By pet blogger Laura Bell
(Sarah photo)
Choosing your perfect canine pal can be difficult. While you may have a very specific breed in mind, it is important that you are aware of a number of factors before you decide to get a dog. Having a new puppy is terribly exciting and, as such, you can get lost in romantic notions of what breed you think is ideal for you, and what is the reality of getting a new dog. Dogs make any house a home. So, if you are about to embark on the exciting adventure of canine ownership, there are some things that you need to know:
Lifestyle
Will your existing lifestyle accommodate a new pet? If you work long hours, or you enjoy going away at the weekends, then introducing a dog into your family dynamic may not be right. If your home is busy, and full of life, with someone always present in your home, then getting a dog will be ideal. Dos and especially puppies need lots of attention, and as such, someone should always be present in the home with them to ensure that they get the love and support that they need.
Family Dynamic
Dogs are wonderful companions, which is why so many people love them. If you live alone, a dog provides excellent company. What is more, most breeds of dog are wonderful should you have children. You need to socialize your dog with children. Puppies should be socialized with them from an early age to ensure that they are used to the rambunctious nature of young children. If your children are a little too raucous, it may be ideal to hold off getting a puppy until your children are older and can fully appreciate the ramifications of being too rough with a new dog.
Money and Expenses
While the initial purchase costs of a dog (buying a puppy from a breeder or adopting from a shelter) are not entirely expensive, the ongoing costs of a dog can be costly. You need to ensure that you are in a viable financial position to keep up with the costs of owning a dog. Vet bills, insurance, food and toys can lead to huge bills over the course of ten years or more, so ensure that you are a financially stable before embarking on the journey into puppydom. Maybe check out LittlePuppiesOnline.com for an idea of how much each breed may cost. If you decide on getting a dog from a breeder, though, we strongly recommend you meet your next dog in person. That’s the only way you can make sure the puppy and his canine parents are healthy and humanely bred.
Home Sweet Home
The size of your house is not important. Bog or small, an exercised dog is a happy dog, and they will just relax inside if they got all the mental and physical activity they need. You need to take your dog out several times a day for potty, but that doesn’t constitute exercise. One long walk or run a day would suffice, depending on the dog you have. Consult your veterinarian before going running with your dog. What is more, dogs that are exercised regularly are more friendly and less prone to anxiety and aggressive behavioral traits.