Before You Adopt a Dog Or Puppy

Adopting a puppy is a commitment for you and your family. Puppies are cute. Time consuming. Demanding. Needy. Full of love. And can be expensive. Please "paws" and consider these factors before adopting.

Q: Do you really want and are you really ready to adopt a puppy?

A: Lifetime of a dog is 7 to 15 years, that's a long-term commitment. Like babies, puppies need constant care and attention and will consume a lot of your time to feed, exercise, house train, obedience train, bathe and brush them. Very young puppies do not sleep through the night and may need to "potty" 2 or 3 times a night. Are you "up" for that?

Q: Can you assume complete financial responsibility for your pet?

A: Puppies can be expensive. There are immediate expenses of the adoption fee, the first vet visit, and purchasing items for the puppy. On average dog ownership costs upwards of $500 annually in food, grooming, and regular veterinary care including dental care and vaccinations. We recommend checking out pet insurance plans to help offset medical expenses. Young puppies are too young to be altered when adopted. A few months after adoption, the puppy has to be spayed/neutered to comply with most state's mandatory spay/neuter regulations.

Q: What will you do if your pet requires medical care $500 or more?

A: Puppies from shelters, pet shops, private breeders, and rescues can be exposed to various diseases, parasites, bacteria, viruses that require medical attention. A puppy's first Parvo/Distemper shot does not make the puppy immune to the diseases. Often puppies are treated for parasites common to rescue animals and such treatment may still be required after adoption. Sometimes there are medical emergencies when a pet gets injured or sick and must be taken to the vet immediately. Pet ownership is an ongoing financial commitment.

Q: Do you have a designated area where your puppy will stay and someone to take care of him while you're at work?

A: Puppies cannot be left alone to fend for themselves. Puppies can quickly dehydrate, eat or chew something harmful, damage property or themselves. They need a safe and secure environment and someone who will watch over them.

Q: Will you spend the time and resources to properly socialize and train your puppy?

A: Puppies do not just happen to grow up to be good dogs. Sure, puppies need attention and love, but they also require consistency and training. Some puppies will have behavioral issues that will require special training and understanding.

Dogs are "hard wired" to observe and react to you. It's very much like they are thinking... "ok, what do I need to do, to get along here, and fit in with these humans?"

Dogs who are taught simple rules and commands are well-adjusted and well-behaved family members. The sooner you teach the puppy what you expect, the better! He'll have less time to learn bad habits. The key to training any puppy is to help him to realize that he really does want to please you. Praise and reward for appropriate behavior, and use stern "No" to correct bad behavior.

If training your dog on your own is overwhelming, don't give up, join an obedience training class.

Q: How much time will you devote to exercising your puppy?

A: All dogs need exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Your vet or a favorite "how to raise a puppy book" can instruct you on how much exercise your dog needs. We're fortunate because in many areas there are lots of parks and trails available to dogs and their people. But a favorite exercise route, around your neighborhood works great, as well. Note: Do not take young puppies to public areas or dog parks until completely vaccinated.

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