Choosing to introduce a new four-legged friend to your family is a big commitment, so it is essential to make sure that a dog is the right choice. Getting a puppy is something that not only requires lots of thought; it also involves plenty of preparation too. If you are planning to get a new puppy, here are some of the things that you will need to get prepared in readiness of their arrival:
Research
Doing your research before choosing a puppy is vital. You will need to decide on a breed that suits your lifestyle, and that you can commit to caring for.
Consider your family; if you have young kids, then some breeds may be more suitable than others. Don’t forget some dogs require a lot more food than others, so keeping them adequately fed can get expensive.
Think about how much spare time you have to exercise your dog. If you choose a puppy that needs lots of exercise, and then find you can’t commit to this, it won’t be fair on the dog.
It is also worth researching training methods before you get your puppy home. This will help you to feel prepared, and get you off to a good start with their training from the very beginning.
Shopping
Getting a new puppy means that a trip to the pet store is in order. Shopping for items for your puppy is exciting, and it’s so easy to get carried away and buy lots of cute little doggy items. However, make sure that everything you purchase is suitable for a puppy, so as not to cause them any harm.
Items you will need for your new arrival may include:
- Puppy collar
- Puppy harness/leash
- Dog bed or basket
- Blankets
- Puppy pads (for toilet training)
- Puppy toys
- Puppy food (check which food your puppy is currently eating, so that you can avoid upsetting their stomach)
Services
Owning a dog means that from time to time, you are going to need some professional help to ensure that they are well-cared for. Here are some of the services that you may want to research before getting your new puppy to ensure that you are well prepared:
- Find a local veterinarian – you will need their services pretty early on, especially if your pup hasn’t yet been vaccinated.
- Pet sitters – from time to time, you are probably going to need a pet sitter or dog walker to help you with your pet. Using pet sitters like Atlanta’s Barking Up The Right Tree will help you to ensure that your dog is well-cared for and exercised when you are unable to do it yourself. Services like this are particularly useful if you work long hours.
- Dog training classes – classes led by a qualified dog trainer class can offer the perfect opportunity not only to get your dog well-trained and develop good habits, but it is also a useful way to socialize them and get them used to being around other dogs.