Puppies are adorable pets that can make loving and loyal companions. But let’s be realistic – looking after a puppy isn’t all fun and games. There are many lifestyle changes you need to be prepared to make when becoming a puppy parent. To make sure that you’re truly ready for this responsibility, here are some of the important things to consider.
Training
Let’s start with one of the most crucial aspects of puppy ownership. Puppies do not come pre-programmed with good manners – they need to be taught where to pee, what not to chew, how to behave on walks and when to listen to your commands. While some people are able to train a puppy themselves, most inexperienced dog owners can benefit from hiring a trainer or joining a puppy training class. It’s important to choose the right dog trainer for your new puppy – make sure they are reputable and that you can fit training classes around your lifestyle. Training them early and maintaining consistency will save you a lot of stress in the long run.
Protecting your home
Puppies are known for their destructive tendencies. Although training can nip this in a bud, you should expect these little tornadoes of energy to cause some havoc in the first few weeks. Taking measures to protect your home can help to limit damage to your most valuable possessions. This could include placing certain ornaments and gadgets out of reach, cordoning off certain areas with stair gates and potentially adding slipcovers to furniture. Some dog owners even get new flooring in preparation (delicate carpets will not last long). Make sure your house is puppy-proofed before you bring your dog home.
The cost factor
There are lots of costs to consider when owning a dog. This includes food, toys, vet bills and grooming. Make sure that you can afford to own a dog and look into ways in which you can cut costs. This could include taking out pet insurance early, buying food in bulk and investing in toys that won’t be destroyed in the first 5 seconds.
Time commitment
You need to make sure that you have the time in your day to care for a puppy. They can be very needy in the first few weeks and giving them lots of love will help you to bond with them and make them feel less anxious. After they’ve had their vaccinations, you’ll be able to walk them. It’s important that you have the time to go on walks – if not, you will have to hire a dog walker.
A long-term responsibility
Finally, consider the fact that a puppy is not just for a season. They will be with you for the next decade at least (some small dogs can live almost 20 years!). Think about your future goals and how they align with dog ownership. If you’re getting a puppy for one of your teen kids, will you be the one to look after the dog when they go to college? If you’ve been thinking of traveling, will you be able to leave your dog behind? These could be important things to consider to make sure that your life isn’t negatively impacted. Ideally, a dog should be able to fit around your goals and everyone in your household should be equally excited by the idea of owning a puppy.
Leave a Reply