2. Is Your Lifestyle Ready For A Puppy? (The Honest Assessment)

Your friend's puppy is adorable. Instagram makes it look effortless. But before you start browsing breeders, you need to ask yourself one critical question: does your lifestyle actually suit a puppy?

The Time Commitment Nobody Talks About

Let's be specific about what "having time for a puppy" actually means.

Daily commitment:

• 5-8 toilet breaks (including overnight)
• 30-60 minutes of training and mental stimulation
• 30-60 minutes of play and exercise
• 15-30 minutes of grooming and care
• Constant supervision during waking hours

Weekly commitment:

• 3-5 socialisation outings
• Multiple training practice sessions
• Vet visits as needed
• Deeper cleaning

This isn't just for the first week. This is your life for the first 3-6 months.

Red Flags You Can't Ignore

Be honest. Do any of these apply to you?

You're regularly away from home 8+ hours. Your schedule changes constantly. You travel multiple times per month. You're in the middle of a major life change. Your living situation is uncertain. You're starting a new job, relationship, or course.

These aren't automatic disqualifiers. But they are serious considerations that need addressing before you get a puppy.

Green Lights That Suggest You're Ready

On the other hand, these are good signs:

You have a stable routine. You can adjust your schedule for the first few months. You have people who can help you. You're in a stable life phase. You work from home or have flexibility.

Not sure where you stand? Our community has a lifestyle readiness quiz that gives you a personalised score based on your actual situation. It's not about judging you - it's about giving you honest feedback before you commit.

The First Few Months Are The Hardest

Here's what trainers wish more people understood: you can't outsource the first 12 weeks.

You can hire dog walkers later. You can book training sessions down the line. But those critical early weeks? That's all you.

If you can't commit to this intensity right now, waiting 6-12 months isn't giving up. It's being responsible.

What "Almost Ready" Looks Like

Maybe you scored well on most areas but struggled with one or two. That's common.

The question is: can you address those gaps now, or do you need to wait until circumstances improve?

Sometimes "almost ready" means making a few adjustments. Sometimes it means accepting that now isn't the right time.

Get Ongoing Support For Your Puppy Journey

Whether you're ready now or planning for the future, having the right support system makes all the difference.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific lifestyle challenges and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Complete puppy courses covering everything from pre-puppy preparation to adolescence
• A supportive community of other prospective owners navigating the same decisions
• Lifestyle quizzes and assessments to help you understand if you're truly ready
• Troubleshooting help for adjusting your routine and preparing your life
• Updated resources including daily schedule planners and time management tips

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to make the right decision about puppy ownership.