Puppy Love: Are You Ready to Bring Home a Puppy?

There’s nothing quite so charming as a puppy.  Thoughts of a wagging tail, unconditional love and silly puppy antics can fill your heart and make you long for a four-legged companion.  It can be tempting to spontaneously decide to buy or adopt a puppy.  However, while dog ownership is extremely rewarding, it is not a decision to be taken lightly.  How do you know if you’re ready to add a puppy to your happy family?

The first thing that you should consider is whether everyone in the family actually wants a dog.  If anyone has concerns, it’s important to listen to them and see if you can come to an agreement.  A dog is a long-term family commitment.  It’s unfair to both the dog and the family to introduce a puppy to a home where it is not fully welcome.

The next thing to consider is the amount of time that you have to devote to a pet.  While dogs differ in terms of how much exercise they need, they all need to play and walk every day.  They need affection and attention.  During the first year in particular, puppies must be trained to be good companions and to follow the house rules.  This takes a lot of time and effort.

If you’re a parent and your children want a puppy, you have to be prepared to do the bulk of the work yourself.  Children can help with feeding, playing, cleaning up and training, but a responsible adult needs to oversee this work.  If you’re not interested in spending several hours a day training and bonding with your puppy, then don’t be swayed by the begging and pleading of other family members.

Another thing to keep in mind is whether or not you can afford to take proper care of a dog.  The cost of food, toys, veterinary care and medications can be much higher than you might think.  Before committing to a new puppy, take the time to look at your budget and decide if a dog would be a financial burden at this time in your life.

Once you’ve decided that your family is ready for a dog, it’s time for the fun part: deciding what kind of dog to get.  Do you want a big dog who will chase balls in the park?  Do you want a smaller dog who will curl up on your lap?  Are you an active family who is able to dedicate enough play time to meet an active dog’s needs, or would you prefer a dog with a bit less energy?  Are there any allergies in your family?

Rather than choosing dogs based on appearance, it is best to consider health, temperament and energy levels.  You can research dog breeds by reading books, talking to friends, searching online and talking to professionals like trainers and veterinarians.  Be open to possibilities; perhaps you had your heart set on a particular breed, but another breed better meets your needs.

Raising a puppy into a happy, well-trained dog takes a lot of time and effort.  This work can seem overwhelming if you’re not prepared for it.  Taking the time to really think about what puppy ownership entails before bringing home your dog will help better prepare you for the responsibility.  Remember that all of the time and effort will be well rewarded with a furry family member who will bring you love and laughter every day!

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• All You Need to Know about Puppy Training