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Let’s make one thing clear at the outset. The highs of owning a dog will always offset the low points, so if you are thinking about welcoming a dog into your home soon, you really should, provided you have the time and motivation to take care of your new canine companion. However, it’s not all fun and games, and as any dog owner will tell you (or as you may know yourself if you own a dog), there is always the good thrown in with the bad.

These are the highs and lows of being a dog owner. If you don’t already to relate to at least a few of them today, you soon will when you welcome that beautiful, bouncing ball of fur into your home.

High: Walking the dog is great for both of you. Not only will your dog’s health benefit from the exercise, but yours will too. Your canine companion is a great incentive to get off the sofa, and the fresh air and gentle exertion will stir both your mind and your bones.

Low: Walking the dog can be a chore. On those days when the weather is cold and wet, or when you just can’t be bothered, you know you still have to do the honourable thing and put your shoes on. While you will benefit from the walk, there may still be reluctance beforehand, not only from you, but from your dog as well. Still, walk you must, as you will run the risk of an accident on your carpet if you don’t!

High: Your dog will always welcome you home. With a friendly lick and an outstretched paw, your dog will be jumping for joy at the sight of you stepping through the door. No matter how much of a terrible day you have had, knowing your dog cares when others haven’t, can almost make up for whatever has gone on during the rest of your day.

Low: Your dog’s welcome can be unwelcoming. A little bit of affection is one thing, but your dog’s bad breath and sloppy tongue is not the most pleasant way to begin your downtime from work. Still, you probably needed a shower anyway, and it’s probably time you gave your dog’s teeth a clean to instill that minty freshness.

High: Your dog loves to play, so boredom will never be an issue. With games in the park, around the home, or in your back garden, you will always have somebody to play with. From frisbee throwing to hide and seek, there are loads of games you can play, giving both you and pooch many hours of fun together.

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Low: Your dog loves to play, nearly all of the time. Long after you have tired throwing the ball around, your dog hasn’t. As soon as you think you have ‘lost’ that stick your dog was chasing around, they will find another one. When you aren’t in the mood to play, no matter what time of the day it is, your dog will be desperate for his playmate. You know it’s because your dog wants to hang out with you, but sometimes you will be craving for a little alone time. After all, your Netflix watchlist isn’t going to watch itself!

High: Your dog is perfect for guarding the house. When you’re at work or in bed, you can be confident that your dog will be awake and alert to any possible danger. Burglars beware, because even if your dog’s bark is worse than his bite, they will still be put off by this furry menace. As will those pesky door-to-door salesmen, girl scouts selling cookies, and that nuisance neighbour who is always coming over to borrow your lawnmower.

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Low: Your dog’s bark will drive everybody crazy. The mailman quivers as he comes up the drive, the delivery boy is too frightened to deliver, and any passerby is liable to jump out of their skin should they dare to set foot anywhere near your front door. While your dog’s protective instincts are a godsend at times, they can also be a curse. You will tire of spilling your cup of tea every time your dog barks at the world, and you will be forced to apologise to the world and it’s mother for scaring the living daylights out of them!

High: Your dog will help you with household chores. From dropped foods to spilled liquids, your dog will always be on hand to help you clean up the mess. You don’t need to clean your plate, either, as your dog will be only too happy to lick your plate clean with a satisfying slurp. Please note: your dog is definitely not a substitute for a dishwasher, so you REALLY should give your plate another wash, but at least your dog will have alleviated some of the hard work for you.

Low: Your dog will add to your household chores. Dog hairs on the sofa. Dog Hairs on the carpet. Dog hairs on the curtains. Dog hairs on your clothes. You will be cleaning up dog hair everywhere! And that’s not forgetting the occasional toileting accident, broken ornaments with a swish of your dog’s tail, and torn to shreds trash bags from your overeager dog looking for a treat to eat. You’re going to need a bigger brush!

High: You will make new friends. People Love dogs, and they will only be too happy to say hello when you are walking pooch, patting them on the head and elevating your ego. And who knows? You might even meet the man/woman of your dreams! Many good relationships have been formed because of a shared love of dogs; well, at least that’s what the movies tell us, anyway!

Low: You will also make enemies. Your cat-loving friends will never understand your passion for dogs. Your neighbour won’t appreciate it when they notice your dog has dug up their daffodils. And your in-laws will get riled up when pooch jumps at them with that sloppy welcoming kiss we referred to earlier. You will love your dog, but not everybody will share your feelings of affection. Still, if you ever wanted to keep the in-laws away, this may well be a high point!

Do you have a dog? Are there any other highs or lows we have neglected to mention? Let us know if so, and if you are thinking about welcoming a dog into your home, remember, the highs will always outweigh the lows. We promise!