Things to consider before buying a dog from a pet guide
A family must consider many factors before bringing home a new pet.
Some are the following:
GENDER – SIZE – HAIR:
What about the sex of the dog? Are you interested in a man or a woman? Will you raise the dog once he grows up? If a breeding program is not in your future, consider neutering the dog. Are you interested in a large or small dog? Often potential owners do not take into account the size and weight of the puppy’s body when he becomes an adult. Also think about the grooming needs of a long-haired versus a short-haired dog.
VETERINARY CARE:
The dog will also need regular veterinary care. All of these costs can add up, especially if you’re on a budget. What kind of dog do you want? Purebred or mixed race? Research the traits of the breed that interests you. Keep in mind that some breeds have specific benefits or problems. Also, some thoroughbreds can be very expensive. Perhaps adoption from your local animal shelter is an option.
HOUR:
Another important factor is the lifestyle of your family. Do you work all day? How much free time do you have? Remember, a new puppy will require four or more feedings a day and will need to be out just as often. Do you spend a lot of time traveling or entertaining? Do you have small children or other animals at home? Are you physically capable of handling a dog? What about your location? Do you own a house or rent an apartment? Will your landlord allow pets? Do you live in the city or in a rural area? Is there enough fenced space in the yard for the dog to exercise properly?
ROLE OF THE DOG IN YOUR FAMILY:
Think about the role your new dog will play in your family. Will it be used as:
a) My son/daughter/children
Trust me; this will be YOUR dog! After the ‘honeymoon period’, the children can only play with the dog, from time to time. They may whine and complain about any dog-related responsibilities, grudgingly doing them only after you put significant pressure on them. As children’s interests and activities change over the years, their level of engagement with the dog will likely be inconsistent at best. Also, your children, especially young children, will need to be “trained” on how to behave around the dog and will need to be supervised when around the dog.
b) Protection
I know some may disagree, but in my opinion the only time it’s a good idea to keep a dog for protection purposes is in professional or agricultural situations and only when the owner/trainer is human and knowledgeable about the dog’s behavior. . and training/management of dominant dogs. In all other situations, probably 99.9%, an alarm system, security fence or other measures are much more appropriate and effective.
c) To raise puppies
If you’ve read the third paragraph of this article and still feel that way, there’s probably little I can offer to change your mind. But just in case, let me restate the case a little further. Dog parenting is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. If it is not your intention to continue to be responsible for all of your puppies throughout their lives, including being willing to retrieve and care for those that find themselves homeless, please do not engage in this effort. If you plan to breed for profit, please understand that there are much easier, more profitable and ethical ways to make money. Dogs are living beings and their upbringing requires a significant investment of time, money, work, knowledge, both academic and practical, patience and emotional strength, which must be done responsibly and humanely. Visit some of the shelter and rescue websites, or your local shelter, and witness the problem for yourself. See the faces of homeless dogs and talk to the volunteers and staff who, all too often, have to take that “final walk” with them.
PURCHASE STRATEGY:
Once you’ve decided on the type of dog you want and where you’ll buy it, don’t buy a puppy on the first visit. Instead, the potential owners leave, think about the decision, and then come back. Avoid the temptation to buy two or more puppies. A single pup will bond better with its owner and be easier to train.
Depending on the breed, the best time to buy a puppy is between 7 and 9 weeks of age. As soon as possible, have the pup examined by a veterinarian. If possible, ask the seller if he can have the puppy checked out by a vet before you buy it.
