Things to Consider Before Getting a Puppy for the First Time
It is essential to note that puppies are a huge commitment especially if you have never owned one before. This is because they require constant care, love and attention. Because of that, it will be essential that you know what you are getting into before you buy a new puppy. Discussed herein are some of the things that you will have to consider before getting a puppy.
One thing that you need to know is that getting a puppy is a serious commitment. Most of the people always take getting a puppy as a no-brainer because they are always adorable, tiny and cute. But one thing that you should know is that becoming a new dog owner is like having a baby because they require constant love and care. In this case, you will be required to walk them 2-3 times a day, train them to obey commands, house train them and to play with them. Besides, dogs cannot be left alone for long and this will require you to thoroughly plan and prepare for work commitments and trips.
Apart from that, you should also know that dog ownership is not cheap. For one you will use a lot of money in buying a new puppy. In addition, you will also use a lot on insurance, vet bills, kennel, bowl, dog food, and dog bed among others. The list does not end there but we also have unexpected expenses such as emergency procedures.
The other thing that you should know is that not all puppies are the same. It is essential to note that each puppy has its own personality and physical attributes that you should consider. Therefore, the right puppy for you should be the one that matches your current circumstances and desires. Here you will have to consider things like the size of the dog, if your space will accommodate that dog when it is fully grown dog, the typical characteristics of your breed of interest, are they heavy eaters and many others.
Apart from that, you should also know that your home will suffer. Some of the things that you will experience are chewed sideboards, broken cushions, hairy sofas, scratched floorboards and stains in all wrong places. In this case, you will have to dog-proof your house from the outset by hiding valuable and electric cables, keeping food and anything edible from their reach, lock your trashcan as well as keeping anything that you don’t want to be damaged away from them.
Last but not least, you will need a vet. You will need a vet to inject your puppy to keep them healthy, inserting an identifying chip in your dog.