Things To Think About Before Buying a Puppy
IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING BUYING OR ADOPTING A PUPPY, FIRST ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS
Puppies are the one thing that brings pure joy to anyone that they come in contact with. They’re adorable, fluffy, and absolutely impossible to resist! Who doesn’t want a puppy? Unfortunately, while the initial thrill of having a puppy is great, it isn’t going to last. People tend to overlook how much time, attention, and training dogs and puppies require and fail to realize the fact that raising and owning a dog isn’t much different than raising a child. These oversights lead to dogs being abandoned and sent to the shelter, which is traumatic for the owner and the dog. If you’re considering purchasing or adopting a new puppy, please ask yourself these questions first.
DO I HAVE THE TIME?
Some people have full time jobs and activities that inhibit them from putting forth the time and energy that new puppies require. These hyper little balls of fur constantly demand attention, structure and routine from their owners, and not having the time to provide these things might be a sign that you’re not ready for a new puppy. Puppy training is difficult, and requires consistency, patience, and lots of time. Leaving your pup in a crate for nine hours straight while you’re at work is not an option that will nurture your dog’s growth and connection to you.
Additionally, dogs, and especially puppies, need to be walked regularly. When owning a dog, you can’t have tired or off days because they depend on you every day. Both puppies and dogs require your time!
CAN I COMMIT LONG TERM?
Like every little thing on Earth, dogs tend to age! They won’t remain puppies forever, and some people can’t seem to grasp this idea. If you want a puppy, remember that it will age! Additionally, most dogs tend to live between ten to thirteen years, which is a long time. If you can commit to the long run of having a dog, then get one! If this seems like an awfully long time, then maybe hold off on it for now. Having a dog is a long term commitment.
DO I HAVE THE FINANCES?
Adopting or purchasing a new puppy is often accompanied by a lot of expenses. Between vet bills, puppy training classes, food, and toys, the costs surrounding raising a puppy can grow pretty high. Additionally, you’ll have to have an emergency fund in case your puppy gets sick or injured! Dogs rely on their owners for care, and if you can’t afford to raise a new puppy, then hold off until you’re more financially secure. Don’t let your dog suffer just because you made the decision to adopt a dog before checking if you can afford it.
AM I PREPARED FOR TRAINING?
Training your puppy requires patience and consistency. Assuming that they’ll automatically learn to not do certain things, like jumping on strangers and begging for people’s food, is irresponsible. When raising a puppy, you need to be strategic about training them, and correcting problem behaviors isn’t a one time deal. Even if you sign your pup up for puppy training classes with Lupa K9 Dog Training, you’ll need to reinforce what was learned in classes back home. Learned behaviors and skills taught in our classes could become extinct, or go away, if you don’t follow up after the classes.
DO I HAVE THE SPACE?
Puppies are energetic and love to play, run around, and chew on everything! Keeping them cooped up in a small room all day is not good for new pups. While we don’t expect everyone to have a huge house, something more than just your bedroom for your puppy is adequate. Sometimes, people have roommates that are allergic or simply don’t like dogs. In those cases, it might be impossible to let your dog roam around and you should consider waiting until you have the space.
Thank you for reading today’s blog! Puppies are bundles of joy but require plenty of time and care so that they grow up to be happy and healthy companions! If you’re considering becoming a new puppy owner, please ask yourself these questions first! And, as always, contact Lupa K9 Dog Training for assistance with training your new pup!