How to Buy a Puppy: Asking the Right Questions; Counting the Cost
Posted: Monday, January 04, 2010
by Mogama
http://www.mogama.info
There is more to bringing home a puppy besides the furry fellow's brilliant colors or cute look. Why be just another dog owner when you can become an informed dog owner? I hope these simple tips from one dog owner to another will contribute to your choice to make your home a friendly place for your canine friend for the next 12 to 15 years or longer.
The Humane Society is America's largest organization devoted to protecting animals and preventing cruelty, exploitation and neglect of animals. Their short article, Buying a Puppy, is a must read for anyone who is seriously thinking about owning a puppy.
Puppy Tip #2: Decide Whether You Want a Watch Dog or a House Dog
A watch dog should be a large dog big enough to guard your home against intruders, especially if you are single female living alone. Since this canine watchman will spend much time outside the house, he will need a spacious dog house that is comfortable in summer and winter alike. At Wal-Mart, the cost of a good dog house can run from $70 to a little over $220.
If what you want is a house dog, you will want a smaller-size pet that can climb into your lap even when fully grown. The matter of size is very important if you have a toddler or a child under ten years living at home. Recently we had to factor in our five-year old when we brought home a puppy that will sleep with us in the house even after he becomes an adult. Even when this dog is full grown, it will not be intimidating to our last child.
Puppy Tip #3: Talk to Someone Who Owns a Breed Similar to the Dog You Want
Your best option for valuable information is to talk to a dog owner who has the same or similar breed as the one you're considering. Among the questions to ask this person are the following: Is it a boy or girl, and why did you choose one over the other? Why did you buy this particular dog? How much fur/hair does the dog shed? Does it chew on things other than dog toys? How much and how loud does it bark? Did you need a professional dog trainer to house-break or train the dog? When you leave the house, where is the dog in the house until you get back? Where is the dog when you go out of town or on vacation?
If you cannot find anyone who owns your breed, take time to search the Internet for this breed-specific information, not just generic dog information.
Puppy Tip #4: Make a Dog Budget List Items and Issues Related to Your New Puppy
In our excitement to bring home a puppy we may be blinded to the cost of owning one. How much are you able to spend on your every month? Every year? Our dog budget falls roughly into these categories: Food & Feeding; Training Pads; Medication (worming, shots, vet); Toys; Tidiness (poop scooper); Bath & Grooming (shampoo, brush, etc); Bedding; Miscellaneous (leash, shirt, etc).
I hope you find these tips helpful in your adventure as a puppy owner. Despite the responsibilities, you will reap the rewards of lower stress and the no-strings-attached love that a dog brings.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)You've hit the dot on buying a pup! Am a dog lover myself and would suggest that walk into bringing in a pup home by wearing `tlc, tender loving care' head on for the little one. Nothing works better :-)Good to hear that you're a dog lover yourself. Thanks, Vinoo, for your comment. ~mogama~
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