7 Things you need to know before adopting a puppy

Puppies are wonderful. They can bring so much joy to your life, but they also aren’t always easy to deal with. Just like human babies, puppies can also have behavioral issues and can be challenging to raise. That’s why it’s so important to fully consider what you’re getting yourself into before you adopt a puppy.

Before you even adopt your new furry friend though, here are a couple of things that you need to know.

1. They can be expensive

When you get a dog, it’s often not just about the upfront costs, buying toys and food and all of those other fun things. There’s more to it than that. You also need to think about vet costs, which are rarely ever very cheap. Not only that, but in order to protect your dog, it’s also a good idea and worth it to get pet insurance, which can be a pricey monthly investment. That’s without even mentioning all of the other ongoing costs like feeding your dog. Make sure that you are financially ready for your new pet before introducing them to your home.

With all of this in mind, of course, there are certainly ways that you can reduce the costs when it comes to getting a new dog. For instance, you can be savvy with insurance. This means shopping around for a while for different providers rather than settling on the very first one that you see. You can also buy cheaper food items and gear for your dog. Just make sure that when it comes to food, your dog is still getting all of the nutrients that they need in order to be healthy. While pets can be expensive, it’s also not impossible to have one without breaking the bank every single month. In some situations you may even be able to get some help with paying for certain things for your dog, such as if you decided to foster to adopt.

2. You Need to give them time

It’s never a good idea to get a puppy to then leave it at home all day. Puppies require maintenance, they need company and they need training. Without these things, your dog may not have the happy life that you want for it. Make sure that you are ready for the time requirement of having a puppy, especially when it comes to the training – the last thing you need is to come home to all of your kitchen cupboards torn apart, after all.

Being patient is one of the most difficult parts of being a new dog owner. It can be frustrating when they don’t listen to your commands when you tell them to do something. It can be annoying cleaning up the bin every day because they keep tipping it over. If you do find that your dog is still struggling to obey commands and their training isn’t going smoothly, then you can always speak to a professional dog trainer for further guidance. They are experts in getting dogs to listen and definitely a worthwhile investment. You can join classes too for training, and this will allow you to introduce your dog to other dogs. This can be pretty valuable for their ongoing development and training.

3. Get a dog that fits with your lifestyle and family

A dog is a member of your family, so it’s important that they fit in with your general dynamic. If you are a family that likes to spend a lot of time chilling at home, perhaps a more lazy breed would be a better choice. If you enjoy long hiking sessions and you want a pet that’s high energy, then look for a dog that can match that. You’ll want a dog that can fit right in with your home to give them the happiest life possible.

Before you get your new puppy, make sure that you do a little bit of research. There are plenty of articles out there detailing how to find the perfect dog breed for your family. Every dog is different, but some breeds are just known for certain behaviors and characteristics more than others. There’s a lot of information out there to help you to make the right choice. Then it’s just a matter of finding the breed in question.

4. Get them from the right place

When you know what puppy you’re looking for, you then need to get the pup. Look in places like shelters to rehome a pooch that’s just waiting for a home like yours. You can go to a breeder, but it’s a good idea to do your research first to know that you’re getting them from a reliable person. You’ll know when you’ve found the right dog – it’ll feel like fate has aligned!

If you’re getting your new dog from a breeder, be aware of any warning signs too. Keep an eye out for breeders that refuse to answer your questions, and seem eager to get you to sign paperwork straight away. This is a major red flag. The right breeder should know lots about the breed in question, and they should be able to give you information about the dog’s recent vaccinations and any health conditions you need to look out for. By being vigilant, you are making a huge difference in getting rid of puppy farms, which are dangerous to dogs.

5. Work on the puppy proofing

Puppies are into absolutely everything, so make sure that your home is puppy ready before your pooch enters your home. This will help to keep them safe! Do things like lock the cabinets, keep the houseplants away from them, make sure your trash can lid locks, hide the electrical cables from them and keep them away from the laundry and tiny items. When you catch them doing something they aren’t supposed to do, redirect their attention to something they should be doing like playing with a toy.

6. Get Your Gear

Make sure that your pooch has everything they need to keep out of mischief in your house. Get all of your dog supplies ready before you take your new pup home. You’re going to need some of the basics, such as a leash, a collar with ID tags, food for your puppy, food bowls, a dog bed, a dog crate and some toys. It’s also a good idea to get a brush that will be suitable for their coat. You can always buy new things as time goes on, but these are the essentials that you are going to need straight away.

7. Register with a veterinarian

You’ll want to get your pup in for their vaccinations as soon as possible, so try to find a good local veterinarian to use. It’s worth looking online for reviews to make sure that you are going with a reliable professional. This person is going to be taking care of your furry baby when they’re sick, after all. Your dog should only be in the best hands. Do your research, and you should be good to go.

Conclusion

Getting a puppy is incredibly rewarding, but it is always important to be aware of what it takes to raise your puppy before you introduce them into your home. Hopefully, you should now know all about getting a puppy so that you can make the right choice for yourself.