5 Things to Consider Before Getting a Puppy

Puppies are so adorable and loving that it can be very tempting to buy one impulsively. However, many new pet owners realize that they are completely unprepared for the chaos of raising and training a puppy. Here are a few things you should consider before deciding to adopt a puppy.

Think About Your Climate

Take into account your climate when choosing a dog breed. A small, short-haired dog may not be suitable if you plan on taking lengthy hikes through the snow, and a breed with a dense coat might be miserable in a tropical climate. Make sure that you find a dog that will be happy to live in your location.

Make Sure You Have Time for Puppy Training

It is important for a puppy to learn good habits and proper behavior while it is still growing up. If you have a lot of events going on in your life right now, you may want to wait until you have a bit more free time before committing to a puppy that you will have to train.

Take Care of Medical Needs

A young puppy will have several health care needs to face in the first few months of your life. Your new puppy may need to be vaccinated, spayed, or neutered, so you need to make sure that you have enough money to take care of the necessary medical needs of a young dog.

Pick the Right Breed

Do not choose your puppy based on a lifelong dream to own a famously good-looking breed. Instead, consider your lifestyle and find a dog that will be happy with the amount of time and the type of home you can give it. A busy home filled with children might work well with a Golden Retriever, while an active biker might enjoy a Dalmatian.

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Puppies are notoriously destructive, and accidents are bound to occur while housetraining. Before you get a puppy, consider moving all valuables to an area where they will be out of reach of the puppy. Make sure that you can move dangerous cords, houseplants, and electronics out of the way of your puppy.