I watched Caleb Hammer push into a hard truth many of us dodge: money choices show our priorities . In his recent talk with a guest who has four kids, a new dog took center stage. The twist? The guest fell behind on their mortgage to buy the dog. Caleb didn’t sugarcoat it. He pressed on safety, values, and budgeting with real weight.
The heart of the conflict
The guest said adoption was not an option. They felt burned by a family story. A shelter dog once lunged at their child, they said, and the dog was later put down. Caleb countered that what happened sounded like poor training, not destiny.
“You’re behind on your mortgage to purchase a dog.”
That line landed. I felt the air leave the room a little. It wasn’t about being anti-dog. Caleb loves dogs.
It was about order:
- Keep the roof secure first.
- Then, think pets.
What I took away
Here’s what stood out as the key lessons from their back-and-forth.
- Housing beats new wants. Pay the mortgage before adding a pet and its ongoing costs.
- Adoption vs. buying isn’t the core issue—training, fit, and budget are.
- Safety with kids is non-negotiable. Structure and training matter for any dog.
- Emotions drive spending. Plans protect you from quick, costly moves.
Money and the pet decision
Adding a dog is not a one-time purchase. There are vaccines, food, grooming, gear, training, and emergencies. A typical dog can cost hundreds to a few thousand dollars per year. One late-night emergency vet visit can wipe out a paycheck. If the mortgage is already late, that risk grows fast.
Mortgage delinquency brings fees, interest, and stress. If you fall more than 30 days behind, it can hit your credit. Keep sliding and the bank can start the legal process to take the house. That’s the kind of problem that changes a childhood, not just a month.
Safety and training are not optional
The guest shared a painful story: a dog that lunged at a child and was later euthanized. I felt their fear. Caleb didn’t ignore that fear. He argued the behavior sounded like a training and handling issue. Adoption wasn’t the villain; inconsistency was.
“That is lack of training. That is not…”
Whether you adopt or buy, dogs need structure. Basic obedience, leash work, and socialization keep kids and pets safe. Skipping training is like skipping brakes on a car because it still drives off the lot.
A calmer, smarter plan
If you want a dog and money is tight, the path isn’t “never.” It’s “not yet.” Bring the mortgage current. Build a small emergency fund—aim for at least one month of essentials. Price out pet costs honestly. Add training as a line item, not a wish.
Curious about adoption? Meet multiple dogs with a trainer’s eye. Many shelters allow trial periods or fostering. You can also ask for a behavior assessment and history. If you buy from a breeder, check for health records and temperament notes, and still budget for training.
Here’s a softer landing:
- Stabilize housing first (current on mortgage or rent).
- Set a pet fund for vet visits, food, and training.
- Have a plan for supervision with kids and structured play.
- Commit to obedience training in the first weeks.
Final thought
I admire the love for animals. I also respect a parent’s fear. But love and fear both need a budget. Caleb’s point was simple and solid: protect the home, then pick the dog that fits your life, your kids, and your wallet. Want the pet? Make the math work first. Your future self—and your four kids—will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much should I budget before getting a dog?
Plan for the upfront costs and at least a few hundred dollars per year for basics, plus a cushion for emergencies. Include training as a must-have, not a maybe.
Q: Is adoption riskier than buying from a breeder?
Risk depends on the individual dog, your home, and training. Ask shelters for behavior notes and meet-and-greets. With breeders, request health and temperament info. Training is key either way.
Q: What should come first if I’m behind on my mortgage?
Catch up on payments and talk to your lender about relief options. Pause non-essential purchases until your housing is stable and you have a small emergency fund.
Q: How can I keep kids safe with a new dog at home?
Choose a dog with a suitable temperament, start obedience training early, supervise all interactions, and teach kids clear rules about space, touch, and feeding time.
