Bringing a dog into your home is a big decision that comes with plenty of rewards and challenges. Whether you’re considering a playful puppy or a mature dog, there are many factors to weigh before making this commitment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you decide if a dog is right for you, and if so, whether to get a puppy or an older dog.
The Joys of Dog Ownership
Pros:
- Companionship: Dogs are loyal and loving companions, always ready to provide emotional support and unconditional love.
- Exercise: Dogs encourage a more active lifestyle. Regular walks and playtime keep both you and your dog healthy.
- Social Interaction: Walking a dog often leads to interactions with other dog owners and can help you meet new people.
- Security: Dogs can provide a sense of security and some can be trained to alert you to intruders.
- Teaches Responsibility: Caring for a dog can teach children (and adults) about responsibility, empathy, and routine.
Cons:
- Time Commitment: Dogs require daily care, training, and attention. This includes feeding, training, walking, grooming, and vet visits.
- Expense: Owning a dog can be costly, considering food, veterinary care (including annual vaccinations), grooming, annual registration (with council) and supplies.
- Lifestyle Changes: Dogs can limit your freedom to travel and require arrangements for their care when you’re away.
- Training Needs: All puppies need training and older dogs may need training too, which requires patience and consistency.
- Potential for Damage: Puppies especially can be destructive, chewing on furniture and household items during their teething phase.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog
- Lifestyle: Assess your daily routine. Do you have the time to devote to a dog’s needs? Dogs thrive on routine and companionship.
- Space: Ensure you have enough space for a dog to move around comfortably. Larger breeds need more room to roam.
- Allergies: Check if anyone in your household is allergic to dogs.
- Future Plans: Consider your long-term plans. Dogs can live for 10-15 years or more, so think about how a dog will fit into your future.
Puppy vs. Adult Dog: Which to Choose?
Puppies:
Pros:
- Training Opportunity: You can train them from a young age according to your preferences.
- Long-term Bonding: Raising a puppy allows for a potentially stronger bond over time.
Cons:
- High Energy: Puppies are full of energy and require a lot of time and attention.
- House Training: Puppies need to be house-trained, which can be a challenging process.
- Chewing Phase: They go through a teething phase and may chew on furniture, shoes, and other items.
Adult Dogs:
Pros:
- Established Temperament: Their personality is already developed, so you know what to expect.
- Often Trained: Many adult dogs are already house-trained and may know basic commands.
- Less Destructive: Older dogs are typically past the destructive chewing phase.
Cons:
- Possible Behavioral Issues: They might come with behavioral issues from previous experiences.
- Adjustment Period: They may take time to adjust to a new environment.
- Relationship: It may take time to build trust and a new relationship together.
Where to Look for Your New Pet
- Rescue Shelters: Adopt from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. This gives a second chance to dogs in need of a home.
- Reputable Breeders: If you prefer a specific breed, look for reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. Reputable breeders should be breeding from dogs that have been health tested – this can be specific depending on breed.
What to Look For in a Dog
- Health: Check for a healthy coat, clear eyes, and an overall alert demeanor. If getting a puppy from a breeder, check that the parents have been health tested to rule out any genetic diseases/traits that can be passed on.
- Temperament: Observe the dog’s behavior around people and other animals. Ensure it fits well with your family’s lifestyle.
- Background: Ask about the dog’s history, including any medical or behavioral issues.
- Trainability: Personally, I like to be sure that a puppy has great food and toy drive. Before visiting the puppy I ask the breeder to not feed them and then I use their food to lure them to see if they will follow food (ie in a circle or in to a sit). I also like to see if they will tug on a toy. Having a puppy with good food and toy drive makes it easier to train them.
Breeds to Consider
Before you choose your breed, I highly recommend you look online to learn more about them. Dogs NZ is a great place to read about breed specific traits and requirements, ie trainability, grooming and exercise requirements, size they will grow to etc.
- Active Families: Border Collies, Labradors, Golden Retrievers.
- Apartment Living: French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Pugs.
- Allergies: Poodles, Bichon Frises, Schnauzers (hypoallergenic breeds).
Financial Considerations
- Initial Costs: Adoption fees, vaccinations, microchipping, spaying/neutering, getting set up around the home (ie crate/kennel/fencing/training tools).
- Ongoing Expenses: Food, regular vet visits (annual vet check which includes vaccinations), grooming, toys, and training classes.
- Emergency Costs: Unplanned medical expenses can arise, so consider pet insurance or an emergency fund.
Conclusion
Adding a dog to your family can be a fulfilling and joyous experience, but it requires careful consideration and preparation. By understanding the pros and cons, assessing your lifestyle, and making informed decisions about whether to get a puppy or an adult dog, you can ensure that your new furry friend will be a happy and well-adjusted member of your family. Happy pet hunting! Remember we also offer dog training and have online courses. And for pet supplies don’t forget to check out Shine Pets for a great range of products at great prices!
shinecanine.co.nz 