How to choose the right puppy

Choosing a puppy is a big deal. It requires commitment, dedication, time and energy. And most important of all – love.

There are a lot of things to consider before you actually go and start searching for your puppy. Needless to say, a dog isn’t a toy, and he or she won’t be cute and little forever. Each dog will develop traits and personality of their own, regardless of the breed they are, so, you need to be ready for that.

If you are not a true dog lover or if you lead a very busy life, are constantly in a hurry and don’t have anyone to watch over for your dog, don’t even bother getting one, because sooner or later you will regret it. And so will you dog.

So, in order to avoid this mistake, there are ten simple question you need to answer if you are thinking about getting a puppy.

Let’s get started:

1.   Do you live on your own or with a spouse/family?

If you live on your own, then you should have someone to leave your dog to if you happen to go, say, on a business trip for a day or two. If your job is very demanding and are absent very often, then you probably shouldn’t get a dog. If, on the other hand, you have family member(s) who also love dogs, you have nothing to worry about. Although, you do need to ask your family members whether they would like to have a dog around the house, so that the dog would feel happy and safe.

2.   Are there any children in your family?

If you do have children, then your dog needs to love being around children, and vice versa. You need to choose a dog breed that gets along well with children, although the general rule is that almost every dog loves being around children. That is, unless they have been mistreated. Also, you need to teach the children to respect the dog and treat him/her well.

3.   Do you have other pets?

If you happen to have a dog or a cat already, it’s a good idea to get a puppy rather than an older dog. Why? Because if the dog doesn’t like cats or if it’s dominant and aggressive towards other dogs there’s not much you can do to change them because their personality is already shaped.

4.   Are you a lazybones? 

Be honest with yourself. Are you a sofa spud or are you always on the go? If you want to have a dog, you need to be ready to take your four-legged friend for a walk every day, even several times a day. And yes, even in January at 3 a.m. if necessary!

5.   Is your place big enough for a dog?

If you plan on getting a big size dog like Mastiff or Collie, then you need a yard because these dog breeds are not only big, but they also enjoy having a lot of space where they can run free. A city studio apartment is not really a place for a dog like that.

6.   Can you afford your dog?

The expenses of owning a dog go far beyond just buying it. Depending on the breed, you need to be ready to give an additional $500 – $900 each year. So, before you actually adopt or buy a dog, you need to be aware of the future expenses.

7.   Vet bills?

You need to think about the vet visits and expenses in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. For example, spaying alone costs around $200, vaccinations cost about $130, vet exams about $100 – $150. The cost of dog food is also something you need to be aware of. For a medium sized dog you need around $120 annually, and for a big dog you need twice as much.

If you are adopting a puppy with someone else, then you should discuss the costs together to see if they fit into your budget and perhaps split them.

8.   How tolerant are you?

Are you a tolerant person? Will you be able to put up with puppy’s occasional destructive behavior around the house? Accident like missing the potty pad or chewing up your favorite pair of shoes happen, especially when they are still going through that chewing phase. The main concern is, can you tolerate that?

9.   What’s your main reason for getting a puppy?

In other words, what’s in it for you? What do you want to get out of that? If you’re getting a dog just because you want to be seen with a fancy poodle while walking around the park, then you probably shouldn’t get a dog in the first place. A dog requires commitment and attention, so you need to be ready to give them that.

10.       Do you have the time and energy to dedicate to you dog?

If you lead a hectic life and have a demanding and time-consuming job, you should really think twice before getting a dog. Unless you have a family member(s) living with you or someone who is close to you, the dog will feel lonely and abandoned, and you will eventually have to adopt him or give him to a local shelter.