1. Getting a dog, especially a puppy, should be seen as a 15-year commitment. Dogs are living even longer now and if you’re considering an older dog, subtract its current age from 15 years. The sum is the minimum you should expect to have that dog for. 2. What season of life are you in? Are you single and hope to be married with kids someday? Do you have a stable career or are you frequently moving? The season and style of life you have now may not be the same in 1, 3, 5, 10+