Anyone who has ever looked into the big, brown eyes of a puppy knows they are very cute. What they don’t always think about is that they are also a lot of work and responsibility. It is important to know what is involved with owning a puppy before agreeing to care for that little ball of fur. We will cover some of the basics you will need to know before getting a puppy.
Before getting your puppy, you will need to decide what type of puppy you would like to get. When deciding this, you need to look at a few factors such as the size of your living space and yard, the time you will have to spend with the puppy, and, of course, your budget. If you live in a small apartment, you will need to look into a small breed of dog. If you have a large house with a fenced in yard, you will have a lot more choices. If you don’t have a lot of time, you may want to consider a dog that can stay outdoors when you are away. Last, you will definitely need to look at your budget. You will need money for supplies such as food, leashes, bowls, etc, but you will also need money for visits to the vet, whether routine or emergency. In a way, having a puppy is similar to having a child.
Once you have determined that you have the space, time and money for a puppy, you will need decide where you will get your puppy. There are many breeders for many breeds of dogs out there. If you choose to get your puppy from a breeder, be sure to check references and ask your friends for suggestions, and plan on paying more for a puppy from a breeder. Often times there are pet stores that offer puppies as they are available. You can usually visit your local pet store and play with the puppy before hand to see if it is a good fit as well. The pet store will usually charge more for a puppy. If you are not specifically looking for a certain breed, there are plenty of shelters and rescues out there that have hundreds of puppies that need good homes. Check your phone book for local rescues, shelters, and pounds. It should be noticed that the idea of purchasing the puppy should not pop over to these guys available for selling of the pets. The arrangements of the home will be favorable for the pets. The availability of the shelters will be beneficial for the adaptation of the pets. With the adaptation, there can be purchasing of the pets from online websites.
Before you bring your puppy home, you will need to have all the things necessary. First, you will need to decide if your puppy will stay indoors or stay outside. If you decide to keep the puppy outside, you will need adequate shelter to protect the puppy from harsh weather. You will also need to make sure your yard is securely fenced. Puppies are well known for escaping through even the smallest hole or gap in a fence. Also, you need to be sure there is fresh water available at all times as well as food that will not get ruined in rain or snow. If you decide to keep your puppy indoors, you will need to decide if they will stay in a crate, or roam free in your home. If you choose to crate a puppy, pick a crate with enough room for the puppy to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lay down. You will also need to get larger crates as the puppy grows. Whether you keep your puppy indoors or out, you will need to have plenty of toys available to entertain him in order to keep him from destroying things in your home.
Once you have your puppy home, you will need to spend plenty of time with him to get him acclimated to his new environment. Spend time showing your puppy around the house to places where he will be allowed to go, or show him his new yard. Introduce other family members or pets with caution until you know how your puppy will react. By making sure your puppy is safe and cared for, you will have a puppy that will reward you with love.
