Bringing in a furry companion in the house takes a lot more consideration than it might seem. Here are the top things that you need to have in mind.
Recent times have been challenging; having to stay indoors and maintain social distancing has taken its toll on many of us. The lockdown also seems to be taking forever to go away, so this would seem like the perfect time to get a four-legged companion. The new pet will undoubtedly provide you with a lot of support and comfort, but there are quite a few things to consider before you decide to bring one in. There is a risk that many of the puppies that are being adopted now may get abandoned after the lockdown.
The reality is that many first-time owners don’t fully fathom the responsibilities and challenges that accompany the adoption of a new puppy. This is why many puppies end up being given up to be adopted by others. We have made a list of a few things that you must know before you adopt and bring a puppy home.
Lifespan
You need to be committed to being with your dog for a long time as a dog has an average lifespan of 13 years. You will need to be committed to caring for your furry companion all throughout its puppy years, into its teens, and the later years of its golden life. Think hard as this is a major responsibility, and you should not adopt a dog if you can’t carry through with it until the end.
Find Out About Its Breed
You need to do some research to find out about the dog’s breed before you choose one to adopt. You should pick a breed of dog that goes well with your surroundings and your lifestyle. For instance, if you have kids in your home, groodle puppies are a really desirable option as these are the cutest and jell up well with children. You can easily find groodle puppies for sale, just make sure to adopt from a reputable breeder. One of the factors you should consider is the size of your family. Do you have small children, or will you be living alone? Will you be living in the countryside or the city? Pick a dog breed that can adapt to your situation as this is very important for the adoption to work and for both of you to be happy.
Do You Have Children At Home?
Your children will love the addition of a furry little buddy to the family with whom they can snuggle and play. But be sure to arrange a meeting of your children with the dog before you adopt it. It is best to do this as many dogs do not do well around children and cannot cope with younger children. It sure is worth it to find out how your dog interacts with your children beforehand. Take the children’s help to pick out cute dog names once they have met the puppy.
You Will Need To Invest Your Time
Getting a dog for your home will mean having to sacrifice your time regularly. You will be responsible for the dog who will have needs that you have to put before your own. This means that you will have to set aside time every day for taking care of your furry friend. You can’t go away on a trip whenever you feel like it anymore. You need to sit and plan for who will take care of your pup’s needs when you are gone.
Associated Costs
When you adopt a dog, there will be daily costs associated with it from the moment they step into your home as puppies to the time they leave when they are old. At first, the cost to purchase them might be anywhere from $500 to $1500. You need to take them for visits to the vet regularly, provide them with a bed to be comfortable in, a collar, and sufficient food and water. The cost of owning a dog will vary, depending on the size, health, and breed of your dog.
Taking Care Of Its Health
You must take good care of your dog, ensuring its proper wellbeing and good health. You must know a vet nearby in case there is a medical emergency. You also need to be on top of the vaccinations for the dog, ensuring that it does not miss any of the required shots. You can buy health insurance for your pet so that all large health bills that pop up unexpectedly can be taken care of.
Exercise
Every dog needs to exercise daily due to the abundance of energy they come with. This is why you need to take your dog out for daily walks to your local park or arrange for a game in your backyard or garden. If you cannot allow a lot of time for exercising your dog, you need to pick a breed that does not require too much exercise.
Training Needs
Every dog needs training when they are first introduced to the household, especially if they are brought in as puppies. New dogs might slip up on the toilet front accidentally ruining your rug or might chew on your favorite pair of shoes. Be patient with them and provide them the extensive training that they need to prevent harboring any bad habits. You can choose to train them inside the home or take them to a puppy school for training.
Getting Your Home Pet-Proofed
No matter how you lived before, you will need to make significant changes to your home when you bring a furry friend to live with you. The prime objective is to keep your dog safe and protect your furniture too. So you need to pet-proof your home. There might be foods around your home that are toxic for your dog; you need to make sure they are out of reach. To avoid any untoward incidents, you need to tidy away any vertical blinds or hanging cords. Also, use covers or throws for your furniture when you have a dog at home.
Bringing in a pet puppy is a big responsibility. You are giving a home to a cute pup and making it a part of your family, so be sure that you are up for all the responsibilities that it entails. Once you are sure that you can take up all responsibilities, go and find a companion for yourself and cherish your times together.