Buying A New Puppy
Don’t forget that when you are buying a puppy you are also buying a dog. Large breeds mature into dogs at about 15 months and smaller breeds mature at about 9 months. The average lifespan of a dog is between 10 and 13 years. Looking after an animal is a big commitment and should not be taken on lightly.
Once you have decided that you really want a dog in your life, you should consider giving a forever home to a shelter dog or puppy.
Things to consider when buying a puppy
Here are some of the things you consider when thinking about getting a puppy
Where do you live?
Do you have a fenced area where your dog can roam, or do you live in a confined city apartment? Some breeds are more suited to apartment living than others.
Related Article: Best breeds for apartments.
How much exercise do you like to do?
Some breeds of dogs need a lot of exercise. If you can’t provide this then you should choose a breed that is happy with less exercise. Insufficient exercise can often lead to dog misbehaviour.
Do you already have a dog?
This is an important consideration. You need to think about the reaction of your dog when the newcomer arrives. How will they get along together?
Related Article: Introducing a New Dog To An Old Dog
How much time do you spend at home/
If you are away at work all day, your dog will be spending long periods alone. How will this work out? Dogs are pack animals and enjoy company. In effect, you will be their pack.
Do you have children?
Your children must be dog friendly. Most dogs enjoy playing with children, but they also need some time to themselves. Your kids will need to respect your dog’s space.
can you afford it?
Buying a puppy is only the first expense. There will be ongoing food and vet’s bills. If you go on vacation you will need to find accommodation for your dog. Your puppy will need training. You can do this yourself, but often you will need some dog training classes. It all mounts up.
Where to find your puppy?
Once you have decided on the breed of dog that is ideal for you, the next thing to do is find one.
The choice is really between finding a dog breeder or a shelter. You will be surprised by the quality of puppies and dogs which find their way into a shelter. Many shelters are online, so you have a wide range to choose from. If you can’t find what you are looking for at a shelter the other option is to find a good breeder.
Get some recommendations before visiting a breeder. Look for online comments or speak to your local dog clubs. There may be a local club for the specific breed you are interested in.
Don’t take the first puppy you see. They are all cute. Check out several puppies and, if possible, several litters. A breeder will be able to tell you a lot about the puppy’s antecedents. Choose a puppy that is lively and alert.
