National Puppy Day: The ins and outs of getting a puppy.
Today is National Puppy Day and as we see all the cute photos/videos of puppies it can make us all want one!
Puppies are adorable don't get me wrong but there's a whole lot more to getting a puppy than fluffy tails and snuggles. Puppies are ALOT of work and it's our job as care givers to set them up for success.
We bring dogs into our homes and expect them to immediately understand what's for playing, what's not, how to do their business outside, not to chew, not to bite, ect. All of these behaviors are NATURAL for puppies, it's important we provide guidance and clarity of our expectations understanding it will take time as we are working with babies. It's our job to set the environment up for success, allowing controlled outings putting up garbage bins or expensive furniture to avoid practice of unwanted behaviors.
Puppies require daily physical and mental exercise as well as long nap times. Providing outlets for excess energy such as games of fetch, tug, mini training sessions and food enrichment can greatly increase the well being of your puppy and you as well. Check out our free puppy package available through the website to help guide your first few months of puppy hood.
Researching the breed or breeds of your new family member is extremely important as breed traits are one of the most common reason pets get surrendered i.e.. Getting a heeler, Border Collie or Australian shepherd and then being annoyed that it chases children, or bikes. These breeds can make really wonderful family pets however they do require natural outlets to practice deeply bred traits. Understanding your dogs genetic makeup allows for you to set up a successful house hold, however it should be noted that each dog is an individual who will rarely perfectly follow text book write ups.
Attending puppy classes during the first 16 weeks of their life can really shape their future. Socialization is a whole lot more than just playing with other dogs, it's about learning how to interact with other humans/dogs on and off leash, exposure to a wide variety of stimuli and appropriate puppy play. Discussions with other puppy owners going through the same struggles, ways to manage play biting and house training.
The financial costs of owning a puppy should also be a factor into choosing a new puppy. Puppies cost money! It costs to purchase them from reputable breeders or to rescue, vet visits, grooming, feeding and so much more. Puppies require multiple vaccines and boosters throughout the first 4 months of their life as well as deworming. Unplanned vet visits should also be factored in incase of emergencies. Depending on the coat of your puppy lifelong grooming expenses should also be considered.
Now, I hope I haven’t completely derailed your plans to purchase a puppy however, I do hope I gave you some thing to consider before impulse buying that adorable little puppy on Kijiji.
Shalise Clark RVT Dip.CBST FFCP (Trainer)