Guide to Getting a Dog. Congratulations on your determination to purchase a pooch. Now it’s the moment to decide which pup is the most suitable fit for your lifestyle. Picking a puppy can be thorny. At first look, all species may appear alike. Nevertheless, each puppy has their own unique characteristics and manners.
This handbook describes how to select a puppy and contains everything you require to pick the ideal furry companion for your household. Most of us know that the conclusion to get a dog is a difficult one during ordinary times, therefore after 2019 life has changed. This writing will assist you to think through whether now is the right time to get a doggy into your life.
How To Pick The Right Dog Breed
There are more than a hundred breeds on our planet at the moment. Therefore. Rare moments in life are as significant as the moment you bring home a new pup. Determining which puppy to purchase is a major decision that comes with a lot of responsibility. Unfortunately, far too many puppies end up in shelters because their owners did not consider their new dog’s specific needs before they brought them home. That’s why you must ask the correct questions before you pick a pup.
What made you think you want a dog?
Your Guide to Getting a Dog for a Happy Life!
Of all the questions that future dog owners should question themselves, the most meaningful is “Why do I want a dog?” If your response sounds anything like, “Because I noticed an adorable puppy in the pet store.” then you should not get a puppy. Doggies are not a fashion statement. They are living, breathing creatures who feel and love as deeply as any human. Therefore, any decision to buy a puppy must be constructed on the next bases.
- Friendship – Puppies are extremely social animals who thrive on human companionship. If your lifestyle takes you away from home most days, then you might not have enough time to commit to a new companion. That is unless you buy a small breed to take with you everywhere, like a Yorkie, or a Chihuahua.
- Socialization – Puppies are a wonderful way to connect with other people. For people living alone, a puppy can increase contact with the outside world while providing meaning and structure to one’s life. Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are remarkably sociable and a great choice for anyone looking for a sweet and friendly puppy to get them out of the house.
- Training – Since every dog needs at least some degree of exercise, a puppy is a great way to ensure you also get the exercise you need to stay fit. Breeds like the Siberian Husky are great for runners and bikers. But if you like to swim, then a Labrador Retriever may be right for you.
- Youngsters – Youngsters learn life skills like compassion, responsibility, and patience by caring for a puppy. It’s important that parents set realistic expectations and supervise all interactions between the puppy and children until both are of adequate age to be left alone together.
- Partner for Existing Dog – Puppies are incredibly social creatures and often appreciate the company of other dogs. Sometimes two dogs can be easier and more fun than one. But, every dog is an individual, and some breeds do not play nicely with others. If you’re not sure whether your existing dog will like a new dog in the house, then you should consult a professional before you get a new puppy.
- Empty (Broken) Soul – One of the best excuses to get a new puppy is because your last dog passed away. A home can feel empty without a dog to fill it with life and love. If your last dog passed away and you’re looking for a new puppy, the Sheepadoodle and the Bichon Frise are known to brighten every room they walk into.
What about Kids?
Puppies are excellent for children. Both as an origin of unconditional love and a way of teaching obligation, understanding, cooperation, and tolerance. When selecting a puppy for your children, consider your lifestyle, their ages, and especially their allergies. Some of the sweetest, most kid-friendly breeds shed profusely, making it difficult to manage allergy symptoms at home.
Other breeds are completely hypoallergenic but prefer the company of adults over children. Though most dogs thrive with traditional training, you may have to train your children in basic dog safety, and the best ways to interact with their new puppy. That said, you shouldn’t have any trouble with these kid-friendly dog breeds:
Are You Travelling much?
Your Guide to Getting a Dog for a Happy Life!
Unfortunately, one of the leading reasons puppies end up in shelters is that their owners underestimated the amount of time it takes to care for a dog’s daily needs. If you work at home with little to do outside of work, then a puppy might be the right way to shake things up. On the other hand, those who travel for work or work infrequent hours might not have the time to provide the personal, emotional connection that your puppy needs and craves. But a hectic career does not preclude you from owning a dog, you just have to find a low-maintenance breed, like:
Where would you bring you new pooch?
Though many breeds are capable of living just about anywhere, there are certain breed characteristics that preclude some dogs from living in certain places. A Great Dane, for example, will find it difficult to navigate a small apartment without bumping into things.
That’s why it’s important to not only consider your dog’s size, but also its exercise requirements, and whether you can meet them in your current living situation. If you live in the country, you’re more likely to have the space needed to exercise high-energy breeds like the Border Collie or the Australian Shepherd.
Those in cities and suburbs, on the other hand, might have to drive some distance to a dog park to make it work. The trick to choosing the best dog for where you live is to choose a breed that can adapt to the climate and the environment.
Can You Keep Up With Its Exercise Needs?
Satisfying your puppy’s exercise needs is a necessary condition of dog ownership and one that is often ignored by prospective shoppers. Some dogs need frequent, vigorous bouts of exercise to stay fit, satisfied, and mentally healthy. Other breeds, Shih Tzu were developed specifically for sitting in laps and lounging around all day long. As an owner, it’s up to you to determine what kind of activity you can reasonably accommodate and choose a doggy accordingly.
Your Guide to Getting a Dog for a Happy Life!
Can You Accommodate the Dog's Size?
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a puppy is its adult size. Though many puppies start out very small, they grow quickly and become too big for their owners to accommodate in their current living space. Ironically, very extensive breeds end up in shelters less often than medium-sized breeds, like the German Shepherd because large breed owners more often know what they are getting into before they purchase. That’s why it’s best to consult with an expert if you are uncertain how large a dog will be as a fully grown grown-up.
Check the price before you Buy! Can you afford it?
Your Guide to Getting a Dog for a Happy Life!
Now that you understand the reasons why you want to buy a puppy, and what your lifestyle can reasonably accommodate, it’s time to move on to what you can reasonably afford. Though caring for some dog breeds is more expensive than others, there is a minimum cost of ownership that you must be able to afford if you are to care for a dog throughout its life.
The minimum cost of dog ownership includes all of its veterinary, nutritional, and grooming expenses, as well as all of the supplies, toys, and puppy-proofing equipment you need to ensure a safe, happy and healthy life for your dog. That said, the AKC estimates the minimum cost of dog ownership to be between $14,480 and $15,051 depending on the size and life expectancy of the dog.
Select the Right Breeder
Your Guide to Getting a Dog for a Happy Life!
At this point in the puppy choosing process, you’ve determined why you want a dog as well as the breed that best fits your lifestyle. Now it’s time to determine where you are going to purchase your new puppy. Though there are many places to purchase a puppy, prospective owners should avoid puppy mills at all costs. Instead, choose a responsible puppy service, like PuppySpot, whose enhanced screening has more than 100 points of emphasis for every puppy and its parents.
PuppySpot has set a new industry benchmark with proprietary standards that go significantly above and beyond federal and state regulations. So, you can be sure that your new puppy is happy and healthy from the moment you bring it home. Contact PuppySpot today to speak to a puppy concierge about choosing the best puppy for your family.
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Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplement or making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
