Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Welcoming a furry friend into your home can be a life-changing experience, but many pet owners have revealed there are things they wish they had known before taking the plunge. Despite the fact that over half of pet owners say their four-legged companions have improved their physical and mental health, a new study has found that there are some key lessons they wish they had learned beforehand. Dog owners, in particular, reported having to make significant lifestyle changes, including adjusting their daily routines to accommodate walks and reconsidering their holiday plans. In fact, seven out of ten dog owners described the initial months of pet ownership as a "crash course in canine chaos." (Image: (Image: Getty Images)) The survey of 2,000 pet owners found that dog owners were often caught off guard by the need to always carry poo bags, their dog's "selective hearing," and the sheer amount of fur they would find at home. Other unexpected changes to their routine included braving all types of weather for walks, losing their spot on the couch, and enduring early morning wake-up calls. Cat owners also reported some surprises, with 29 per cent saying they were unprepared for the fact that no amount of scratching posts could save their furniture from damage. Meanwhile, 20 per cent shared that their feline friends took great pleasure in knocking items off shelves, seemingly just for the joy of watching them fall. The study by Pet Health Club revealed that 27 per cent of cat owners have noticed their feline friends often choose a humble cardboard box over the most luxurious cat bed. Vet Holly McKinley from Pet Health Club commented: "Every pet comes with their own quirks – and while many of these become the things owners grow to love most, they can take a bit of getting used to at first. "Whether you're a seasoned dog or cat owner, or bringing home your very first pet, there's always something new to learn," added McKinley. This learning curve was particularly steep for those who welcomed new furry companions during the pandemic. During lockdowns, pets and their owners established solid routines, but post-lockdown life hasn't been easy as 18 per cent of owners reported changes in their routine were difficult for their pets to get used to. (Image: Getty Images) Despite any hurdles, the consensus among pet parents is overwhelmingly positive, with the primary rewards of pet ownership being the unconditional love and companionship, the pleasure of seeing their pet thrive, and the sense of fulfilment from providing a loving home. "It's easy to underestimate just how much care pets need behind the scenes," Holly disclosed. "In reality, every day is a learning curve, and it's completely normal for owners to feel a bit out of their depth at the start." Are you ready to become a pet owner? Take this quiz to find out. TOP 10 THINGS DOG OWNERS WISH THEY KNEW: I’d have to carry emergency poo bags in every pocket It would be a master of selective hearing – especially when called It would need plenty of training, attention, and mental stimulation It would shed enough fur to knit a whole new dog ‘Walkies’ means going out in any weather – rain, wind, or snow It would steal my spot on the sofa the second I stand up It would wake me up at 5am for absolutely no reason It would need monthly flea and worm treatments, even if it looks fine It would need annual vaccines to stay healthy It would need its teeth brushed and would rebel against the toothbrush TOP 10 THINGS CAT OWNERS WISH THEY KNEW: