Tips and Guide to Getting a New Puppy

Getting a new puppy can be exciting, fun, and a great way to add a new addition to the family whether you have children already, or are just not quite ready for kids. Puppies, however, can be a lot of work, and do come with a lot of responsibility almost the same as a new baby does. But before you even get the new puppy you have a lot of work to do. The first thing you need to do is ask yourself several questions: do you have enough time for one, can you afford one, and can you handle the stress that comes with a new puppy? After asking yourself these questions and deciding that you can handle a new puppy, then your next step is choosing the type of dog you want and can handle.

Choosing the breed requires research. The size of the breed, the hair length, health, indoor or outdoor, how the breed is with children, attitude, and attributes are all things to consider. Your living accommodations should help you to decide the size of dog you would like. Dogs do shed, so you need to decide whether you can handle long haired dogs that shed more and have a lot more hair to clean and take care of, or if you want a shorthaired dog that is easier to clean and manage. Do you want a dog that is more active or less active? Can you take enough time out of your day to give the dog proper amounts of exercise? If you have children or plan to have children you will want to choose a breed that is good with kids. You also need to determine if you want an indoor dog or an outdoor one. You will need to research which dog breeds can handle outdoor life if that is what you choose. You also want to look at history of the health of the breed of dog you may be interested in. Some breeds have a history of being more apt to certain diseases and ailments. After you have chosen the breed of dog that will suit you and your lifestyle you will then need to choose a vet before picking up your new puppy.

Choosing a vet should be something you take serious. You don't want to choose a vet with a bad reputation. Do research on different vets in your area. You want to look at credentials, referrals, backgrounds, prices, location, attitude, and get references. The location of your vet is important also. You want to make sure that you can get to your vets office in a hurry in case of emergency. Make sure your choice shows that they care, and have compassion not only for the patient but for the owners of the animal also.

Be prepared when you bring your puppy home. You should already have the main necessities when you pick him or her up. These necessities include food and water dishes, food, toys, a bed or crate, collar, a leash, a brush and or comb, potty pads for training, bathing products, and a kennel, runner, or tie-out outside. They should not be kept cooped up in a house all day. Let them outside for exercise daily. You should also have a preset appointment with your vet for all puppy shots and first exams and treatments that they need.

After you have your puppy home begin training right away. Waiting too long can make the training process more difficult. Bitter apple spray is another good thing to have. It stops them from chewing on things that don't belong to them. Potty training is a must. Show them the potty pads. Teach them to use them, and continue to move them closer to the door as this will teach them to go to the door when they need to be let out. Remember, a puppy is time consuming and a big responsibility. Make sure to do your research on every aspect before choosing one. Making a bad decision can mean all the difference in a good dog or a bad dog.