Introduction
Picking the right puppy is an important decision. You’ll be spending time with him for years to come, so it’s important that you pick one that’s right for you and your family. While there are many factors to consider when choosing a puppy, here are some things I think are worth considering before getting one:
How much time do you have?
You need to consider how much time you have before getting a pup. Do you want to spend all of your free time running around and playing with the lil doggie? Or do you prefer that they don’t bother anyone while they’re home alone at night?
You also need to think about how much money it will cost in order for your dog not only be healthy but also happy and well-mannered. If this is something that can wait until after graduation, then go ahead—but if not, keep reading!
What is your living situation like?
Before you get a pup, it’s important to consider your living situation and whether or not you can keep the dog in a crate or room of your home. It’s also important to consider whether you will have time to regularly walk the dog outside.
While some dogs are great with kids and others don’t like them at all, every dog is different so make sure that any family members who might want to play with your new pet will be able to do so safely.
If there is an area of the house where people won’t be walking around often (like an office), then give them some space in order for them not being distracted by other noises while they’re working on projects or doing homework!
Who will take care of him when you’re gone?
You’re going to have to make sure that whoever takes care of your pup is someone you trust. If you have a friend or family member who can do it, great! But if not, find someone else who will be able to take over when you are away and know what they are doing.
Another thing that is important when choosing someone as a caregiver is their personality type: some people just don’t like dogs (or cats), so it would be best if they didn’t get one in the first place; others love them but hate having them around all day long because they are too much work; while others still might enjoy having pets around but may struggle with certain tasks such as walking dogs or feeding them daily meals etcetera).
Can you help him make the adjustment to being without his littermates?
If you’ve never had a dog before, this may be hard to believe but dogs are born in litters of six or more. They spend the first five months of their lives with other dogs and then they’re suddenly left on their own by their mothers.
Your pup needs to learn how to be alone and eventually find that he can live without his littermates (and maybe even without YOU!). You must help him make this adjustment so that he doesn’t feel abandoned when it comes time for him to go home with YOU!
Do you have the money for a puppy?
Puppy food, toys and training are expensive. The average cost of a puppy is between £1,000 and £2,000. A new puppy will need to be fed separately from your existing dog so that they don’t fight over their food or chew on your furniture (or each other). If you have older dogs at home already who aren’t getting along with the new arrival—or if you want one but aren’t ready for another pet just yet—this could be an additional expense that you’re not expecting when starting out with a pup.
There’s also vet visits: Most veterinarians recommend annual shots against distemper; heartworm prevention; DHLPP test; ear cleaning (if needed); flea prevention/treatment; nail trimming as needed due to size growth or hygiene concerns like dirty paws from playing outside in grassy areas where ticks live under shrubs etc…
Are you willing to house train and teach your dog obedience?
- House training is important. Your dog needs to be house trained before you bring him home and get him accustomed to living with other people and animals. This can be a lot of work, but it’s essential for your pup’s health and happiness in life. It will also prevent any mishaps that could lead to injuries or even death if you don’t teach your dog good manners early on in his life (i.e., when he’s young). If you don’t know how much time it takes for your pet to learn these lessons, consult with an expert who knows about this type of thing!
- Teaching obedience commands for dogs is important too—and not just because they’re fun! Dogs need basic obedience training so they’ll behave properly around their owners as well as strangers around them like other pets in the house/neighborhood etcetera…
Do you plan on neutering or spaying your dog?
It’s important to know whether or not you plan on neutering or spaying your dog. Neutering is the surgical removal of the testicles (in males) and ovaries (in females), while spaying involves the medical removal of the uterus and ovaries. These procedures prevent unwanted pregnancies, which can be dangerous for both puppies and adult dogs. Spaying also prevents certain cancers that are more common in unneutered male animals, including prostate cancer and testicular cancer. In addition, it’s much easier for vets to perform these surgeries on females than males because there aren’t any visible incisions required as part of them!
Have you picked out a veterinarian?
The first thing you should do is check out the vet’s credentials. Ask friends and family for recommendations, do a quick internet search for the vet’s credentials, or check out their website. If your dog will be treated by the same veterinarian for years to come, this is especially important.
You should also ask about experience with puppies and breeds of dogs that are similar in size to yours (and maybe even larger).
Will you be crate training your dog?
If you’re planning on crate training your dog, be sure to start as soon as possible. Crate training can help to house train a puppy and protect them from chewing or escaping. It can also be a good way to keep your dog safe when you aren’t home.
If you are going to use a crate for one reason or another, it should be made out of sturdy materials that won’t cause any harm if they get dirty (or even destroyed). There are several types of crates available online: wire cages, soft sided ones with plastic liners and even plastic kennels which come equipped with handles on both sides so they’re easy enough for someone with mobility issues like arthritis or multiple sclerosis conditions like Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS).
How old are you and where do you live?
The age of your pup is also a consideration. If you are young, consider getting a small dog. If you’re older, then a large breed may be the best option for your lifestyle and family needs. You should also consider how much space your house or apartment has to accommodate pets. In general, smaller breeds like Chihuahuas/Papillons can live in apartments while bigger dogs like Labradors require more space due to their size (and energy).
Picking the right puppy is an important decision.
The decision to get a dog is an important one. You might not think so, but there are several things that you need to consider before choosing a pup.
- A dog should be the right fit for you. If your lifestyle doesn’t allow for as much time and energy as it takes to take care of an animal, then don’t get one! It will be very difficult for both parties if they aren’t able to live together harmoniously in harmony with each other’s needs and wants.
- Make sure that you can afford taking care of this new member of your family! There are many costs associated with owning pets including food (you should buy quality), toys (you’ll probably want several), training classes…the list goes on! And these expenses come out-of-pocket; so make sure that budgeting is not an issue when deciding whether or not this particular pet would be compatible with yours.* Consider whether or not having children may affect how much time/energy/space would be dedicated towards caring for any future offspring(s).
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the decision to get a lil doggie is a big one. While it might seem like a simple question—“Should I get a puppy?”—there are actually many factors that need to be considered before making your final decision. And remember: It is not just about choosing from breeds with cute photos or buying from stores that sell puppies in pet stores! You want to make sure you’re doing everything possible so your new furry family member has an enjoyable life full of happiness and love.
