Read this before you buy a puppy

It’s hard to resist that cute little lump of fur in the window at the pet store. Those big sad eyes just beg you to take them home with you. That soft fur asks to be caressed. When you pick up that adorable bundle of fur, a little wet tongue starts licking at your hand. It’s love at first sight and you can’t stand the separation. But wait…

…there are things you should consider before buying that cute little puppy.

The most important thing is to understand that you will be responsible for the animal for the rest of its life. Some dogs can live into their twenties, although this is rare, and you need to be there every day for your pet. You must provide food, shelter, exercise, and companionship for your pet at all times. If you travel or work long hours, it’s not a good idea to take responsibility for a pet.

Another thing to consider before buying a dog is whether your lifestyle will change drastically in the next few years. Many people get a pet when they are young and single, then get married, move houses, have children, change careers, or make other major lifestyle changes, only to find that their pet doesn’t fit in with the changes.

Before you buy the cute little puppy in the pet store window, you really need to know what breed of dog it is. That cute little bundle of fur could turn into Cujo. A large breed will eat a lot of food, and what goes in must come out.

Larger breeds will need more exercise than miniature breeds. Working breeds need exercise or they become destructive and frustrated. A border collie, if not exercised, will likely dig under the fence and wreak havoc on the neighbor’s cat. If your dog runs out into traffic, you are responsible for any accidents it causes, and could be seriously injured or killed. There are also heavy fines for stray pets.

If you want to be sure you have a healthy and healthy pet, it is always best to see the parents. I prefer to buy from a reputable breeder. You can get details from your local Kennel Club. Be sure to visit the breeder and check the conditions the dogs live in. If the animals are unhappy, nervous, overexcited, or dirty, it’s probably best to try somewhere else.

When you find a good breeder with healthy, happy dogs, you can be sure that your puppy will be healthy and have a good temperament. Many breeders like to keep in touch and can help you with any questions that may arise.

Having a pet is an important commitment. It’s important to know what you’re getting into. The rewards are certainly worth it, but you need to be able to properly care for and understand your pet’s needs. Do some research before you buy.