Getting a puppy is one of the most joyful life events for individuals, couples, and families. Puppies are a great additional family member who will be with you for many years to come. When preparing to buy a puppy, there is a lot to consider and plan for. Read below for a complete guide to the key considerations and preparations for buying a puppy.
Consider the Commitment
Adding a dog to your life is a big commitment, especially if you already have children to take care of and a busy career. If you feel that you have reached a place in your life where you are ready to take on a puppy, remember that once you make the decision, your daily life will change. Dogs are loyal companions that will add to your life in many ways, so if you feel like you are missing something in your life and a dog will fulfill that need, the commitment is worth it.
Research Breeds
There are so many different breeds of dogs in the world that the choice can be overwhelming. When thinking about breeds, you must consider a few factors: allergies, size, disposition, and lifespan. Many people suffer from pet allergies, so they choose to opt for hypoallergenic dogs like Doodles, which are a mix of one dog breed and poodles. If you do not have allergies to fur or dander, then other breeds like retrievers are a good choice.
As for size, there is a wide variety of choices. From toy Chihuahuas to Great Danes, the sizes are endless when it comes to dogs. If you want a dog with a friendly disposition but you don’t want one that is too big, the mini golden retriever is a great choice. They have all of the great attributes that retrievers have but in a compact package. This makes them easier to travel with and much easier to pick up. No matter which breed you choose, make sure that the breeder you pick is reputable and does full health screenings of the dogs that they are breeding.
Make a Budget
Buying a puppy is a big investment, so when considering different breeds, do some research on different breeders in your area and how much they charge for their puppies. After you have a good idea of the average cost, set a budget and spend a few months saving up for your new puppy. Although some breeders may seem pricey, it is all relative when you think of how many years you will have your dog. Good breeders tend to be more expensive because they invest a lot of money into breeding the best dogs that have good genetics and longevity. It is worth it to pay more for a good puppy than to skimp and end up with a dog that develops health problems early in life and does not live as long.
Evaluate Your Lifestyle
As you prepare to bring a puppy into your home, evaluate your lifestyle and how it will have to change in order to accommodate this new responsibility. If you have kids, start to bring up the fact that this puppy is everyone’s responsibility, so everyone has to chip in to take care of it. Everyone in the household will have to make adjustments to accommodate the new furry family member, but it will be well worth it in the end.
Find the Right Breeder
After deciding on the breed of dog that you want, interview potential breeders and ask for their credentials. You can work with a breeder in your area or even travel to another state to pick up your puppy if you really like the breeder. You can also reach out to other dog owners who got their puppies from specific breeders to ask about their experience. The biggest thing to look out for is a breeder who cares about the health of their puppies over the profits.
Meet Potential Puppies
Once you have a breeder picked out, they will announce when new litters are born. Puppies are ready to take home when they are about eight weeks old, but you can go and visit the breeder before then to see the puppies and try to make a connection with one of them. If everything feels right and there is one specific puppy that you have taken a liking to, then it is time to make your payment and eagerly wait for pick-up day.
Buy Puppy Training and Sleeping Materials
Before you bring your puppy home, make sure to prepare for a warm welcome by purchasing the essentials. Trainers say that puppies like a safe space where they can go to rest and not be bothered. Because of this, many new dog owners invest in expandable crates. These crates serve as a kind of cave where your puppy can sleep during the night and rest while you are out of the house. The crate establishes a safe space for the puppy and allows you to leave the house without worrying about them chewing things up while they are still learning.
Other important materials include a comfortable bed, lots of treats, pee pads, and chew toys. Puppies love to bite as their baby teeth fall out and new ones come in. Because of this, it is good to buy items to satisfy their oral fixations so that they do not bite you or any of your family members while they are teething. As you begin to potty train your puppy, there will be accidents in the house, so laying out a lot of pee pads is a good idea for the first few weeks. Treats will also be your best friend in these early months as you train your puppy how to walk on a leash, do tricks, and generally be a good dog citizen.
As you prepare for pet ownership remember that having a puppy is not like having a stuffed animal. They require a lot of care and training to grow up to be well-behaved dogs, so being willing to sacrifice your time and energy to raise them well must be a priority. Keep this guide on hand to help you as you begin to look for your future puppy.
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