Getting a puppy is a huge commitment you are taking on as an individual and as a caregiver to a dependent creature. It can be hard to resist those pleading eyes and soft furry bellies at the pet store or shelter, but it’s important that you do not decide on adopting a dog spontaneously.
You will not be doing a puppy any favors if you discover down the road that the situation is just not doable for you. Before you sign up to take a puppy to its new forever home, you need to consider what type of life you can offer them.
There are many benefits to owning a dog, including comfort and companionship, but owning a dog is also a huge responsibility. From making sure your puppy is in a safe environment to figuring out how much to feed a puppy, there is research that you will need to do before you bring them home. Below, we examine a few important things you should consider before adopting a puppy.
Affordability
It’s important to consider the financial costs of owning a dog before you head to your local rescue agency. The daily food costs are not the only thing that will need to be paid for during your dog’s life. There are yearly veterinary bills to be paid for mandatory shots and check-ups and your dog’s equipment, including a kennel, leashes, beds, and toys. You should also consider potential emergency costs if your dog is to become ill or injured. You don’t want to end up in a situation where caring for your dog properly is too much for your budget.
Lease Permissions
One of the first things to ask about before getting a puppy is if your rental lease has any restrictions against animals. Talk to your landlord about your plans and find out pet ownership rules. In some cases, pets may be allowed as long as a substantial security deposit is paid to the landlord in case your puppy causes any damage to your unit. You don’t want to end up being forced to get rid of your pup after you have bonded or being forced to move because you didn’t investigate your lease permissions.
Puppy Vs. Adult Dog
Everyone loves to play with a puppy, but they are a huge commitment and a lot of work. If you are looking for a companion animal, you should ask yourself if you are really looking for a puppy or if you would be happy to bring a shelter dog home. An adult dog that is already trained could be a better solution for those that want a more low-maintenance pet.
Travel Plans
There are so many benefits of dog ownership, but also some drawbacks, including the inability just to pick up and go when your travel bug hits. If you travel frequently for work or love to globetrot with your friends, you may want to consider how you will care for a dog when you aren’t around. Repeatedly leaving a dog at the kennel can make it tough to bond and maintain a training relationship. If your travel itinerary cannot be avoided, you will need to find a dog sitter, dog walker, or kennel that will be able to care for your dog while you are away.
Time and Availability
A dog is a wonderful addition to your life, but to your dog, you are their whole world. If you do not have the time and availability to dedicate to a new dog, it’s best to consider a more low-maintenance pet. You need to be available to your dog for training, walks, playtime, and cuddles. Take a few moments to consider if you have the time to commit to the proper care of a dog.
Allergies
If you have never owned a dog before, you may not know if you have any specific allergies to certain species. To determine if you will be okay, it’s best to spend some time with a friend’s dogs or visit the dog park to connect with various dogs. If you have allergy symptoms like a rash, stuffy nose, or itchy eyes after contact with various dogs, you may have an allergy.
Puppy Proofing
Puppies need to be protected in the same way that you would protect a toddler. They tend to be extremely curious and can get into a lot of trouble if your home is not properly prepared. Before you bring your puppy home, you will need to do some puppy proofing. You will want to remove everything that can be chewed off the floor and put them at a safe height. Manage your electrical cords, so they are out of the way, and section off a smaller area in your home for a starting safe point for your puppy to become adjusted to their new home.
Physical Requirements
Puppies have a lot of energy that will require you to increase your physical activity. You may struggle with properly caring for a puppy if you have any mobility issues. You should be able to walk your new puppy, get down on the floor to play with them, and take care of feeding schedules.
Roommate Issues
When you are thinking about getting a puppy, it’s important to consider how it will impact the other people in your home, like your family or roommates. Talk to them about how they feel about having a dog in the house before you make your final decision.
Breeder Reputation
If you want a specific type of dog, you will need to get in contact with a breeder. It’s crucial that you do your homework and research various breeders. You don’t want to end up dealing with a horrible puppy mill or dishonest business that will take your money and run. Your breeder should be registered and maintain a good reputation in the industry.
Puppies can be a wonderful addition to any home. While it’s fun to think about playing with a new puppy, there is much more to dog ownership than just the fun moments. Take a look at this list and consider each of the points to help you make a more informed decision about getting a puppy.
