Read these 7 Am I Ready for a Puppy? Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Puppy tips and hundreds of other topics.
You've got kids and you've got a house with a yard, so you should get a puppy, right? Actually, a puppy is not right for everyone, especially if time is something you have a short supply of at the moment. Is your family ready for a puppy?
When you have big changes coming up, such as a new baby or a move to a new home, a new puppy isn't the best idea. Puppies need a lot of care and attention. Potty training, obedience training and cuddle time are all time consuming. You don't want to end up neglecting the puppy and having it grow up to be an ill- mannered or unhappy dog.
If your family's motto is “Have passport, will travel,” you should think twice about buying a puppy. Constant trips to a kennel are not high on most dogs' to-do lists. While you can hire a sitter instead of taking the dog out of a familiar environment, your pup will still miss interacting with the family while you are traveling.
Finally, some people simply don't enjoy having their belongings ruined by puppy teeth or accidents. If this is the case, but you still want a dog, you may want to consider looking for an older animal. Many adult dogs in need of a new family have lovely dispositions and are already housebroken. Puppyfind.com often has listings for adult dogs that breeders are trying to re-home as well as listings for new puppies.
As you think about all the things you'll need for your new puppy, you're feeling a bit overwhelmed. You wish you could ask someone to throw you a puppy shower as you're getting ready for a new puppy, but that's not really possible, right? Actually, it is a great idea, as long as you're willing to be the one planning the party.
You want a new puppy and you're feeling a bit guilty about shopping for one that has features you like. After all, it is a living creature, not a new car. Isn't it wrong to ask whether this puppy model comes with a shed free coat? Actually, people who do research before they buy a new dog should be proud of themselves. Dogs are a lifetime commitment, so it makes sense to take some time to find out which breed suits you and your family.
Children and puppies go together like cookies and milk. They take adorable pictures together and can entertain each other for hours. However, there are a few things you should do to be sure your kids and your puppy have a safe and happy time when they hang out with each other. To be sure your dog and your child do well together, you should:
You finally gave in to all of the pleading and promises to feed and walk a dog and you have agreed to buy a puppy. Congratulations!
Now, you need to make some serious preparations before the big day arrives. Just what do you need to do before bringing a new puppy into your home? Prepare yourself. There is much to be done.
For starters, the tip of the iceberg, you will need to invest in a good, solid puppy crate. Despite the devastated howls your new dog makes when you put him in his crate, he actually wants his own space so that he feels safe and cozy. He also needs a place to stay when you can't supervise him and he needs to have boundaries set for him. "This is your place, puppy."
Leaving puppies out of their crates at night can mean cleaning up a huge mess in the morning and can prove fatal, as these little guys can find inventive ways to reach dangerous things, like electrical cords or chemicals, that seemed to be perfectly secure.
Another thing you will need to consider is whether you will be walking your dog during potty breaks. If so, you will need a harness, leash and pooper scooper or poopy bags. Ideally, you will need a securely fenced area for your puppy to exercise in, but city dwellers do not always have this luxury.
Don't forget food and water bowls, a washable puppy bed, sturdy toys, such as the Nylabone puppy starter kit, and quality puppy food. While you can buy everything else well ahead of time, avoid shopping for puppy food until you find out the brand of food your new dog is already eating. It is a very bad idea to switch food suddenly on a new puppy as it can cause intestinal problems for your new baby.
It is finally time for the big event. You're bringing home a new puppy and you couldn't be more excited if it was a new baby! You want everything to be perfect, so you need to know if there is anything special you should do as you pick up your dog.
First, you will need a safe way to transport the puppy. Cuddling your new baby in your arms sounds like fun, but the reality of the first trip home can involve upset stomachs and weak bladders. A small crate with a towel in the bottom is a secure and cozy way to get your puppy from point A to point B. If you absolutely refuse to put your dog in a crate for the ride home, be sure your outfit is wash and wear.
Next, give your puppy a quick check before you head for the car, even if you've been to visit him every week for the past month. Be sure he looks alert and healthy and has a clean bottom.
Finally, make sure you have a copy of the vaccination record, pedigree information and a health guarantee before you leave. All of these are important documents for your dog's well being and it isn't the best idea to chance getting them at a later date.
Your children have emptied their piggy banks in an attempt to persuade you that the family can afford to buy a dog. However, you are hesitant to agree to their wish, since you are sure there are other expenses involved. Should you accept the puppy on your tight budget or should you turn a deaf ear to your children's pleas? Since the cost of caring for a puppy is higher than the purchase price of the dog, it is a good idea to take a look at the expenses before you make your decision.