Welcoming a new puppy into your life brings immeasurable happiness and also its fair share of anxieties all of which are a normal part of the overall experience. Feeling ready for your puppy is essential. However, the truth is that you are the only person who can determine if you are indeed ready to take on the responsibility of a puppy. In this decision making process there are a few important factors you need to consider if it is your goal to provide a holistically healthy life for your pet and a lifetime of undiluted companionship for yourself and family. Three very important factors to consider are:
Time Investment
Time, in my opinion, is the first important consideration when it comes to adopting a puppy. Every puppy needs attention, adequate bonding time, socialization and routine, routine, routine! All of these important mentally developmental activities require time along with effort and consistency on the part of the parent. There isn’t a set amount of time you need to make for your puppy, you just need to invest enough time to incorporate at least 1 walk outside the home per day, time to teach new tricks or go over old ones, time to play and bond, time to socialize and time for routine potty breaks during the potty training process. It is very possible to have a full time job and still make time for your pup. It would just mean making the decision to incorporate puppy’s needs into your schedule and ensuring they are getting the time they deserve to be well. In summary, commitment to making time for your puppy is an essential aspect of care, especially mental health.
Financial Preparation
I know you are probably expecting the typical advice on making sure you are financially ready and prepared to handle unexpected illness. However, this is not the type of financial planning I’d like to talk about. When you financially plan to cover the below areas, you would have set your pet on the path of perfect health which should keep the Vet visits for standard vaccines.
Purchasing A Healthy Puppy
Firstly, you want to be sure you are paying for a puppy that is well bred, healthy, and ethically raised. It is not always the best to look for the cheapest option when looking to purchase a puppy. In most cases, the value placed on a puppy is a reflection of the standard of care the breeder has put into the litter and the program by extension.
Quality Nutrition
Secondly, you want to invest in premium nutrition. This means being intentional about the type of food and supplements you provide for your pet and investing in premium quality. Get into the habit on doing research on best foods, reading the ingredients and ensuring the food or supplements is rich in nutrients and devoid of artificial fillers.
Standard Medical Care
Thirdly, be financially prepared to bring puppy to the vet to receive standard vaccines and necessary preventative care such as heartworm treatments.
Training
Lastly, you’ll need to factor in training classes for your puppy if necessary.
Socialization and Exercise
Socialization and exercise are areas of puppy raising that is often looked over. There is an ill-informed belief out there that giving your dog access to your back yard is enough exercise. If you believed this before reading this post, I’d like to let you know that your backyard is not enough, no matter the size. Your puppy absolutely needs to explore other spaces, environments and meet other people. This is a necessary aspect of mental and social health for your puppy and also has advantages such as having a well socialized puppy that will do well in the care of a sitter or family friend when you need to be away. It is important to bring your puppy out with you to as many dog-friendly establishments as possible. Make your puppy your 'plus one" at any chance you get and you will be eternally grateful for the well adjusted dog you’ll get to do life with!
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