Dogs are playful, caring, and adorable, these are the main reasons why many people get too excited and end up bringing a puppy home, without being prepared for it. Getting a puppy is not as simple as you may think; it’s a huge responsibility that requires time, effort, and money. Some individuals may see a tiny puppy and decide to take it home, but after a couple of months they put it up for adoption as they can’t keep up with all the responsibilities. For that reason, there are a few things that you should consider before you bring a puppy home.
Commitment
Dogs can live for 13 years and sometimes more, so you need to make sure that you’re ready for a long-term commitment. This means that you should be prepared to love your furry friend from the moment you bring them home until they get old, even when they are not as playful as they used to be.
Training
Bringing a new puppy is similar to having a child, you will have to sacrifice your time, and put your dog’s needs before yours. This small creature you’re planning to bring home will consume all of your time, especially the first 3 to 4 months, which means that you will not be able to leave for the weekend with your friends as you’ll have to stay with your puppy. The first few months are the most challenging, as you will be spending most of your time training, taking care of your new pup, and getting to understand each other.
Training a pup requires a lot of time and patience, and in order to succeed in that, you’ll have to understand the temperament of your dog. The lifelong dog lovers at dogtemperament.com explain that knowing your dog’s temperament will allow you to understand why they behave the way they do. This will assist in overcoming many problems and building a strong bond between both of you. It will also make training your furry friend a lot easier.
Every dog is unique in their own way, but knowing how a certain breed behaves, will help with the training process.
For example, if your puppy is a Greyhound or a Cairn Terrier breed, this means that they’re classified as independent temperament dogs. These dogs require special training as they are strong-willed, stubborn, and love to be in control; meanwhile, if your dog belongs to a relaxed temperament breed, then you’ll need to be a little patient as they are typically slow learners.
Budget
Owning a dog could be expensive, so you have to ensure that you have the funds to take care of them and buy everything they need now and in the long run. You’ll have to visit the vet regularly to check up on them, purchase food, a comfy bed, collar, and toys to keep them entertained when you’re not around. The budget for your dog will vary depending on the breed.
Generally, big sized dogs are more expensive than a regular or small-sized dog. So, before you bring a puppy home, make sure that you’ll be able to afford all of their expenses.
Right Veterinarian
When you’re planning to get a new pup, you have to ask your friends, family members, and neighbors for their veterinary recommendations. Finding a good vet is a crucial step to any pet owner, as you will need someone who’s experienced with the breed you’re getting to guide you through what should be done.
Preparedness
We all know that dogs are full of joy, but what most people don’t know is that the first few days are full of crying. Just like babies, puppies cry during the night as they’re not familiar with the new place. Some people are not prepared for this and can’t handle a puppy crying so they return the pup, and others soothe them by taking the pup to their bed.
However, the best thing to do in this case is to set up a comfortable and quiet space before you bring the pup home and prepare yourself for some crying. To help them feel better, let your new pup roam around the place they’re going to sleep in so that they can adjust to it.
Getting a puppy is a huge responsibility, one that you should definitely prepare for. Ask your friends or relatives what it’s like to have a dog. That way you’ll have a clearer vision of what to expect. Also, you will need to do some research on what breed will fit your lifestyle the most. Not all dogs are the same, some are hyperactive and independent, while others are calm and relaxed. You will have to spend a lot of time with your furry friend, whether playing, walking, or training. So, make sure that you also have the time needed to raise a pup before you bring one home.
____________________________________________________
Interesting related article: “The most popular dog names.”