As Puppy Awareness Week has just come to a close, I've decided to round up some of the important things I had to consider when getting a puppy - who is now a large 5 year old dog.
In fact, that's probably the first lesson that can be learned - size matters when it comes to choosing a dog. All puppies are small and cute and cuddly, but they get bigger, and if you don't research what size they will grow to you could end up with a rather cramped house, which isn't good for the dog and isn't good for you. You'll also need tothink about exercise. Do you really have two hours a day to give a dalmation all the exercise it needs? Dogs with pent up energy are unhappy and can be aggresive - so think about your lifestyle carefully before you get a dog who needs a lot of walks.
Insurance is important too, and if you're not convinced on this one just try taking your pup for his or her initial checkups and jags. These are expensive, and emergency treatment is even more expensive. Puppies are known to be clumsy, so keep your new family member protected by insuring them from the get go. I got a good deal when I bought RSPCA pet health insurance, and found my vet was excellent in helping me choose a package that was right for my golden retriever. Remember, it's in everyones interest that you have insurnance, so use your vets knowledge to the best of your ability.
Another thing I had to think carefully about was the breed and breeder of choice. Firstly, choosing a retriever was the right choice for me, as they are friendly, happy dogs that like the company of people - which is important when you have a big family. All breeds have known 'typical' natures though, so have a think about what is important to you. Do you want a relaxed dog who likes to sleep a lot? Or would you prefer a high energy dog to accompany your runs? There will be a breed that fits the bill. And knowing the breeder's background was a must - check they are registered with the Kennel club, have all the correct paperwork and can provide a full history of both parents of your pup.
There's lots more advice on the Kennel club website of course, but that's my personal most important points. What things did you consider before getting a pet?
The process of choosing a puppy is very important. Choosing a puppy depends on one’s preferences, but there are still some important things that should be kept in mind. Pet Insurance is now a day’s very common and used largely by many pet lovers. So, it can also be an important consideration.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 11/17/2011 at 02:41 AM
When choosing a breeder, it's also very important to see how the puppies grow up. Puppies growing up in a family environment, getting used to people, other animals, household noises etc., have had a much better start compared to puppies that have grown up in a kennel. Also, I hope people consider to get a dog from a shelter or rescue group, instead of buying a puppy.
Kind regards, Mirjam
http://www.personalized.collars-4-dogs.com/
Posted by: A Facebook User | 02/25/2012 at 03:38 AM