7 Questions to Ask Yourself before Getting A Puppy

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Puppies are cute and adorable. However, if you think that having one as a pet is easy, think again. During the first year or so, things can be very hard, especially for the first two to six months, with all the energy, jumping, biting, and chewing. It will test your patience, tire you out, and cause you to lose sleep.

If you are in Dallas and have started searching on the internet where to find shih tzu puppies for sale in Dallas or maltese puppies for sale in Dallas, you might want to stop for now. Being a dog parent comes with a lot of responsibilities, and you might not be ready for it at the moment. To know whether or not you should continue looking for shih tzu puppies for sale in Dallas or maltese puppies for sale in Dallas, you should ask yourself the following questions first:

1. How much Research have I Done?

Did you know that different dog breeds have different needs, character traits, and personalities? Are you aware that dogs can also get sick and certain breeds have greater risks for certain medical conditions? Are you ready to follow your puppy’s vaccination and deworming schedules?

To be a good dog parent, you have to do tons of research before picking a puppy and taking it home. You have to learn about the shots that they need before allowing them to walk outdoors and interact with other dogs. You must also get familiar with the things that normally happen to a puppy as it grows, such as teething, jumping, nipping, biting, and poor bladder control, to temper your expectations and not regret your decision.

2. Can I Afford It?

Taking care of a puppy is like taking care of a human baby. Even before you take it home, you have to get a variety of things to make it comfortable and safe from day one.

For food, expect to spend a couple hundred to several hundred dollars a year. For training, about 20 to 50 dollars per session. For veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, annual physical exams, and so on, your expenses can run well over 500 dollars a year. For toys, treats, beds, crates, and other supplies, you should allot another couple hundred dollars a year depending on how much you want to spoil your fur baby.

3. Are Pets Allowed Where I Live?

Some apartments, condos, and residential buildings prohibit their tenants from owning pets. Before getting a puppy, you should read your lease agreement or contact your landlord or rental company for clarifications.

Imagine how stressful and frustrating it would be to finally take your puppy home, only to run into your landlord in the hallway, learn about the building’s pet restrictions, and have to find your puppy another home.

4. Do I have Enough Space?

Getting a high-energy, large breed dog is not advisable if you live in a tiny house with no yard or parks nearby, nor is getting a small breed dog that barks a lot if you live in an apartment building with thin walls.  

For the good of your puppy, you should take into consideration how much space you have. Not being able to roam freely and get regular walks can lead to boredom and cause behaviors such as biting and chewing your hands, ankles, clothes, and other things around your home.

5. Can I give it Time and Attention?

You cannot treat your dog like something that you can just feed twice a day and then leave on its own the rest of the time. Raising a puppy requires time, effort, and commitment. It is a living thing that needs to be loved and cared for.

Therefore, if you are at the office most of the day, often work overtime, or enjoy going on spontaneous trips for days, be ready to make some major lifestyle changes once you get a pup.

6. How Patient Am I?

The peeing and pooping all over the house, chewing up of carpets and furniture, biting of hands and ankles, and constant whining and barking can really test your patience. As a puppy owner, you have to understand and accept that all of these are part of the doggy parenting process.

Training your pup on your own is not easy, so you might want to consider hiring a professional trainer. Give your pet time to adjust and learn, and remember to remain calm and gentle.

7. Is there a Veterinarian nearby?

Your puppy will need to be vaccinated from as young as 6 to 8 weeks and dewormed from as early as 2 weeks. It will also need to be examined annually and given immediate care in case of emergencies. For these reasons, you should find a good veterinarian in your area. Make sure to follow the schedule provided by your vet to give your pup maximum protection against various diseases.

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