I’m making a “Pre-Dog Checklist” but I want to talk about how social media is altering our perception of dog ownership. What did your feed not prepare you for?

Hi everyone! I’m thinking about the addition of dog in my family for the first time and I’m aware of the standard considerations:

• How much time can I devote to my dog (exercise, grooming, training, lifelong commitment)?
• How much will a dog cost (food, toys, grooming, veterinary appointments)?
• How will a dog fit into my lifestyle (breed, temperament, personality, allergies)?

I’m also aware that social media has the power to significantly influence our perception of dog breeds and ownership. We’ve all seen dramatic howling huskies, the gentle nature of Golden Retrievers and tiny dogs in designer handbags. Social media is increasingly making dog ownership look like an aesthetic lifestyle accessory, not a 10 to 15 year long commitment and companionship. This urges me to pose the following questions:

1. Did social media influence which dog breed you chose? If so, did that breed actually match your real lifestyle? 
2. What things did social media convince you about your breed that turned out to be a lie?
3. What are the things you’ve learned after getting a dog that social media didn’t show you?

I’m not looking for reassurance, but for the hard truth. My goal is to compile a sincere and unfiltered guide for first-time dog owners, so be brutally honest!