Think twice before you adopt a puppy. There are some things that you may think you're prepared for, but that may not be the case. There's always more to learn because when it comes down to adopting a pooch, there's a lot more work involved than you may think!

Here are the seven things I wish someone would have said to me before I signed the adoption papers, just so I knew exactly what I was getting into.

1. You're going to spend a lot of money. A. Lot. Of. Money.

Whatever you think you're going to spend on a dog, triple it. Better yet, quadruple it. And depending on your dog, double whatever the sum of your quadrupling.

The bulk of what we spend goes toward better food. These days it's tough to trust just any old can of ground-up goodness-knows-what. More and more pet stores are offering better options like dehydrated or frozen raw food made with organic ingredients.

Beyond the absolute basics of food, there are the basics of annual vaccinations and licensing your dog with your city.

Then there are the vet visits — not predictable in when they'll happen or why, but predictable in that they will indeed happen.

Then there is the money you don't spend on your dog but you spend because of your dog. Replacing furniture or carpets, for instance.

There are the necessities like baths and grooming and nail trimming. And there's the fun stuff like collars, tags, treats, beds, crates, harnesses, leashes, sweaters or boots if you live in cold climates, cooling blankets if you live in hot climates, bully sticks and marrow bones, chew toys and stuffed toys, replacement toys, replacement toys for the replacement toys, Chuck-Its and tennis balls, training treat pouches, poop bags … I could keep going, but I think you get the idea.

So when I say double what you quadrupled, I'm not exaggerating.

2. Any extra mental and physical energy you have? Yep, that goes to the dog.

Now that your wallet is empty, it's time to start emptying your mental and physical energy reserves. I joke, but really, it is important to understand just how much energy goes into a dog. When you come home tired at the end of a long work day, the exuberance with which your dog greets you is absolutely wonderful. And now the dog's stored-up energy needs to be burned off for sanity's sake.

3. Training happens every single day. There's no finish line.

Dogs are not static beings. They have their own unique personalities and their brains are always churning, always coming up with new ways to get what they want whether that's to get to the park faster, or to sneak the roast chicken left unattended on the counter, or to cuddle on the no-dogs-allowed couch. Dogs have impulses, temptations, fears, triggers, bouts of energetic silliness or thoughtlessness just like any other being. To help a thinking being navigate the world requires active training, every day, for life.

Sometimes a dog that is trained to sit before being allowed to go out the door will be too excited to remember this requirement and, if the dog gets away with it a couple times, he will start to test the limits of the rule.

Life is always offering new challenges, and this fact along with your dog being a thinking being means that training is a non-stop, life-long process.

4. Are you ready for a little family drama?

Unless you live alone, there are probably going to be some things that pop up that require family meetings, or maybe even family therapy. Who is in charge of what aspects of caring for the dog — and who slacks in their role — may be an issue. Family members who let the dog get away with something another family member is trying to train the dog not to do may be an issue. Aspects of the dog's personality that one family member finds endearing while another family member loathes may be an issue. Perhaps a new person joins the family, which changes the dynamics and new problems need to be addressed.

5. Say goodbye to spontaneous travel. Or late nights for that matter.

Having a dog is a bit like having a kid in that unplanned weekend-getaways or random all-nighters aren't really in the cards. Now that you have a dog, even a late-night dinner date — let alone the basic camping trip — takes more planning. Spontaneity is tough when you have an animal 100 percent dependent on you.

For one thing, dogs need to potty. You can't leave straight from work to happy hour, then dinner, then night caps or dancing until 2 a.m. If you do, you may find a little unpleasant present or two waiting for you on the rug. Not to mention a lonely dog that has been cooped up all night, uncomfortable and confused.

You're either going to travel less, invest part of your travel budget in boarding or pet sitting, or become an expert in pet-friendly accommodations on the road. And you're definitely going to think about your dog's needs before you say yes to spontaneous weeknight or weekend plans.

6. Your new dog is not going to be like your old dog.

Perhaps one of the worst things you can do when bringing home a dog is to have expectations that this dog will be the same a — or even similar to — your previous dog. Don't set yourself up for disappointment or frustration. Set yourself up for joy and surprise by letting your new dog reveal himself for who he is as you get to know each other.

7. It's not going to be what you expect.

In fact, while we're talking about expectations, let's go ahead and toss all of them out the window. If you're getting a dog because you have certain expectations for what your life will be like with one, just know this: It probably won't be what you thought it'd be. It'll be just as great, but different.

Whatever you think owning a dog will be like, it won't be quite like that. Perhaps fairly close, perhaps wildly different, but definitely not quite like what you expect.

One thing about owning a dog is universally true: if you do it right, and go into it with your eyes wide open, bringing a dog into your life is going to be one of the best things you ever do.

Although there are so many things to consider before adopting a doggy, don't let that scare you away from taking home a furry friend. This advice is just meant to prepare you so that you're not too surprised by what's about to come once your pooch comes home with you!

For more information on doggy adoption advice, visit Mother Nature Network.