Buying Puppies - Understanding The True Cost Of Dog Ownership

Buying Puppies - Understanding The True Cost Of Dog Ownership

When buying puppies, it's wise to take things slowly. The moment you see his cute little puppy face and waggly tail, it will be too late - you will have already fallen in love - it's all too easy to get caught up in the moment without giving the cost of dog ownership too much thought! So, before you decide to give a puppy a home, step back and give it some serious consideration - most important of all, be honest with yourself.

Here are some of the questions you might like to consider before buying puppies:

Can I Really Afford To Look After A Puppy?

Buying puppies can be expensive, particularly if you're buying a pedigree such as a cocker spaniel, however, no matter what you pay for your puppy, there will always be other, ongoing expenses such as: - Puppy food and treats: - Food and water bowls, collars, leads, toys, etc. - You'll need at least one dog bed, a couple of blankets, perhaps a dog crate and a dog carrier - Pet Insurance - always recommended! - Veterinary's fees are never cheap and soon mount up (that's why it's good to have insurance) - Regular worming tablets - Regular flea treatments - Vaccinations and annual boosters - Microchipping - essential if you plan to travel abroad with your Cocker Spaniel!

Not to mention the cost of kennels should you go on holiday and need to leave your dog behind, and professional groomers don't come cheap either. It's not until you actually stop and list out these expenses that you realise just how much it can cost to own a dog - make sure you can afford it!

Can I really Afford The Time To Properly Care For A Puppy?

A dog with too much energy, and poorly trained, can get up to all sorts of mischief and, over time, can develop serious behavioural problems which can lead you to wish you'd given the prospect of owning a dog a lot more thought!

Give Your Dog Plenty Of Exercise

When buying puppies you need to be certain that you have enough time to devote to exercising and training your puppy - at least one hour each day to release all that pent-up energy - some dogs may need more. Don't forget to add in the time it takes to get to and from the park or area you intend to walk your dog, and then add to that the time it may take to rub him down or dry him off, if he's been swimming or if the weather is wet. This can easily add another hour to your dog-walking duties!

A Well-Trained Dog Is A Happy, Well-Behaved Dog

Puppies and dogs need consistent training to help them to develop good manners. Each family member should use the same training methods and commands so as not to confuse your pet. His training should be reinforced regularly to ensure his good behaviour continues into adulthood.

Whilst we don't need any encouragement to play with puppies, we're sometimes guilty of not taking enough time out to play with our dogs as they move out of puppyhood - get out into the park with a frisbee or a ball! Dogs and puppies need both mental and physical stimulation. Plenty of exercise, play, and training will ensure those needs are met and will result in a happy, contented, and well-behaved pet.