Buying or Adopting a Puppy?

Buying or adopting a puppy is a big responsibility. It takes a lot of time and effort for the care and training of a puppy. You will be required to make some major changes in your household. In the long run you will gain a lifelong friend and your efforts will be the most rewarding of experiences. But first please consider the things that you will be required to do before you commit to buying or adopting, as a puppy may not be the right choice for you and your family.

House Breaking Your Puppy.

The puppy that you buy or adopt will have to be house broken. It will need to be taught to either go potty outside or on a puppy training pad. This process will take weeks and sometimes even months of diligent effort on your part to train the puppy to the acceptable way of relieving him/herself. If not trained properly, the puppy will go potty any place that it chooses. Sometimes that spot will be the floor, carpeting, house hold furniture or even the middle of the bed! Be aware that accidents can and will happen even with the best trained puppy.

Teaching your Puppy Not to Chew.

One important thing to consider before buying or adopting a puppy, is the fact that they will chew. Shoes, clothing carpet, furniture, you name it, if a puppy can sink his/her teeth into it, they will chew it. This is another instance where you need a lot of time to spend with your new puppy so that you will be able teach them, the proper etiquette of chewing. Toys are O.K., furniture and your personal belongings are not. Again, accidents can and will happen, expect many of your belongings to be damaged.

Health Care for Your Puppy.

If you choose to adopt or buy a puppy, you will be responsible for the health of the animal. There are vaccinations, that your veterinarian will have to administer. There will also be worming, flea control, bathing, brushing and dental care for the puppy. You will also have to keep the toenails trimmed. Your puppy may need a special diet, as some dogs and puppies have allergies to some types of food. Those allergies could extend to include other common allergens such as cleaning chemicals that you use in the maintenance of your home, dust or even fleas. A puppy can be expensive, are you prepared for this expense?

You will be required to spend a large amount of time with the puppy that you buy or adopt. As you can see there are a lot of things that you will need to teach him/her. These are only a few of the many, many responsibilities that you will face. You will have to walk, bathe, teach, clean up after, feed, water, nurture, love...think of it this way, when you buy or adopt a puppy, you are adding a new member to your family. The responsibility may be great but the rewards are endless.