As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the Millennials are starting to take over and making waves as they do so. While their parents or grandparents most likely lived in a single-family house with a white picket fence, 2.5 kids, a stay-at-home mom, and a dog that never set foot in the house, Millennials are living in condos with roommates or significant others, everyone works at least one job, and instead of having kids, we have dogs. That’s right, we. I am a Millennial myself and while I don’t live in a condo, I have six fur kids and no human children.
For many of us, a dog seems easier. Either because we aren’t married yet, or we like the companionship of something with fur over humans. You can leave the dog at home while you pursue your career. And, for many young, single women, they have become an accessory thanks to celebs like Paris Hilton.
But is this lifestyle good for the dog? No doubt the pup is happier being inside than the traditional chained-to-a-doghouse life that pre-dated our generation. But, at the same time, many Millennials get a dog for the wrong reasons (including as an accessory!) and they end up at the shelter.
Failed Homes
A dog can be a great indoor companion. Maybe not a replacement for human kids, but certainly a best friend. However, if it’s not thought out thoroughly, your home could just become a “failed home” that leaves both you and the dog hurting.
Slyva Kelegian is an actress (Spider-man, 2002) and author of “God Spelled Backwards,” a book about the real world of dog rescue, something Kelegian has been a part of for years, having saved over 300 animals. You can bid on a signed copy of her book here, proceeds go to the Oregon Dog Rescue.
In addition to rescue, she educates the public to help them make informed decisions about whether a dog is right for them and, if so, getting the right dog to fit their lifestyles so the dog doesn’t end up at the shelter.
She explains that one of the biggest problems is that Millennials tend to be hasty when making the decision about getting a dog.
“[They] can be more Impulsive,” Kelegian says. “Sometimes [they] get dogs without thinking it through, like buying the ‘breed of the month’ or not realizing that they’re responsible for the animal for its lifetime.”
And, like anyone getting a dog, they often give them up because of busy schedules, size of residences, commitment issues, or buying a puppy as a gift without let the recipient make the choice, she adds.
Tips
Kelegian has the following tips for Millennials to think to ensure an informed decision is made prior to bringing home a new addition to the family:
- Don’t buy a pet for someone else. Let the person choose the animal him- or herself. Many gift pets end up in shelters.
- Don’t get a large dog if you live in a small apartment unless you can give the dog enough exercise.
- Don’t get a dog because it’s “trending” or the “breed of the day.” (Remember the Chihuahua craze a few years ago because of the Taco Bell commercials? The majority of them ended up in shelters and were euthanized.)
- If you and your roommate/partner/spouse both work outside the home, don’t get a dog unless you’re also going to get a dog walker who can take the dog out once or twice. Dogs are social animals and are miserable when left home alone all day and they need to get exercise and relieve themselves.
- Do understand that you’re getting the dog (or cat) for its entire lifetime, so be prepared to care for it for many years. That means not only food and shots but possible vet bills in case of accident or illness, groomers, trainers.
- Do understand that your dog needs to be walked at least four times a day, seven days a week, rain or shine if you live in an apartment and at least once a day if you have a house.
- Do get a pet from a shelter or rescue group. There is a group for every breed, especially in large cities. Don’t buy from pet shops, as they may get their dogs from puppy mills. If people stop buying from pet stores, puppy mills will eventually be put out of business.
- Think first, and spread the word about dog adoption and spaying and neutering.
Think of it Like a Baby
You wouldn’t rush out and just “pick up a baby,” would you? No. A dog is just like a toddler with the same demands on time and money. Make sure your busy, hectic, career driven life has time for a dog. If not, you may want a less-demanding pet, like a fish, or maybe stick with the stuffed one for now until your life calms down a bit.
About the Author
Based in Wilsonville, Ore., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She is the founder of A Fairytail House, a unique all-positive all-sport dog training facility that helps rescue dogs in her area and provides free seminars and training classes for the community. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles.
