There is no doubting the fact that dogs make great pets. They are social animals that give unconditional love to their human parents. They make great companions for people who live alone. A new puppy can be a fun and positive addition to any family, and they are great friends to children. But before you consider getting a new puppy, there are a few things to consider.
Puppies are Hard Work
Puppies are cute and cuddly, but they are hard work. You might have seen people out and about with their dogs and thought it would be great to have your own furry pet who can go for walks with you every day. But you must remember that puppies are quite different from adult dogs. A new puppy needs a lot of training and, like a small child, can be mischievous and energetic. You will need to give a lot of time to your new family member, and you might have to sacrifice days out until your dog is a bit older.
Puppies Can Get Up to Mischief
As mentioned, puppies can be mischievous and they can also be very destructive, especially if left alone. Think of your puppy like a small child wanting to explore by touching everything he can reach. Dogs explore with their mouths and like to chew things. They will not be able to tell the difference between an old slipper and a designer shoe, so never give them old shoes or old remote controls to play with. Stick to rubber or rope toys and never leave your puppy alone or you might come back to your favorite sneakers with holes in them.
Dogs Can be Expensive
Having a canine member of the family can be expensive, say the experts at Voyager Harness. As well as food, you are going to need a number of accessories for your pet such as a collar for dogs, dog bed, leash, harness, toys, food, water bowls, and a crate if you are planning to crate-train the dog. You should also factor in the cost of pet insurance as this is something that you will need to be paid for your dog’s entire life. Foregoing insurance is a mistake that many people make, but it could leave them facing astronomical vet bills.
Your Dog Needs Daily Exercise
Dogs need to be walked at least once a day and depending on the breed some might need even more than this. But as well as exercise being important for your dog’s health, you should bear in mind that this daily walk is your pet’s favorite time of the day. So, even if you don’t feel like walking, your fur baby most certainly will.
Different Breeds Have Different Needs
There are a lot of designer breeds out there, and many of these have complex needs. It is important to do your research before you get a puppy. Find out as much as you can about the breed you are considering to find out how big an adult dog might become, how much energy they are likely to have, and whether they are prone to certain health conditions. If you have a family or are planning to in the future, look for a dog that is good with kids.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a new puppy, it is important to think carefully before rushing out to buy the first one you see. Remember that the average lifespan of a dog is between ten and 13 years, depending on the breed. You will need to commit to taking care of your dog for its entire life.