Things to Consider Before Getting a Puppy

Summer is a great time to get a new puppy. There is lots of sunshine to play in and so many opportunities to explore with your dog. Whether you decided all on your own that you want a puppy or if it was a group/family choice, it is a big step in your life. Puppies can be a lot more work that some people realize – which can lead to people having to bring back puppies to shelters. It is challenging and its important to take steps to be prepared for your new puppy. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Breed and Lifestyle

When you walk into a shelter or humane society, it is going to be hard to think logically about what puppy you want to bring home with you. Before going, do your research. Find out what the best breed is for your family, home, or lifestyle. Think about things like how much time you spend at home, how loud or active you are, and if you have children in your home. These are all important in the puppy process. Don’t get carried away and just pick the “cutest” dog. You want to make sure you find a perfect fit for you and the dog.

Time and Training

Puppies take a lot of time and energy to train. They need attention and care to learn the basics of house training, simple commands, and more. On average, puppies will need 7-10 day to adjust to being in your home. They’ll need to learn routine, like when to go to the bathroom, when to play and sleep, etc. It is important you are present and helping your pup during the time. You also should think about what your plan is for training. Will you send your dog to training or puppy bootcamp? If not, you need to block out the time to focus on this training. Everything from walking to obedience will need to be learned earlier rather than later.

Things to Buy

Another huge part of the puppy process – going shopping! You’ll need to make sure your house is fully stocked for your new puppy. You’ll need food, beds, toys, treats, bowls, a leash, collar, brush and shampoo, and more! You’ll need to make sure you have everything you need in order to make sure your dog’s transition runs smoothly. While this takes time, it also takes money. Make sure you factor all these purchases into your budget and confirm you’re able to do it.

At the end of the day, getting a puppy is an exciting and rewarding time. You’ll get to have a new best friend and have someone to always spend time with. But before this happens, you need to make sure you are ready for everything in between. Good luck!