Getting a dog is one of those life decisions that looks adorable on Instagram, but for many first-time (and even seasoned) owners, the reality has lots more layers than puppy cuteness.
We’ve combed through heartfelt Reddit threads to share the parts of dog ownership people didn’t expect and, in some cases, regret after signing up for the long haul...
You might not actually know what you wanted
One common theme? Realising the dog you thought you wanted might not fit your lifestyle once the novelty wears off.
“I feel guilty whenever I think about future dogs I want and they’re actually pretty different from her.”
People talk about wanting a playful adventure buddy, only to discover they actually got a dog with totally different energy or personality.
It’s not about loving them less. It’s about realising you might’ve underestimated who you were really ready for.
The puppy phase isn’t what you think
Everyone expects challenges, but many owners found the teenage months (roughly 6–18 months) far harder than early puppyhood.
“It’s months 6–18 that are actually the hardest… Teenagers scare the living sh*t outta me.”
Training regressions, attitude, and boundary-pushing behaviour during this phase can test even the most prepared owners.
Overwhelm comes hard and fast
It’s more than walking and feeding. Lots of owners describe feeling utterly overwhelmed early on.
“I thought life would be manageable… but the reality of late nights, constant needs, and training hits hard.”
For many, the first few weeks feel like juggling a needy toddler with no off switch.
Puppies are babies, literally
Despite all the research people do before bringing a puppy home, many still underestimated just how small and fragile they are.
“Don’t set too high expectations… They. Are. A. BABY.”
Owners found themselves cleaning up messes, baby-proofing homes, and constantly monitoring dangerous chewing. Things that don’t fully land until you’re living it.
You may regret what you didn’t prepare for
Even when enthusiasm is high, some owners look back and wish they had done things differently.
“I didn’t have a playpen for the first 6 weeks and it was chaos.”
Other common regrets include underestimating the time needed for training, naps, and basic routines that keep a puppy regulated and calm.
Freedom shrinks more than you expected
From the broader r/dogs discussions, many adults pointed out how a dog changes everyday adult life.
Vacations require extra planning, dog sitters, or sometimes giving up trips entirely.
Getting a dog can feel like trading spontaneity for routine, responsibility, and logistics, especially if flexibility was a big part of your pre-dog life.
So… do people still recommend getting a dog?
Here’s the honest takeaway: most owners don’t regret their dog overall, but they do regret how unprepared they were for parts of the reality.
Many look back with gratitude for the companionship, even if they wouldn’t do things the same way again.
“Get a dog that truly suits your current lifestyle.”
That includes energy levels, space, time, travel goals, and your own needs.
Final thought: love isn’t the only requirement
A dog brings joy, laughter, companionship, and meaning. But as many owners openly admit, love alone doesn’t prepare you for everything else.
Planning, realistic expectations, and understanding the long-term commitment are what make having a happy, healthy dog sustainable.
Thinking about a dog? Read this first.