Are You Ready for a Puppy?
Are you ready for a dog? The following are a few suggestions to help you decide if you are ready for a dog:
Is everyone in the household ready for a pet? Owning a pet is a big responsibility and commitment. All family members should be willing to accept the dog and be ready to help care for it. Think about toddlers and very small children who could accidentally harm a small dog.
Can you afford the expense a dog brings to the household budget? Some breeds are not only expensive to purchase they also require extra care and professional grooming. All dogs require yearly vaccines and vet care.
Do you have time for a dog? Will the dog be a part of the family? Dogs require a lot of attention, both physical and mental stimulation. Dogs are social animals and need to be with people. If you plan on keeping your dog outdoors all the time – maybe it isn’t the right pet for you.
Are you willing to take the time to properly train your dog? All dogs – big or small –need obedience training. Are you willing to put forth the time and money it takes to train your dog to behave in social situations and around the house? The number one reason dogs are euthanized is for behavioral problems – many stem from lack of training.
Do you want a puppy or an adult dog? Puppies require an immense amount of time and patience. Adult dogs can be less time consuming and are often housebroken. If you get an adult dog you need to check into his background as much as possible to make sure he is right for your family. Example – if you have children make sure the dog has been good with kids in the past.
Are you getting a dog for the whole family or for a child? Never get a dog for a child. While children should definitely be considered when choosing a pet never purchase a dog hoping to “teach” your child responsibility. A dog is a family commitment and the responsibility should be there before the puppy!
Which breed of dog would be best for your household? Carefully research the breeds you are considering. Some very small dogs don’t do well with active children. Some large breeds are too high strung for children. Do you live in a house or apartment? Do you have a large backyard? Does a lot of dog hair bother you? Longhaired breeds tend to shed more than shorthaired dogs. Are you an active family that would like an active dog who can join in or would you prefer a lower key pet who does not require as much exercise? Make sure your pet matches your family as much as possible.
Do you want a male or female dog? Males tend to be larger and if not neutered they could be territorial or aggressive. Females that aren’t spayed can attract a lot of attention from neighborhood dogs when they are in season. They can also be messy when in heat and require pads to protect your house from being soiled. We at AAA Pet Services strongly advise spaying or neutering your pet. It’s healthier and can help avoid potential behavioral problems.
Once you’ve decided that a dog is the right pet for your family and which breed would be best you need guidance on choosing the best pet possible. There are some steps you need to take when actually choosing your dog that will increase your chances of getting a good dog with minimal problems. Call our trainers for more information and a free packet on how to choose the right dog.
Is everyone in the household ready for a pet? Owning a pet is a big responsibility and commitment. All family members should be willing to accept the dog and be ready to help care for it. Think about toddlers and very small children who could accidentally harm a small dog.
Can you afford the expense a dog brings to the household budget? Some breeds are not only expensive to purchase they also require extra care and professional grooming. All dogs require yearly vaccines and vet care.
Do you have time for a dog? Will the dog be a part of the family? Dogs require a lot of attention, both physical and mental stimulation. Dogs are social animals and need to be with people. If you plan on keeping your dog outdoors all the time – maybe it isn’t the right pet for you.
Are you willing to take the time to properly train your dog? All dogs – big or small –need obedience training. Are you willing to put forth the time and money it takes to train your dog to behave in social situations and around the house? The number one reason dogs are euthanized is for behavioral problems – many stem from lack of training.
Do you want a puppy or an adult dog? Puppies require an immense amount of time and patience. Adult dogs can be less time consuming and are often housebroken. If you get an adult dog you need to check into his background as much as possible to make sure he is right for your family. Example – if you have children make sure the dog has been good with kids in the past.
Are you getting a dog for the whole family or for a child? Never get a dog for a child. While children should definitely be considered when choosing a pet never purchase a dog hoping to “teach” your child responsibility. A dog is a family commitment and the responsibility should be there before the puppy!
Which breed of dog would be best for your household? Carefully research the breeds you are considering. Some very small dogs don’t do well with active children. Some large breeds are too high strung for children. Do you live in a house or apartment? Do you have a large backyard? Does a lot of dog hair bother you? Longhaired breeds tend to shed more than shorthaired dogs. Are you an active family that would like an active dog who can join in or would you prefer a lower key pet who does not require as much exercise? Make sure your pet matches your family as much as possible.
Do you want a male or female dog? Males tend to be larger and if not neutered they could be territorial or aggressive. Females that aren’t spayed can attract a lot of attention from neighborhood dogs when they are in season. They can also be messy when in heat and require pads to protect your house from being soiled. We at AAA Pet Services strongly advise spaying or neutering your pet. It’s healthier and can help avoid potential behavioral problems.
Once you’ve decided that a dog is the right pet for your family and which breed would be best you need guidance on choosing the best pet possible. There are some steps you need to take when actually choosing your dog that will increase your chances of getting a good dog with minimal problems. Call our trainers for more information and a free packet on how to choose the right dog.