Your kids want a puppy. All your neighbors have dogs. It’s the great American Dream (for children, anyway) to have a dog like Lassie. However, if this is your first puppy, there are some things you need to know before you commit to buying a dog.
#1 - Dogs Take Time. Puppies Take More Time.
Having a puppy is like having a 2-year-old. Until they are trained (see #2), they require pretty much constant supervision. After they are trained, they still require supervision until they are older. Much older. If you can't entertain them all day, you may want to consider two dogs, or a cat. Or puppy day care!
#2 - Puppies Need Training. And so do your children.
When I was growing up, we had a dog - for a while. It didn't work out because my parents didn't realize that puppies need training. We were a cat family - and you can pretty much ignore cats. Not so with dogs.
You will need several puppy classes and possibly more classes when your puppy is grown. Dogs are not independent, and you need to teach them proper behavior.
If you have children, they need to take the classes with their puppies so they can learn how to interact with your new pet.
#3: Puppies Cost Money. Lots of Money.
Ok - this isn't unreasonable, but you need to be prepared to add your puppy into your budget. You will have many expenses, especially when you first get your new puppy. They need toys, bones, shots, registrations with the state, and don't forget the food, dog houses, collars, clothes (no really - it’s a big business - you'll be tempted!) vet bills, and training (see #2).
Dogs are one of the most expensive pets around. Most puppies are part of the family - and will cost you like part of the family. Don't go into this venture thinking they're cheap. |
