Preparing your home for a new Puppy!

Preparing your home for a new Puppy!

Getting a new puppy can be very exciting. It can also be very stressful for new puppy parents who got a lot more than they bargained for.

Step 1:  Determining whether you/ your family is truly ready for a new puppy.

Sometimes a puppy seems like a great gift idea, or a good idea for your single, college graduate child. The reality is that it is not always the best idea. Do you have time to put toward training a puppy? Not just commands like sit and stay, but also potty training. Puppies cannot always hold in their urine/ stools for a whole work day. Teaching them that outside is the appropriate place to go requires time and also someone to be home who is able to get them outside when they need to go! (Also to keep them out of trouble during the day too). Even if you are not quite ready for a puppy, perhaps an adult dog who already knows basic commands and is potty trained fits your needs better.

Step 2:  So you are in fact ready to take on a puppy. Now what?

Well next you need to  determine which breed is best suited for your lifestyle. Whether or not we choose to believe it (and there are exceptions) specific breeds tend  to carry pretty specific characteristics. For example: If you want a jogging partner who enjoys hiking, outdoor life, nature and lots of stimulation, an English bulldog is likely not going to be the right choice for you. Perhaps a lab, retriever, or husky variation would be better suited for your needs in a dog. On the other side of things, if you are really a couch potato, not keen on long nature- filled walks but rather, prefer to unwind for a while in front of the television with a fluffy companion, an English bulldog may be the right fit for you. A husky would require much more physical stimulation than a bulldog. Not to mention the classic English bulldog has a hard time catching his/ her breath, so likely will not be too keen on excessive exercise. Whereas a husky will require it to not go insane with boredom. The important thing to do is some simple research after assessing your own needs, to determine what your canine requirements will be. You may be surprised which breeds fit into your lifestyle. For example, look at the majestic greyhound. Bred for speed, is typically a model for physical fitness and athleticism. Did you know they tend to be fairly content lounging on the couch? Yes they do still require exercise, but not the constant physical activity you may think.

Step 3: Okay I know which breed is best for my life, now where do I get my new dog/ puppy?

Well there are several options for acquiring a new dog. If you have decided on a puppy and/or have fairly specific requirements maybe a breeder would be a good idea for you. I would definitely recommend (once again) do your research and make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. The sad fact is there many shady individuals out there trying to make a quick buck and unfortunately the dog (and possibly your wallet) will pay the price for this. Know what you are purchasing and where you are purchasing from.

There is also the option of shelter animals, friends who cannot keep their pet, importing a rescue from a developing country (great choice by the way)

As a side note I am a very strong advocate for shelter animals. Not all dogs are in a shelter because they are aggressive. The sad fact is that an astronomical amount of dogs end up in a shelter because their previous owners could not take them with them when they moved, or their child was allergic, or owner was not prepared for the responsibility of a dog, etc. As a nice bonus; most shelter animals come to you fully vaccinated and spayed/ neutered! There are so many dogs and cats on the planet they don’t already have a home and they would really appreciate a second chance to show you how wonderful they are!

Step 3; Okay great, I am ready for a puppy, and know where to acquire one from, what is the next step?    

Well you need to ensure that you are financially prepared to pay for a new puppy in its first year of life in your wonderful home. The cost of the puppy from the breeder is not the only expense in the first year of life for your new fuzzy companion. There is the initial physical exam, after purchase, the first set of vaccines, second set of boosters, 3^rd set of boosters, 1 year set of boosters (each of which included a physical exam), stool testing as puppies are particularly prone to parasites. Your new puppy may need to visit the vet is he/she gets itno something they shouldn’t have (such as socks, underwear, garbage, Lego’s, toothpaste, etc). And don’t’ forget their spay/ neuter procedure as well! The fact is that, even with you best efforts to keep your new puppy on his/ her best behaviour, he/ she will still be a puppy. They are programmed to eat things they shouldn’t, taste things that are dangerous and climb onto things that are highly dangerous. It would be best to be prepared for multiple exams within their first year of life as well as things like x-rays, anti-diarrheal medications, anti-nausea medications, and don’t forget seasonal prevention too for fleas ,worms, and ticks.

Step 4; I am financially prepared for my new puppy, I know what I want, where I am purchasing from, anything else I should know?

If you have decided on a puppy, handle his/ her feet, mouth and ears frequently please! Not only is this good socialization for them, but it also makes your life much easier if/when they need ear medications/ cleaning, nail trims and tooth brushing!

It is important to educate yourself and seek help if/when needed. For any questions about your dog, whether it’s if he/she should come in for an exam or tips on which diet might be most appropriate, or general training tips/ techniques, we are always here to help.  If I don’t have an answer for you, I will get one to you asap!

Step 5; This is the most important step of all..

Give you new dog/ puppy the best home you can! Love them dearly, spend time with them, train them, exercise them, listen to them, play with them!  Also don’t forget to send us photos! We love watching our patients grow into the best pets they can be!

Lexy, RVT