Owning a dog is a wonderful experience filled with love, loyalty, and laughs. But along with the joys come responsibilities and lifestyle changes that some might find challenging—and others might find downright adorable! From the constant companionship to the wet-nosed wake-up calls, these points offer a playful look at what life with a dog is really like. Here are 12 reasons you might not want to get a dog…unless, of course, these reasons make you fall in love with the idea even more.

1. You’ll Fall Completely, Irrevocably in Love

Adopting a dog is an instant path to falling in love, and trust us, they make it so easy. Before you know it, you’ll be obsessed with their every move, melting at every glance. Expect to fill your phone with endless photos of them sleeping, playing, and looking cute. This love can even make you rearrange your life around them! Weekend plans? Might cancel them to stay in and cuddle. Out with friends? You’ll be showing off their latest cute picture. This love is powerful, all-consuming, and very real. Be prepared to prioritize this furry companion over nearly everything.

2. You’ll Have a Little Shadow Everywhere You Go

Dogs have an uncanny way of always knowing where you are—and following you there. They’re the ultimate shadows, trailing you from room to room, staring at you as you brush your teeth, and lying outside the bathroom door as if your absence for two minutes is an eternity. It’s cute, yes, but it can also make you hyper-aware of their constant presence. Privacy has become a luxury of the past, and if you’re someone who values solo time, well, let’s just say your dog might not understand. They’re in it for the companionship, and they take it very seriously.

3. Kisses and Licks Become a Daily Thing

With a dog, prepare to be showered in slobbery affection. A dog’s love language often includes licking your face, hands, or anything within reach. This can be adorable, especially at first, but it’s not always ideal when you’re trying to stay clean. Dog kisses don’t discriminate—they’re there after a long walk, right before bed, or even during Zoom calls. You’ll soon learn that your face is no longer yours alone. So, if you’re someone who prefers minimal contact, this abundance of affection might be a surprise!

4. You’ll Have to Schedule Your Day Around Walks

Dogs need regular exercise, which means you’ll be stepping out, rain or shine, for their daily walks. These outings can become enjoyable routines, but they do require commitment and planning. No matter how busy your day is, they’ll be waiting by the door, leash-ready, expecting some outdoor time. This schedule doesn’t pause for rainy days, early mornings, or late nights. It’s rewarding, but also a non-negotiable commitment. If you’re not up for a structured routine every day, this may be more of a responsibility than you think.

5. Get Ready to Be on Constant Cleanup Duty

Dogs are amazing companions, but they come with a fair amount of cleanup—shedding fur, muddy paws, or occasional bathroom accidents. Dog hair will become a permanent part of your wardrobe, and vacuuming will become a daily chore. And if you’re bringing home a puppy, there’s a good chance they’ll chew on things they shouldn’t, which might require some extra cleaning. It’s all manageable with the right mindset, but expect a lot more tidying up than usual to keep things looking neat.

6. Your Schedule? It’s No Longer Just Yours

Once you have a dog, your schedule will naturally revolve around their needs. Whether it’s feeding, walking, or playtime, they thrive on routine. Spontaneous after-work plans or weekends away require a little more planning now. Someone has to take care of your furry friend if you’re not home, and dogs aren’t as independent as some pets. It’s rewarding to see them thrive on this structure, but the shift in control over your schedule is real and something every potential dog owner should be prepared for.

7. Vet Visits Are a Real (and Necessary) Thing

Dogs, like any living creature, need medical care from time to time. Vet visits are essential to keep them healthy, but they’re also an added time and financial commitment. Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and occasional emergencies come with the territory. And if your dog gets sick, it’s on you to arrange the care they need. While this isn’t a daily task, it requires planning, resources, and the ability to make potentially quick decisions to keep them safe and happy.

8. They’ll Need a Lot of Toys and Entertainment

Dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation, which means investing in toys, activities, and time to keep them entertained. If they get bored, they may take it upon themselves to create their fun—sometimes involving your favorite shoes or furniture. Rotating their toys, setting up playtimes, and spending quality time with them is essential. It’s a joyful task, but it does require energy, creativity, and sometimes a good stash of dog-friendly entertainment options to keep them engaged and content.

9. Say Goodbye to Sleeping In

Dogs are early risers, often greeting the day with enthusiasm before the sun is fully up. This might mean your weekends of sleeping in are interrupted by a wet nose nudging you to get up or a furry friend bouncing around, eager for breakfast or a morning walk. Dogs thrive on consistency, so you might find yourself adjusting your sleep schedule to match theirs. For morning people, this might be fine, but night owls may find this shift a bit challenging.

10. You’ll Become a Bit of a Dog Trainer

Dogs don’t come pre-trained, so there’s a bit of work required to teach them how to live harmoniously in a human environment. Commands like sit, stay, and come are basics, but many dogs need more structured training to help with behaviors like leash-walking or house manners. Training isn’t a one-time event, either—it requires patience, repetition, and lots of treats! The effort is incredibly rewarding as you bond and watch them learn, but it’s a time investment to get them comfortable with human rules.

11. Travel Plans? Prepare for Extra Arrangements

If you love to travel, having a dog can make spontaneity a bit tricky. Dogs don’t often adapt well to being left alone for long periods, so every trip requires pet-friendly planning. This might mean finding a dog sitter, boarding them, or choosing dog-friendly destinations. Some dogs are happy to come along on adventures, but others are homebodies. Regardless, travel becomes a bit more involved, as your plans now need to include options that keep them comfortable and safe in your absence.

12. Dogs Need Emotional Support, Too

Dogs form deep emotional bonds with their humans, and they rely on you to provide stability and affection. This companionship is beautiful, but it does mean that your dog might have emotional needs that go beyond feeding and walking. Some dogs experience separation anxiety, need extra reassurance during storms, or are simply happiest when they’re close to you. Being a source of comfort for your dog is deeply rewarding, but it’s also a significant responsibility that can require patience, understanding, and consistent care.