There is a lot of information on the internet about what supplies you will need, how much it costs, and so on. However, there are other factors that people often forget to consider when they’re just starting out. This blog post will cover everything from making sure your home is ready for a new pet to preparing for potential behavioral issues.
Step One: Figure out what you want from a puppy.
-Find the perfect breed for your family: You may have an idea of which type of dog you want before going to find them, or maybe not at all! Either way, understanding breeds and their traits is essential in finding the right one for your specific needs. Some breeds are better suited for a small apartment. Some need quite a bit of exercise.
Step Two: Figure out what you can afford to spend on your puppy- and stick with it!
-Know how much the average cost is in your area before setting out to find one, this way you know if you are looking at an overpriced pup or a deal.
-The average cost of buying and raising the dog is about $2500 so plan accordingly!
Step Three: Figure out if you want to buy from an animal shelter, breeder, or find one on your own.
-Animal Shelters are often overcrowded with more animals than they can take care of and most often they have a waiting list.
-Breeders are the ones who produce dogs for sale, sometimes breeding two or more purebreds to create what is called a “designer” dog.
-Finally, if you want to find one on your own it will be easiest through online sites like puppyspot or puppyfind.
Step Four: Decide if a purebred or mixed breed is best for you.
-Purebreds are generally better suited to families with children and those looking for specific traits. Mixed breeds have more variation, so it’s really up to what your lifestyle is like! A lot of places will tell you that “pugs are good for apartments” or “labradors are good with children.”
-Purebreds can be expensive, so if you’re looking for a family pet that’s not going to cost an arm and a leg then mixed breeds might be the best option. There is always more risk involved in finding one on your own because there could be unknown health problems.
Step Five: Figure out if you want a puppy or an older dog.
-Puppies are easier to train and have more energy, but they still need their humans around them 24/seven! If one person in the family is going to be gone for long periods of time then it might be best to wait until the puppy is older because they will need more attention.
-Older dogs are usually a lot calmer and might be better for those who live alone or work long hours. It’s also possible to find an adult dog with some training, so it may be good if you’re not looking for anything too complicated when it comes to training.
Step Six: If you want a puppy, figure out if you can afford their food and vet care on top of the purchase price!
-Most people are not aware that puppies need specific food to grow properly which is usually more expensive than regular adult dog food. Ask yourself how much extra money per day or week you can afford to spend on food.
-Puppies need a lot of vet care and shots, so it’s important that you know if your pet insurance will cover all or most costs before buying them! Be aware that some people have had issues with getting reimbursed for expenses after the purchase of their puppy because they didn’t take time to look into their coverage.
-Puppies also need a bit more space than an older dog, so if you live in a small apartment or condo it might not be the best idea to get one right now.
Step Seven: Figure out whether you want your pup indoors only or if they are allowed outside as well!
-Indoor only dogs might be better for those who want a purebred and have the space. They are also less likely to get lost or stolen because they never go outside!
-If you do decide that your dog can spend time outdoors, try to find one with long hair. That way when he comes inside it will dry off faster and not leave as many stains on the carpet.
-If you have a yard make sure to keep it fenced in so that your pup can’t run away and get lost. If they do escape, always put up posters around the area with their picture!
Step Eight: Figure out how much time and money you want to invest into training your dog.
-If you’re looking for a guard dog, then training is going to be extremely important! It’s also not something that can happen overnight so it may take some time before they are fully trained and behaving the way you want them to.
-For those who just need their pup to be obedient in the house, they will need to be trained but it won’t take as long. A lot of people use the crate method, which is when you keep your pup in a cage for short periods of time so that they can learn not to go potty inside their living area and are eventually let out during the day with commands like “off” and “sit.”
Step Nine: Figure out if you can spend time training your pup while they are still a puppy.
-It’s important to start the process when they are young so that it becomes easier as they get older! It also helps them develop good habits from early on in their life, which can be hard to change later on down the road.
-Having a young puppy is also more expensive because they need to be spending time with their human and going for walks every day, but it will pay off in the end when they are well behaved.
-If you can’t spend that much time training them or don’t want to then an older dog might be better if they have been trained before.
Step Ten: Figure out if you want a large or small dog!
-Large dogs are easy to train but can be too much for people who live in smaller homes with less space. They also need more exercise and fresh air than their smaller counterparts, so it’s important to plan ahead when considering what type of pup you want.
-Smaller dogs are easier to manage and live in more compact spaces but it’s important that they get enough exercise too! If you don’t have a lot of free time, then maybe consider an older dog instead because smaller ones will need some work from their owner at least once or twice a day.
-If you live in a small apartment and can’t have an older dog, then be sure to get one that doesn’t bark. That’s important because it will make your neighbors unhappy if they don’t like dogs being outside!
Step Eleven: Figure out the gender of the puppy you want!
-Female puppies are usually the best pets for people with allergies because they don’t have as much dog dander.
-Puppies of either gender will need a lot more attention than an older dog, so it’s important to plan ahead when considering this factor! If you’re not home very often then female is probably the better option if she lives inside only and has limited time outside.
-It’s also important to consider the gender if you want a guard dog because females are usually more sensitive and won’t hurt people on purpose like their male counterparts might!
