Choosing a dog can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. After all, you’re taking on the responsibility of caring for a living, breathing being. It will depend on you for the rest of the life! When it comes to getting a new puppy, you have a lot of questions: “What kind of dog do I get?” “What’s the right dog breed for me?” “Will he blend in well with my family?”
Before you start buying pet care items, do your homework to save the headache later. Follow these tips to choose the right one.
1. Don’t Adopt/Purchase on a Whim
Don’t buy a dog on the spur of the moment. The burdens and costs of medicine are much too high. First, consider the cost of raising a puppy to maturity, as well as the amount of time you have to devote to caring for a growing puppy. Also, consider whether now is the best time for you to take on such a job.
2. Begin with the Appropriate Breed or Combination of Breeds
Environment
A small breed can be better if you live in a small apartment. You may be able to take on a more giant pet if you have plenty of open room for a puppy to run around in.
Family
Make sure to consider the interests of all members of your family. If you have cats, you can look for a breed mix that does well in a family environment. If you have an allergy sufferer, a Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, or Poodle are good choices because they lose less fur and dander.
Lifestyle
If you don’t have a lot of spare time, go with a smaller dog that takes less daily activity than any bigger dog, which could take at least 30 minutes of running or walking.
Experience
If you’re a first-time dog owner, go with a breed like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, or Pugs, who are less temperamental and willful.
3. Consider the Cost
ASPCA reported that keeping a dog will cost anything between $700 to $900 per year—and that’s just the average. These prices would be much higher if you adopt a puppy with health problems or special needs. Before you take in a new family member, make sure your budget will accommodate it.
4. Pay a Visit to a Shelter
Don’t fall for the idea that you need a purebred puppy. Or the shelters are really home to mutts only. Many purebreds wind up in shelters for many reasons. The reason may be that their former pet parents didn’t do their homework to see if they were getting the right breed for their personality and lifestyle. So, pay a visit to a local shelter.
5. Consult an Expert On Dog Breeds.
Ask if you can look at the parents and see what personality characteristics your puppy is likely to inherit. Inquire about the parents’ welfare and any problems that might be passed on to your puppy. If you’re choosing from a litter, search for a puppy with bright eyes and a good appearance. Also, choose the one that is playful and curious.
After choosing the right puppy for your family you should take proper care of it. You can search pet products online in order to get any essential products easily for your pet.