If you are currently browsing Pinterest and Imgur looking at all of the cute puppy photos wondering when your turn will happen. Then you are probably edging ever closer to purchasing your new best friend. There are a lot of considerations to make when you are thinking about getting a dog. It is a long-term commitment, and that goes for buying a puppy or a rescue dog.
Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash
Before You Get The Pooch
It shouldn’t be a snap decision one day to buy a dog. Even more, this is the case when purchasing a puppy. Taking home a sweet bundle of fluff is one thing, but when the dog turns out to be a giant breed, then the implications aren’t always fun.
Want
Many people love the idea of a dog, but the practical side just doesn’t match up. If you work out of town a lot, or you have very long days, don’t have time for dog obedience training, or to train the dog yourself. Perhaps you love to jet-setting around the globe. Where does your new dog fit in, in all of those plans?
Choosing to take a dog home means you are willing to make adjustments to fit around their needs, not the other way around.
Research
Before you decide on a breed, you need to thoroughly research different types. Some breeds are very energetic, others prefer to sleep. Some breeds come with a lot of health issues and expensive vet costs along with it. Before you consider a puppy, you should visit some local rescue centers and talk to staff about their different dogs. It is often the case that a rescue dog is trained, vaccinated, spayed, or neutered and relaxed into their personality.
Prepping Your Home
A new dog will mean that you are going to have to make space for them. A quiet area for their bed so they can escape and hide when they want to. A clean area for food and water. Any holes mended in your fences, and no poisonous house plants are in the vicinity.
If you do decide to buy a puppy, it is in the best interest of you and them to buy a crate too. When you bring the pup home, you might only have a day or two to help them settle in before work is calling your name. When they are let loose, they eat, chew, and leave little surprises all over the house.
Proper Food
There is a big difference between feeding your dog and feeding your dog well. Look into the type of food that suits the breed of dog you have better. Short coats, long coats, bigger joints all need different care.
You might like to consider a feeding schedule too – so that both you and your dog will always know when their next meal is coming. Try to avoid feeding scraps in between meals also.
Oh, and finally, enjoy your new best friend – owning a dog can bring so much joy.