Getting a puppy or dog is not only an exciting decision but also a really BIG one! Depending on your home and lifestyle, there are some important things to consider before choosing a puppy and bringing your new puppy home. To help you, we’ve put together a quick list of things you should chew on before you get a puppy – see what we did there 😉
1. Your Home
When you choose a puppy, your choice will very much depend on the type of home you have. For example, some dogs simply aren’t suited to a small city apartment and would do better in a home with a garden.
Sometimes even smaller dogs have lots of energy and need a lot of space to run and play. It’s important to research the dog breed you have in mind before you get a puppy to make sure that your new dog won’t become bored and frustrated later on.
Many dogs grow up without rules or boundaries. They need exercise, discipline and affection in that order.
Cesar Millan
10 Best Apartment Dogs | Breeds For Small Spaces
If you live in an apartment and would still love to get a puppy to keep you company there are a couple of wonderful dog breeds you can consider when choosing a puppy. These include chihuahua, terriers, poodles, dachshund, spaniels and even different Bulldog breeds. Here are a couple of awesome dog breeds for you to consider:
2. Garden
Is your garden secure and will your dog be able to escape? As I’m sure you know, some dogs and puppies are notorious escape artists! You will need to make sure that your home and garden are properly secured before you get a puppy so that they can’t escape.
Dogs and puppies try to escape their yards for many reasons, one of the biggest being boredom and loneliness. So if you are away from home for long periods of time you should probably think really carefully about whether you should get a puppy!
If you do decide to get a puppy, then you will need to make sure that they have lots of toys they can play with while you aren’t home especially if they won’t have any playmates to keep them company.
Certain breeds such as border collies are particularly active and they need lots of exercise and training so that they don’t become frustrated. You will need to invest lots of time into walking and training your new puppy so that they don’t become lonely, bored or destructive.
How To Stop Your Dog From Escaping The Yard
Bondi Vet offers some great advice on how to stop your dog or puppy from escaping the yard. They cover reasons why a dog might try to escape and what you can do.
Tips On Creating A Dog-Friendly Garden
Are there areas of your garden where your puppy won’t be allowed to go. If so, you will also need to section these areas off before bringing your new puppy home.
Another thing to consider is whether there is a place for your puppy to easily and freely go to the bathroom? And is there someone in your family who is going to commit to picking up poop!
3. Children
Do you have children? If so, you will need to think about getting a puppy that is a child-friendly puppy breed. Likewise, you may need to train your kids to be dog-friendly! Depending on the age of your children, you will need to teach them how to handle and train their new puppy once it comes home.
Children should also be involved in the responsibilities that come along with getting a new puppy. Before you get a puppy, you will need to chat about who will be responsible for which puppy chores. For example, who will be responsible for:
- Feeding
- Taking doggie for a walk and playing with him
- Picking up poop
- Giving him a bath
- Brushing him
How To Introduce Your Puppy To Your Children
Blue Cross has some great tips and tricks that will help you to successfully introduce your children to your new puppy.
3. Other Pets and Animals
Will your new puppy be living with other pets or animals? Usually, puppies can be taught to live happily with other pets such as cats, chickens, rabbits and other animals. But if you are adopting an older puppy or dog you will need to check to see how they respond to your other pets.
Likewise, will your current pets be happy welcoming a new puppy into your home? The happiness, safety and wellbeing of all your fur and feathered friends is really important!
Introducing Your Puppy To Your Dog
Get your puppy’s relationship with your other dogs off to a good and positive start with Blue Cross’ helpful guide!
Introducing Your New Puppy To Your Cat
Introducing your new puppy to your kittie cat can be a little challenging. Preparing is essential and in this video, Blue Cross will give you a few simple steps to make it easier!
4. Cost
Are you prepared for all the expenses that come with owning a dog? Initially, you will need to think about the cost of sterilizing your puppy, the vaccinations he will need and microchipping.
Long-term costs will include things like dog food, training, grooming, parasite control, dental care and various other everyday pet products such as toys, bedding, etc.
You will also have to be prepared for unforeseen expenses such as medical emergencies. Perhaps consider looking into good pet health insurance to cover any emergencies that could arise.
What’s The Real Cost Of Owning A Pet?
In this incredibly helpful video, VIP Financial Education goes through what you can expect to pay over the lifetime of your dog.
From their research, they found that a medium-sized dog will cost about $1,270 for the first year and then around $500 per year thereafter. However, that very much depends on several things and this amount can easily be doubled or tripled if, for example, your dog needs a special diet, has specific health issues, you travel a lot and need pet sitting or kennel services, etc.
They also advise putting aside at least $1,000 to $2,000 for unexpected vet bills.
5. Lifestyle
Are you super active or do prefer spending time on the couch with your PlayStation? If a weekend on the couch sounds more appealing than an early morning run then you will need to choose a pooch who is equally happy to be curled up on the couch with you. Remember that a bored or frustrated dog can easily become unhappy, frustrated and even destructive.
10 Laziest Dog Breeds
6. Work
Should you get a puppy if you work full-time, work long hours or are away from home a lot? This very much depends on whether you have a friend or family member who will be able to take care of your puppy or dog if you go away? Without care, walks, playtime and other interaction he will soon become lonely and unhappy.
Is there a reputable kennel that you would be comfortable leaving your dog with if you will be going away?
In general, will you have enough time to walk, play with and train your dog every day?
Cesar Millan’s Advice For Working Doggy Parents
Conclusion
No matter where you live or what your lifestyle is, you will need to remember that puppies need lots and lots of patience, attention, love and time. Puppies love to chew, run, play and they get up to all sorts of mischief without trying very hard! In the beginning, your puppy will wee on your carpet, chew up your shoes and dig up your garden so you need to be sure that you have the love, patience and time available to teach and train him.
Adopting a puppy is a life-changing commitment and there are so many things to consider before bringing a puppy home. Hopefully, this article has helped you to make the best decisions for you, your family and your new puppy.
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