Does your lifestyle offer sufficient time
to socialize and train your puppy?
This will be a substantial commitment on your part,
particularly in the first year. Puppies do not come with an obedience
guarantee, nor will they be housebroken. Puppies are like children and need
the constant love and attention of their family. Your early commitment will
be duly rewarded with the unqualified love and admiration of your dog
through its entire life.
Will your dog be happy in your home?
Consider your own accommodation. Apartment or house,
large or small, is your yard fenced? Do you live in the country or an urban
area? Where will you exercise your dog? All puppies grow up and the type of
accommodation you have must be appropriate for your mature dog. Each breed
has different needs and characteristics. If your selected breed requires
space to use up excess energy, don't fool yourself and don't expect the
animal to be happy in a confined space. As much as you may like the look of
a specific breed, be sure its physical environment is a comfortable setting
for the animal.
Are all members of the family in favour of
having a puppy join the household?
A "split family" may lead to disagreements
and ultimately result in the dog being returned or left with a rescue group
or humane society. In order for the dog to become a lifelong member of the
family, the original decision to buy must be shared with equal enthusiasm by
all members of the family.
Are there young children in the family?
One of the main reasons people purchase a puppy is
"for the kids". Be sure the match between dog and children is
right. Sometimes young children can seriously hurt a puppy albeit
unintentional and by the same token a powerful or rambunctious puppy can
easily overcome, hurt and frighten a small child. While it is ideal for both
to socialize at a young age, parents must assume the responsibility of
constant watchfulness so neither is harmed. This done, both puppy and child
will very likely become bosom buddies to the end.
Who will feed, walk, groom and pick up
after the dog?
Too often a puppy arrives without the decision makers
thinking this through. If this is to be a family dog, everyone should be
committed to its care. If children are involved, don't expect them to
shoulder the responsibility, it's too much, but they should be expected to
assume their portion of this responsibility. It often ends up with one
family member attending to the dog's needs, so talk it over and come to some
agreements in advance. Everyone will be happy - including the dog.
Have you prepared a budget for the cost of
caring for the dog?
This will involve nutritious food, municipal
licensing, regular visits to your vet, plus bedding etc. Such things as
obedience training, regular grooming or pet insurance should also be
considered. It won't be a huge amount but be prepared for the additional
expense in your household budget.
Don't buy the dog as a surprise gift.
A purebred puppy can be a marvelous gift if the giver
has thoroughly discussed the matter with the recipient in advance. All of
the previous consideration must be reviewed with the recipient and they most
certainly need to be the major influence in the breed of dog being obtained.
Under no circumstances is the practice of giving a surprise puppy
appropriate. Too often the animal is unwanted from the beginning and finds
itself helplessly abandoned or if kept, ultimately neglected. Please be
responsible, your dog will love you for it.
