6 Things You Need To Consider Before Getting A Puppy
Many people reach a stage when they decide to have a pet. It could be because they are lonely and need someone to love or they have children who’d be delighted with the new addition.
Dogs are a popular choice, and there are many things you need to consider before you make a decision. Puppies are especially appealing, as they often look extra cute and cuddly.
If you are thinking about getting a puppy, this article will fill you in on six things you need to bear in mind before you decide.
Contents
The Breed
There are so many different breeds to choose from, and each one has unique traits that you need to consider upfront. For example, the Australian Shepherd is a working breed that needs regular exercise.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an apartment dog to cuddle and play fetch in your small space, sticking to smaller breeds like Yorkies or Chihuahuas would be better.
It’s also important to consider what kind of temperament and personality traits your pet will possess.
The internet is a great place to learn about specific breeds and discover where you can get them.
There are Australian shepherd puppies for sale, and you can choose the age and gender and receive a lifetime health guarantee. It’s possible to view photos and prices, sign up for email alerts, and view similar breeds.
Your Time
You will need to take your puppy out for a walk or play and help with its potty time. This might be a real issue if you are not home all day. It would help if you were sure you’d have the time to train your dog, which could involve going to classes.
If your puppy gets separation anxiety, this could be a real problem (some experience this more than others). Having someone come over while at work or school is not enough for most puppies because they still need socialization with other dogs and people regularly.
You might find that hiring a dog walker works best for your lifestyle if you have other time commitments.
Your Finances
Puppies require regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations that can be costly over time, especially if you have multiple pets. You will also need to buy a regular supply of quality dog food.
This can be more expensive than human-grade food because it contains fewer artificial additives and fillers.
Puppies love to play with their owners, so there are bound to be some costs associated with this. Your purchases could include squeaky toys or balls for fetching in the park.
These expenses can quickly add up, so you need to ensure you have sufficient finances before you get a puppy. They soon grow up as well, and their appetites expand as a result.
The Supplier
Dog breeders like this Goldendoodle breeder, dog shelters, and pet stores are the three main sources of puppies. A dog shelter is typically much cheaper than a dog breeder, but many times it’s hard to find a suitable dog because the shelter won’t have much information about the puppies they have taken in.
Pet store dogs typically come from puppy mills where these businesses mass produce as much litter as possible. There is often very little time given for outside interaction which can lead to temperament issues down the line.
Dog breeders offer guaranteed health and temperaments but at a price. You’ll need to figure out what type of dog will best match your family and lifestyle needs and budget accordingly.
Your Home And Garden
You need to think about where you can keep your puppy indoors, and any areas where it must be barred access. You also need to think about how you’ll use and maintain your garden.
Both of these things will affect how safe and healthy your pet will be. Puppies can get into dangerous situations quickly, so make sure that there are no holes or gaps large enough for them to fit through.
Try not to put toxic chemicals (such as gardening products) anywhere near your pet, so that it doesn’t come into contact with them.
Decide whether or not you want fencing around your yard. This may depend on what kind of dog breed you have, and some are great at jumping over fences!
Your dog will need plenty of space to exercise because some pets become destructive with properties if they become bored.
Your Health
- Allergies
It’s important to be aware of anyone in your home who suffers from allergies because they may react very poorly to a dog. If anyone in the house suffers from any sort of pet-related allergy, it’s important for them to keep an eye out for symptoms after having contact with the new pup.
Even if there are no signs of allergic reactions right away, there could still be problems down the road. Sadly, it might even mean that it’s best if certain members of the family don’t interact with your furry friend at all. If you have someone who could be affected in this way, it may be best to look for another type of pet.
- Asthma
If someone in your house struggles with asthma, they could have serious issues if your pup gets too excited and starts running around or barking. Even though dogs can trigger asthma attacks they can also help reduce symptoms during peak pollen times. This is because having a dog allows you to take daily walks which means getting more fresh air in and out of your home. There are always other animals you can choose if necessary because your family’s health must come first.
It would be best if you also were sure your new puppy will be okay around any children and existing pets in the home. By applying these key considerations before you get a pet, you’ll be ensuring you can look after it in the best possible way and that both your household and your dog will have a long and happy life together.
