National Puppy Day is March 23 and was established in 2006 to celebrate the blessings and unconditional love we receive from man's (and woman's) best friends.
If you’re thinking about getting a new puppy, there are a few things to consider before you make that decision.
Sadly, thousands of dogs are euthanized every year, due in part to people making a bad decision on the type of dog to get. Before you rush out to pick up that new puppy, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Time. How much time can you devote to your new puppy? There are specific breeds, for example, border collies, that require a great deal of attention and do not do well in a situation where they will be confined alone for hours at a time. Be realistic and take into consideration your lifestyle, work routine and living space.
2. Size. Although a new puppy may be a small bundle of joy right now, in six months you could be dealing with a behemoth. If you don’t have a lot of space, or if you live in an apartment, a large breed may not be the best choice. In addition to space constraints, it is also a good idea to remember that large dogs eat more than the average teacup poodle. If you’re on a tight budget, a smaller dog will be more economical.
3. Traits. Buying a puppy should not be based on which dog is the cutest, or which breed you always thought looked nice. Take the time to thoroughly research the breed's traits so that you can make an informed decision. Some breeds shed more than others, while some breeds have known behavioral issues.
4. Health. Every breed may have congenital health issues, but some may be more severe than others. For example, German Shepherds are known to have issues with hip dysplasia, while some smaller dog breeds may have problems with their eyes.
5. Breeder. A dog's future health and behavioral issues can be reduced by choosing a reputable breeder. Once you have decided on the breed of dog that you would like, contact that breed’s registry for an approved list of breeders. This will save you time, heartache, money and inhumane puppy mills.
6. WAIT! Consider a shelter or rescue dog. Shelter or rescue dogs are not for everyone. But if you do not mind getting an older dog, you can save a life by adopting a shelter or rescue dog. And you still end up with a wonderful, loyal companion.
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Selecting a puppy is an emotional decision, so it's important to think and keep these points in mind before you make your final decision. Once you’re armed with good knowledge, you’ll be able to pick a puppy that the whole family will enjoy and love.
Resources:
Rescue vs Shelter vs Breeder Pet: Which is Right for You?
Shelter vs. Rescue: What's the Difference?
Image by Montree Ladlongmuang from Pixabay