So, You Think You Want A Puppy
There is nothing that can bring a smile to your face like a puppy! Seriously, everyone wants a cute adorable puppy. If you know someone who doesn’t, keep your eye on that person because there is something not quite right about them… I mean 33% of the world’s population own at least one dog – that’s 2.7 billion people!! While dogs are the most incredible companions, not everyone is truly up to the task of being a Puppy Parent. Many of the dogs in shelters are surrendered by owners that couldn’t handle caring for them. Here are the top 10 reasons dog owners give up their pups to shelters according to the National Council on Pet Population Stud and Policy:
- Moving – 7%
- Landlord not allowing pets – 6%
- Expenses of pet maintenance – 5%
- Too many animals in household – 4%
- Pet owner having personal problems – 4%
- Inadequate facilities – 4%
- Pet illness – 4%
- No time for pet – 4%
- Unable to find homes for litter mates – 3%
- Biting 3%
While you are now probably pondering these sad possibilities, you should move your thoughts to how heartbroken a pup is when its family abandons him. Yeah, let that sink in a little bit… Anyone that has ever even come in contact with dog at any age, can see that dogs have very real emotions. If you are thinking about getting a puppy there is a lot to consider, so you don’t break someone’s heart.
Lifetime Commitment
The first thing to realize when you are thinking about getting a puppy is that having a dog involves having a true relationship. Like any meaningful relationship in your life, you will have to be patient, caring, understanding, and loving for a lifetime. There are no shortcuts when it comes to the responsibilities of nurturing the relationship with your dog.
Don’t be one of those people who rush into getting a puppy without truly understanding what it will means to be a Puppy Parent, and ultimately break the pup’s heart by surrendering him to a shelter. Think about it… Why do you want a dog? Can you picture what kind of Pup Parent you will be? How will your lifestyle change? What sacrifices are you willing to make in order to give your dog a happy life? It is much easier being honest with yourself and your family about the responsibilities than waking up every hour of the night while you are potty training a puppy. Or, spending time cleaning up pee and poop stains out of your carpet. Think about it!
Do you have what it takes to be a Puppy Parent?!
Caution to First Time Dog Owners
If you have never owned a dog but, you see dogs in movies, on YouTube, and even your family’s and friends’ dogs, and think “Looks like fun” or “How hard can it be?”. Well, too many people don’t even consider that they are watching the best trained dogs in movies or YouTube, and that the limited exposure they have to their friends’ dogs don’t paint an accurate picture of what it takes to own a dog. Much less, a well-trained dog! Owning a dog is hard work and endless commitment, and training a well-behaved dog takes endless patience.
Not everyone should own a dog. Not because they are unfit (which is certainly the case on occasion), but because they do not have the time or ability to care for a puppy or an adult dog. The free time that you are used to having to yourself before getting a dog will get eaten up with properly caring for him. While you can train a dog to do some amazing tricks, your dog will always depend on you to care for him. No dog can attend to himself. From the day you bring your puppy home until the time he goes to doggy heaven, he will be highly dependent on you for all his basic needs: food, water, safe shelter, exercise, training and the occasional Doggy Doctor’s visit. And the absolute most important need that you must fulfill is companionship! Dogs that do not have companionship, are like lost souls because they have been bred to be man’s best friend.
Time Commitment
How much time do you need to spend with your dog per day? Great question! While there are many opinions out there, I have to agree with John Spieser, a writer at The Ann Arbor News, that dog owners should dedicate a minimum of 3.5 hours a day with their furry friends. Between feedings, exercising, play-time, potty times, and just some good ol’ relaxing petting time, this is a good expectation when caring for a grown dog. When it comes to raising a puppy, they need more time and attention. You can expect around 5 hours a day for at least the first 2-3 months. These 5 hours takes into count potty training, and regular training session multiple times a day to raise a well-behaved dog. Trust me, it’s better to dedicate this time in the first several months instead of spending time trying to wrangle a poorly-behaved grown dog!
Oh yeah, dogs cost money!…
Caring for your new puppy takes responsibility, time and, yep you guessed it… money! Of course, you want your dog to have nice things, I mean really really nice things! A lot Pup Parents can go overboard with the toys, treats, and even outfits. But the bulk of your Doggy Dollars go towards their health; from annual or biannual vet appointments with the vaccines, labs, and wellness checkups, to the occasional injury or accident. Can’t forget that premium puppy chow! Depending on your dog’s breed, size and health, you can count on some serious cash going towards food each year. A few other mentions are grooming, dog walkers, dog sitters, training, and even doggy dental. That all adds up quick! According to Forbes, a large breed dog costs at least $1,570 a year, and over the span of 12-year life that could easily mean a minimum $22,000 of expenses. Talk about Pampered Pups!!
Adopt a Mix-Breed or Buy a Purebred Puppy?
This question can and is often polarized by differing opinions. We aren’t going to go down that route don’t worry; we’re going to keep this focused on a nonpartisan perspective.
Instead of getting caught up with the misconceptions that mixed-breed dogs are smarter and are less likely to develop congenital defects, let’s focus on the 100% irrefutable facts: (1) adoption is substantially less expensive, and (2) you will most likely save him from being euthanized. These two factors drive Dog Lovers in the United States to adopt 1.6 million dogs each year!
As for those misconceptions with mixed-breed dogs, it’s nearly impossible to discern whether they will be prone to hereditary health issues since their heritage is unknown. When it comes to intelligence, a dog’s smarts has more to do with regular and consistent training than anything else. When you’re thinking about adopting, remember that the most important thing is to make a connection with a pup who’s looking for a loving forever home, and don’t worry about the rest!
If you’re thinking of bringing a furry friend home from a breeder, you’re not alone. A whopping 34% of dog owners in America choose to get their pups from breeders, while 23% opt for adoption shelters. The main reason behind this preference is the increased predictability that comes with buying a purebred puppy. With a purebred, you can often get a better idea of what your dog will be like when it grows up. You’ll know its general size, color, personality, and even if it’s prone to certain health issues. Plus, other important lifestyle choices like if you need a hypoallergenic pup because of family members’ allergies.
Whether you choose to adopt a puppy from a shelter or buy the purebred you’ve always wanted, you’ll never go wrong as long as you’re prepared to give them the commitment, time, and love they deserve! It’s a fact that mixed-breed puppies and puppies from reputable breeders make amazing companions who will love you unconditionally. Bringing your new furry friend home will be one of the happiest days of your life, but just remember that you’re making a lifelong commitment to your new family member!
