Thursday, November 05, 2009

Before You Buy a Puppy: Three Things to Consider

Before you buy a puppy, you need to do a little soul-searching. You also need to consider a few practical issues. Failing to do so can result in an unmitigated disaster.

Are You in This for the Long Haul?

This is the first question you need to ask yourself. It's also the most important. Owning a puppy isn't a short-term proposition. Those little cuties quickly become full-fledged dogs with (hopefully) long lifespans. When you buy a puppy, you take on the responsibility for their long-term well-being and happiness.

So, ask yourself: Are you ready for this commitment? Think about your life and what's coming up over the next several years. Are you prepared to do what it takes to be in a position to care for the dog and to do what it takes to be a top-notch pet owner for several years?

If you're hesitant to do anything other than scream "YES," it may be a sign that you need to think long and hard before checking out the wonderful puppies for sale.

Look, puppies are incredibly cute. The idea of adding a canine buddy to your life undoubtedly sounds wonderful. However, that huge upside comes with a long-term commitment. If you think it would nice to have a puppy now, that's great. But you need to be 100% sure that you're ready to have a dog for the long haul.

Can You Afford a New Friend?

Money. It's an inescapable component of dog ownership. If you're constantly on the brink of poverty or are just having a somewhat tough time of making ends meet, it might not be wise to invest in a puppy. Owning a pet comes with a full slate of expenses and you're not going to have a choice about making those purchases.

Veterinarians aren't charitable organizations--they charge a pretty penny for their services. You may have bills for licensing and required shots. Spaying or neutering your pet is a necessity and it's going to cost money, too. Plus, dogs have a voracious appetite. You're going to be adding "dog food" to your grocery list for years and years to come.

Can you handle those expenses? Are you sure? If you're on the edge, you may want to wait until you've achieved a little more financial stability before buying a puppy.

Can You Provide the Optimal Lifestyle?

Before you purchase a puppy, you need to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you'll have the time, energy and surroundings necessary to provide it with a great life.

Dogs are social creatures. They don't just crave companionship, they need it to be healthy and happy. That means you need to be there to spend time with your pet. Your relationship can't be a one-way street where you enjoy the dog on your timetable! Think about your schedule and commitments and be certain that you can spend time training, playing, grooming and just plain "being" with your new family member before you start looking at the various dogs for sale.

Space is a factor, too. Your puppy will need outdoor time, exercise and the appropriate amount of room to roam. Keeping a dog cooped up in an area that's too small for too long isn't just annoying, it's downright cruel. You need to have what it takes in terms of space to meet the needs of the puppy you choose.

Are you ready for a puppy? If you are ready to make a commitment, have the necessary resources and are capable of providing the animal with an appropriate lifestyle, it may be time to add a puppy to your family! You can check out sites like www.puppies-forsale.co.uk to find your ideal companion.

If, on the other hand, you're not sure you're prepared on all three fronts, take a step back and carefully consider the decision.

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