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| Choosing a Puppy |
So you think you want to get a puppy. Yes, they are so cute and irresistible but do you
really understand what is involved in choosing a puppy. Be realistic about your
lifestyle. How much time, money, energy and love you can devote to your dog?
Remember that cute little bundle of joy will grow up very quickly into an adult dog that
lives for at least 10-15 years. I’m not trying to discourage you from choosing a puppy I
just want you to fully understand the commitment. Too many dogs are relinquished to
shelters or euthanized each year because of behavior problems or lack of training.
What kind of dog do you want a small lap dog or a large dog that can jog with you? Do
you have a fenced yard or will you walk it daily? Do you want a pedigree dog or a
rescue dog? Where will the dog stay when you work or go on vacation? Do you have
other pets in the house? Do you have children or grandchildren? Who will groom the
dog? How will you train it? These are just some of the questions you need to answer
before you even consider getting a puppy.
Next do you have the money to care for a dog for its lifetime? Dogs can be very
expensive and unexpected costs are always possible. The first year can cost several
thousand dollars. Your dog will need supplies, food, veterinary care, grooming,
spaying or neutering, boarding, and exercise. Then the first year there is the cost of
the dog, whether you choose a pedigree dog or one from a shelter. Then as your dog
ages medical costs tend to increase.
Now let’s say you have done all of your research you know what breed you want, you
have considered the time it will take. Lastly, you can afford the puppy. There is still
more to consider.
A puppy is a baby and needs to be taught how to live in the human world-your home.
What a puppy learns now will determine the type of adult dog you will have later.
House Training
One of the very first things to teach your puppy is house training. Puppies need to
learn where you want them to go to the bathroom unfortunately they don’t come with
this skill at 8 weeks of age.
Puppy Biting and Mouthing
Puppies are also very mouthy they love to chew on anything and everything they can
find including your hands and feet. Biting and mouthing is how your puppy learns
about their world. But you need to teach them what to chew on and that biting and
mouthing can hurt.
Socialization
Puppies need socialization to expose them to the world they live in so they can adapt
too many different people, dogs and situations. Then your puppy needs training to
learn manners to fit into your lifestyle.
As you can see choosing a puppy is a very big decision and should not be taken
lightly. This is a living, breathing animal that you are taking full responsibility of for its
life. If you are ready for this commitment your dog will pay you back with love,
companionship and more joy than you can ever imagine.
really understand what is involved in choosing a puppy. Be realistic about your
lifestyle. How much time, money, energy and love you can devote to your dog?
Remember that cute little bundle of joy will grow up very quickly into an adult dog that
lives for at least 10-15 years. I’m not trying to discourage you from choosing a puppy I
just want you to fully understand the commitment. Too many dogs are relinquished to
shelters or euthanized each year because of behavior problems or lack of training.
What kind of dog do you want a small lap dog or a large dog that can jog with you? Do
you have a fenced yard or will you walk it daily? Do you want a pedigree dog or a
rescue dog? Where will the dog stay when you work or go on vacation? Do you have
other pets in the house? Do you have children or grandchildren? Who will groom the
dog? How will you train it? These are just some of the questions you need to answer
before you even consider getting a puppy.
Next do you have the money to care for a dog for its lifetime? Dogs can be very
expensive and unexpected costs are always possible. The first year can cost several
thousand dollars. Your dog will need supplies, food, veterinary care, grooming,
spaying or neutering, boarding, and exercise. Then the first year there is the cost of
the dog, whether you choose a pedigree dog or one from a shelter. Then as your dog
ages medical costs tend to increase.
Now let’s say you have done all of your research you know what breed you want, you
have considered the time it will take. Lastly, you can afford the puppy. There is still
more to consider.
A puppy is a baby and needs to be taught how to live in the human world-your home.
What a puppy learns now will determine the type of adult dog you will have later.
House Training
One of the very first things to teach your puppy is house training. Puppies need to
learn where you want them to go to the bathroom unfortunately they don’t come with
this skill at 8 weeks of age.
Puppy Biting and Mouthing
Puppies are also very mouthy they love to chew on anything and everything they can
find including your hands and feet. Biting and mouthing is how your puppy learns
about their world. But you need to teach them what to chew on and that biting and
mouthing can hurt.
Socialization
Puppies need socialization to expose them to the world they live in so they can adapt
too many different people, dogs and situations. Then your puppy needs training to
learn manners to fit into your lifestyle.
As you can see choosing a puppy is a very big decision and should not be taken
lightly. This is a living, breathing animal that you are taking full responsibility of for its
life. If you are ready for this commitment your dog will pay you back with love,
companionship and more joy than you can ever imagine.
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