Ready for Raising Puppies?
Faithless Owners
Too many puppies are adopted or purchased with out the family first considering carefully whether or not they are really ready and able to get involved with raising puppies. I don’t think that most people take home a puppy with the intention of making that puppy a part of their lives until the puppy finally goes to doggy heaven. When the puppy proves to be more of a financial burden then expected, mischievously destructive (puppies always are), and more time consuming then anticipated the family in frustration may choose to find the puppy a new home.
Raising Puppies Will Cost
Are you and your family really ready to bring a puppy home? Can you afford the financial burden? Do you have time for the extra work a puppy will require? Can you spend enough time playing with your puppy? Are you willing to devote extra time and energy into training and socialization? Are you willing to make the changes necessary in your lifestyle to successfully raise a puppy to be a well mannered and social member of your household? Considering and answering these questions will help you make the best decision for you and the puppy.
Raising Puppies Cost Money
Adding a puppy to your home will cost you money. By making a list of the things you will need and what they will cost can help you make an informed decision. Your puppy will need a crate for a bed and potty training. You need to buy one that fits your puppy now even though that possibly means buying a larger one later. If your puppy will be spending any time outside he will need a dog house to protect him from the whether. To help keep your puppy from destroying your personal belongings he will need toys to play with. He will need a nutritionally balanced food to help him grow properly and stay healthy. You will also need to spend money on training and training tools to teach your puppy manners. Most importantly your puppy will need shots and health care. You can learn to give your puppy his shots on your own which can save some money. He will still need to see the vet for checkups and his rabies shots. Take the time to price shop and you will be able to find good deals to save you some money.
For the health of your puppy it would be better to spend a little more on good food to save you money over time on vet bills.
Puppies Mean Time
Your puppy will take up lots of your time. The first years of a puppy’s life he will need more time from you then later on. The first thing you will spend time on is potty training and house manners. Your puppy does not know where to potty and you have to teach him. This process will take at least two to four weeks of hard consistent work. You can do it even if you work eight to ten hours outside your home. It will take you longer though. For help with this process read up on the subject or consult with a professional.
You will spend lots of time teaching your puppy the rules of the house. He doesn’t know anything and you have to teach him. For example, your puppy doesn’t know the difference between his stuffed squeaky ball and your couch throw pillows, you must teach him. The more time you spend playing with your puppy, helping to expend his energy on positive activities the less time and energy he will spend mischievously entertaining himself with your personal belongings (in the process destroying them).
Puppies need to be fed 3 times a day in their first months of life and slowly weaned down to 2 or 1 feeding. You must plan in your schedule and make arrangements for these feedings to keep your puppy healthy and growing properly. Your vet can help you determine the fright feeding schedule for you and your puppy.
Training Costs
Training and socialization is absolutely necessary to ensure that your puppy will not only be obedient and well mannered in your home but also away from your house. Socializing your puppy from an early age will give him the best possible chance at being safe around other people and animals. These training sessions will take up to 45 minutes a day fro size to ten weeks. Look for a professional trainer in your area who has experience teaching puppy classes. Choose a trainer whose philosophy and techniques are based on positive motivation.
Make Your Decision
After considering all the ways a puppy will cost you money and time you can decided if you and your family are willing and able to make the necessary changes to begin raising puppies in your home right now. Only you and your family can make this decision. Be honest with yourself. When you are ready go find yourself a puppy! If you are not ready you can work to be ready or you can consider adopting an older dog.