Puppy Time

Puppy Time

Time commitment:
Puppies are cute, cuddly and wonderful, but are you ready to commit 15-20 years to your dog? Giving him food, shelter, water, exercise, vet care, grooming, and protection?

Monetary Commitment:
You will need some basic supply items. Nothing over the top costly, but each item adds up:
-Food and water bowls
-Toys for teething, so they stay away from the leg of your sofa.
-Collar and Leash
-Crate for training
-Puppy food and treats for training

Vet bills can be pricey, and if you ever have to treat your dog for an emergency it can get very expensive. There are companies who provide pet insurance, but most of them don't cover any major expenses. And within the first few days of having your little bundle of joy, you will need to take him to the vet, just to make sure that he is healthy and happy and to set up regular vaccinations.

Lifestyle commitment:
Happy Hour after work? A weekend ski trip? Having a dog will affect the answer to these questions. Do you have someone to feed and walk the dog while you enjoy a drink after work since the dog's been locked up all day? Do you have a dog sitter or someone who can stop by the house to feed and water the dog while you are away skiing the slopes of your favorite mountain? Having a dog requires some lifestyle changes that must be considered in order to make this important decision.

Now that you've decided that you're ready for a tail wagging good time with your new pup. You need to decide on a dog. There are thousands of AKC registered dog breeds, each with unique personality and character traits that should be considered. Check the American Kennel Club website: somekeyword for details and information on all the registered dog breeds. Once you decide on a breed that is right for you, it is important to be sure you are working with an ethical breeder who truly loves the breed and isn't trying to make a quick buck.

But what if you aren't particular about a breed? There are more that enough dog rescues to choose from. Just search for a local Humane Society agency: somekeyword and they will help you find an amazing dog that fits your life.

Now that you have your new dog, have you puppy proofed your house? Make sure nothing that they would want to chew on is within reach including electrical cords and blind cords. Make sure that your crystal vase family heirloom is well out of tail wagging radius. Cleaning solutions and other toxic items must also be kept well out of reach from your curious puppy.

Make sure to always spay and neuter your dogs, and microchip for identification purposes in case Fido ever wanders off and most of all be sure to cherish the moments and enjoy the experience of living with a dog.