Are you ready to take on all the grown-up responsibilities of dog ownership? One of the best things about being an adult is you get to make all the decisions for yourself, like eating ice cream for dinner, staying up late to watch a scary movie and finally getting a puppy. But each of these decisions comes with responsibilities and consequences; the biggest of which is becoming a puppy parent. They’re cute and fluffy, loving and loyal, but they require your time, energy, attention and money. 

Matt and Molly are joined by certified professional dog trainer and dog behavior consultant Irith Bloom. Figure out just how much of your time, money, and home you should set aside for your new furry best friend. And learn some of the most important lessons to teach your dog. 

Cited Sources: 

• “Industry Trends and Stats” - American Pet Products Association
• “About Half of U.S. Owers Say Their Pets Are as Much a part of Their Family as a Human Member” - Pew Research Center
• “The Cost of Dog Parenthood in 2024” - The Dog People Powered by Rover.com
• “Cost of Dog Ownership Statistics 2024” - USA Today 
• “81% of Pet Owners with Pet Insurance Report It’s Worth It” - Marketwatch
• “Setting Schedules and Developing a Routine for Your New Puppy” - American Kennel Club
• “Puppy Socialization: Why, When, and How to Do it Right” - American Kennel Club
• “Visual Communication: How Different Breeds Seek Eye Contact” - American Kennel Club

Do you have grown-up stuff that you want to figure out and learn more about? Send us an email or voice memo with your ideas and questions to grownupstuffpod@gmail.com You may hear your question on an upcoming episode!