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Before You Buy that Puppy
by David the Dogman
"How
much is that doggy in the window, the one with the waggly tail...?"
Familiar words to an old tune suggests that many people at one time
or another consider having a dog as a pet. They might have fond memories
of the old Boxer or Cairn terrier that they grew up with. Maybe it was
a good-natured mutt or even a neighbour's well-behaved German Shepherd.
Some folks imagine owning a beautiful and heroic dog such as "Lassie"
of book and screen fame.
Often, the reality is that many pups purchased on impulse wind up in
shelters or banned to a chain in the garden because they didn't measure
up to the dream. This is written to help you consider the answers to
the questions you should ask before buying that cute little puppy.
Are you ready for a life long commitment to responsible dog ownership?
Let's think through and visualize what dog ownership is really like.
It is fun to imagine walking an obedient dog on a beautiful day, but
remember, the same dog will need walking when its hot, cold, raining
or icy out. The "Obedient" part will take time and effort.
In deciding whether a dog will fit into your lifestyle, the biggest
consideration in the long run will be "Do you have the TIME it
takes to own a dog?
Questions
Some dogs need more time than others do, but every dog requires time
for daily interaction beyond just meeting its basic needs. Consider
your lifestyle and personality when deciding if a dog would fit into
the picture.
Why do you want a dog?
How active and busy are you?
What do you do with the dog when you travel or are on vacation?
Do you have young children?
Do you have a fenced garden?
How big is it?
How long at a time will the dog be alone in the home?
Does anyone have allergies? (Easier to find this out visiting someone
else's dog first) Would you have the time to start with an untrained
puppy or would you be willing to re-train an older dog?
What kind of fur and how much grooming/shedding are involved?
What size would fit in?
Purebred? Mixed? Male? Female? Large? Small?
Dogs needs
Puppies and adult dogs have daily needs. The basics are shelter, food
and water, grooming, health care, training, exercise and social interaction.
The earlier in life you start teaching a pup what is expected of it
the better, but the more it has to learn. With an older dog, there may
be some bad habits they'll have to 'unlearn'. Early social experiences
set the tone for a dog's development into a dependable companion or
a destructive nuisance.
Training
Socialization Puppy Training (9-18 weeks.) will certainly mold the pup
during its most impressionable period and helps provide an environment
for learning positive associations with new people, places, experiences
and other dogs. Patterns are set for life in these formative weeks.
However it is essential that young dogs from 4 months to one year attend
training classes.
Cost
Besides training, there are other expenses incurred with dog ownership.
After the initial purchase, the biggest portion will go toward veterinary
and feeding bills. A high quality food costs more 'per bag' but is very
cost effective in terms of better health and food efficiency (you feed
less). Veterinary start-up costs, including immunizations and worming,
Microchips are also required by law for identification is not cheap.
Neutering and spaying usually takes place around 6 months. Semi-annual
vet visits, heartworm testing and preventative medications, unexpected
illnesses or accidents all add up! Then there is the control of internal
and external parasites to consider (worms, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes
and mites etc.)
Grooming requires the proper tools to care for coat, ears, teeth, and
nails. (For some breeds, there is the additional expense of a professional
groomer 8-9 times a year.) Microchips are also required by law for identification.
Basic supplies include sturdy food and water bowls, leash and collar,
bedding, cage, chew toys, food treats, indoor gates, outdoor fencing,
kennels and housing.
Although lovable, puppies and dogs will create additional cleaning work
around the home. (Accidents: diarrhea, urine, vomit), shedding hair,
muddy paws, drool, tracked on floors and carpeting, nose prints on windows
etc.) Responsible dog ownership dictates cleaning up dog garden waste,
keeping dogs reasonably quiet and confined to their own property. Dogs
are known for destructive chewing and digging holes. These problems
can only be successfully dealt with through supervision and confinement
and early puppy training (starting at two months.)
So, why on earth would anyone want a dog with all the work, time and
expense of owning one? For many reasons, but the biggest one for most
people is that they enjoy the loyalty and companionship of a dog. Dogs
like to play. Folks like the way they interact in the family, the way
that the dog looks and the home security a properly trained dog can
add. If you are willing to make a time commitment for the next 10 years
(the average life span of a dog); knowing the responsibility and expense
of owning a dog and fully aware of the likely negative elements involved,
then, the next step would be to decide what kind of dog best fits into
your lifestyle.
Breeds
Do not make the drastic mistake of choosing a breed solely on its 'looks'.
Although this is one consideration, the temperament, size, activity
level and coat care are even more important considerations. Unfortunately
a pup is sometimes chosen impulsively because it looked like a 'cute
little teddy bear' and then the teddy grows up to me more like a 'grizzly'
because the breed is a type bred for high levels of aggression. Or a
pup may prove to have an energy level that requires more exercise and
attention than can be provided.
Research
Research the breeds that appeal to you. Libraries carry breed books
and local veterinarians may be able to put you in touch with reputable
breeders. Local dog shows allow you to view a variety of purebred dogs.
Find out about the positive and the negative traits of each breed you
are considering. Ask questions: How big do they get? How much grooming
is required? How aggressive are they? How active? How much exercise
is required? Are they good with children? Are allergies a consideration?
Don't discount mixed breeds.
Good Luck with your new pet and come to training classes.
Commitment, Firmness, but kindness.
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