So, you’ve decided to get a new dog. Thumbs up!
You’ve just joined the 42.5 million households in the U.S who have one or more dogs if you are not already a part of this number.
Dogs have become part and parcel of human life. From family-centric dogs to service dogs to a pug dog for sale in KY, the dog you purchase may just end up being a life-saver or what your family needs to bond together.
If you’re on the hunt for a new dog, make sure your decision is not an impulsive one. Here are some things to look out for before settling on one.
What Do You Need a Dog For?
For starters, shopping for a dog should not be an impulsive decision. It must be carefully thought through with all the family members involved. If you need a dog that can keep your kids active and busy, make sure your kids are involved in the decision making.
No two dogs are really the same – each has unique characteristics that make it fit for a particular purpose.
For instance, if you are looking for a cuddling companion that does not generally trigger allergies, you should consider the Shihton breed. You can get one at mdpuppiesonline.com.
If you are looking for a good service dog that can be easily trained, you can consider the Goldendoodle or Labrador.
Simply, there are hundreds of puppy options out there. But before you make a buying decision, take some time to consider your needs and be clear about what you want.
Are You Ready Financially?
Owning a dog is not a child’s play. It involves financial commitment over the next five to fifteen years depending on how long the dog lives.
From dog food and grooming to veterinary clinic visits and pet insurance, the expenses may just pile up and take you by surprise. It is estimated that the average family spends at least $500 annually on a dog’s upkeep.
However, the figure could rise to as high as $10,000. So, make sure you are ready for the new changes a dog may bring to your home and more importantly, to your finances. This will ensure that you don’t bring an adorable puppy home and treat it as though it were a nuisance.
Are You Ready to Be Patient?
If you are getting a puppy, you are in for a ride. Puppies are just like babies. Even the most charming puppy can stake a claim to being a thorn in your flesh once a while. That’s why you will require a lot of patience in handling your dog.
Puppies can be wild and disruptive. They are bound to be unruly, dangling from place to place, chewing, licking, and doing every crazy thing you can imagine. But puppies are puppies – until they learn. So, you will need the patience to handle and train them.
Even older dogs may be problematic if they are socialized and trained wrongly. They would need to unlearn and adapt to your environment. If you’re looking for protection dogs for sale, you can either look for a German Shepherd or a Cane Corso. So, whatever the case, be ready to dish out some loving kindness as you shop for a dog.
Let’s Bark One Last Time
Shopping for a dog should never be on a whim. It should always be thought out and carefully considered so that you are ready when the dog eventually arrives.
These points are not to discourage you from owning a dog but rather to make sure that you are fully ready to have a beautiful experience with your dog when it arrives. Consider your needs, your finances, as well as your availability and patience before going in to get a dog.
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