Getting a Puppy? How to Go About It

Thinking of getting a puppy? There’s a good reason that dogs are referred to as “man’s best friend”. They really are a great companion who can keep you company, entertain you, love you and generally prove a great member of the family. But it’s important, before getting any dog, to make sure that you know what you’re letting yourself in for, what your responsibilities will be and whether this is the right decision for both you and the pup you pick. Here’s some information to help with this.

Why Do You Want a Puppy?

First, consider why you want a puppy. All too many people get a dog for the sake of it, to show off on social media or because they feel a little bored. At the end of the day, a dog is a living, sentient being who will be entirely dependent on you for the duration of their lives - which can last up to two decades or more! You need to make sure that you’re fully prepared for the responsibilities ahead of you.

It’s also important to remember that all dog breeds have unique personalities that may play a role in your reasons for wanting a puppy. For instance, some breeds such as Akita, Bullmastiffs, and Belgian Malinois have natural protective instincts, making them great choices as guard dogs to protect your home and family.

But if you’re looking for a dog that can protect you, then you may want to consider a service like Scott's K9 instead so you don’t have to wait years for your pup to grow up! Of course, many people choose these breeds not only for their strengths as guard dogs, but because they like how the breed looks. Just remember that a breed’s natural instincts will eventually come through!

But what kind of responsibilities will you have as the owner of a new pup?

Responsibilities

Some key responsibilities to prepare yourself include:

• Food - remember some dogs will have specific dietary requirements or intolerances, so food may be more expensive than standard store bought options.

• Toys - dogs will go through these regularly, meaning they will need to be replaced frequently.

• Bedding - different dogs prefer different options, but all dogs will need their own bed to sleep in.

• Daily walks - some will require a short walk, some ongoing exercise throughout the day.

• Play time - some dogs like to play a lot. Some like to be challenged with smart toys.

• Grooming - non malting and curly breeds tend to need professional grooming, which can be costly.

• Pet insurance - every dog needs pet insurance to ensure they can have the treatment they need as and when they may need it.

• Routine veterinary care - routine treatments like vaccinations, flea treatment, worming and more are not usually covered by insurance, but will still need to be paid.

To Buy or To Adopt

When you get a dog, you’re going to have to decide whether to buy a puppy or adopt. You can often find puppies for adoption. Of course, buying a dog is straightforward. You find a breeder and purchase the breed and age you want. However, if you’re choosing to buy a dog, make sure to use a reliable breeder like ABC’s Puppy Zs, who treats their dogs (fathers, mothers and puppies) extremely well - not just as money making tools. If you adopt, you will be providing an existing dog with a home. This is great. Just make sure to check the dog’s history, any behavioral issues you may need to look out for and any health issues they may have.

Choosing the Right Breed

Whether buying or adopting, you need to make sure you’re choosing a dog that is right for you and your lifestyle. Remember that all breeds of dogs were initially bred for a purpose, so will often share specific physical and personality traits. Research any dog you’re interested in. Some will require more exercise, more attention, more play, more grooming, more space or other lifestyle characteristics. Find a dog that matches you and your lifestyle. There’s no point getting a working dog if you’re not going to be able to provide eight hours of exercise a day and ongoing play. There’s no point getting a companion dog who requires more attention if you’re going to be out of the house for hours at a time.

Hopefully, the above steps will help you to find the right dog for your needs!