t bring your dog with you, who is going to take care of it? Will your dog be staying at their house? Can someone come to your home to watch them? Will you use a pet care service or a board them at the vet? Even if you don’t bring them, it can still cost you money.
Personal space doesn’t exist anymore.
That’s right, it’s non-existent. Every morning I wake up with Schatzie RIGHT up against me. Sometimes resting on my neck, sometimes curled up right in my stomach, curled up in my legs, or sometimes even right on my leg. Of course, if you don’t let your pup sleep in your bed, you won’t have this issue, but how could I not let this little guy cuddle at night! This doesn’t only happen in bed, oh no, he has to be on me at ALL times; in bed, on the sofa, in my office, and in the car (or he will vomit).
Do you like to go to the bathroom alone? HA! Not anymore! I haven’t used the bathroom alone in eight years. Schatzie follows me, sits there and watches me. Sometimes, he even tries to sit on my lap! Close the door you say? Then I’m treated to the soothing sound of him whining and crying. The only time I get to be alone is when I’m taking a shower or a bath, but only because he doesn’t like water. He is basically my little shadow.
It is impossible to stay mad at them.
Let’s face it; no dog is perfect 100% of the time. Yes, even my sweet, little Schatzie*, has moments that really test my patience. Some of these include:
- When he pees on my clothes or rugs.
- Times when he runs into the street because he sees another dog or a squirrel.
- When he barks uncontrollably at my neighbours, other people, or dogs walking down the street. ESPECIALLY when it’s late at night and people are trying to sleep. No one wants to hear all the yapping.
Yep, you can try all you want, but one look into those puppy dog eyes and your brain goes “Ok, I’m over it. Who’s a silly boy?! You’re my favourite, and I love you so, so much!”
*Fun fact: Schatzie is German for “Sweetheart”; however, when he’s naughty, I call him Scheißie. This is how you’d call someone a “little turd.”
They’re ridiculously smart.
Seriously, I’m convinced that Schatzie knows how to count! He might not know commands like shake, roll over, or play dead, but he can count. Do you know how I know this? I’ll tell you…
Picture it, he was begging for chicken one day, and my mom said: “Go eat FIVE pieces of your food, then you can have some.” I shit you not, that little stinker went over to his food bowl and ate FIVE PIECES and then ran to my mom like “Ok, done. Chicken. Now!” I know you’re probably thinking that it was just a fluke, but no, he does this every time. Another example is when we plan to go somewhere. For example, I’ll tell him “Ok Schatzie, in *insert number* of night-nights, we’ll go to the cottage.”(It’s not my cottage, just to clarify.) Initially, he gets super excited because who wouldn’t, but then he’ll chill out…until the morning of the day we’re supposed to leave. He wakes me up and is so restless until we go. See, the boy can count!
I also have a list of words I can’t say without him freaking out. These include chicken, Denta-stick, treats, Grandma, any of my friend’s names, or Rambo (His bestie, who also happens to be my bestie’s pup. Convenient, I know.) This might also just be word association, but whatever, the point is that Schatzie is smart.
You will be judged.
Let’s face it, people like to give unsolicited advice. “You should train him this way.” or, “Dog’s shouldn’t wear sweaters” or, “You shouldn’t feel him that food.” They’re all comments I’ve gotten, and none of them were advice I had asked for. At first, it bothered me, and I noticed that I started doing it too, but then I just started to ignore the comments. My dog is healthy, happy, and well behaved. Clearly, I was doing something right! If I had a dime for every time I got a dirty look for carrying him in a purse, I’d be hella rich right now. I want him to get out and experience things, but I don’t want him to get trampled!
The bond and unconditional love.
Until you have a dog, you’ll never know how strong that bond will be. Sometimes I look at him and think about how we’re two different species, but we understand each other. I forget he’s a dog 90% of the time. Dogs are great at sensing what kind of mood you’re in. When I’m happy, he’s happy. I’m anxious; he’s there to cuddle. When I’m sad, he’s there to lick all the tears away and made me laugh.
The best thing is the unconditional love you get from a dog. No matter what happens, you’re still their #1. Whether you’re having adventures outside or sitting at home being a couch potato, they’re just happy to be wherever you are. Schatzie loves me so much that he lets me dress him up in little costumes, just because he knows it makes me happy. Also, I mean, he probably knows he looks good. I can’t imagine my life without him now.
Do you have a dog? What did you learn as a first-time dog parent? Please leave me a comment below!
xo Little J
PUPPY STARTER KIT
