Puppy Considerations

There are many puppy considerations before deciding to get a puppy, these are true regardless of the breed.

1. Sleeping in late

If you like to sleep in late be advised those days could be gone for quite a while. Even after the pup grows, dogs often like to go out early in the morning to do their business. But that's not to say sometime your adult pooch won't sleep in, it does happen.

2. Sleeping through the night

More than likely you are have to wake up at least a few nights for a bathroom run. This may or may not happen and if it does it shouldn't last for too long.

3. Prepare to invest

If you think buying the puppy will be your only cash outlay think again. You will need a variety of items, check this list out, to welcome your puppy and keep your puppy. You could be looking at $100 start up cost, perhaps more.

4. Invest Some More

It won't be long before you will need to see the veterinarian. It is advisable to see the vet 24 to 48 hours after bringing the little one home. The vet can give him a check over and make sure the pup is healthy. He or she may get a few vaccinations and be checked for worms; make sure to take a stool sample.

5. Expand Your Budget

Taking care of a pet requires you to spend money on a regular basis.

1. There is food. For a good quality food for a sheltie of average size you are probably looking at $20 a month. Murphy, who is just under 25 pounds gets 2 cups of food per day. His food costs about 45 dollars and lasts around 2 months.


2. Remember the treats. Treats can add up, depending on what you buy. Make sure you buy your treats from a reputable place and you should know what's in the treat.


3. Is there a doctor in the house? If you are not a vet, plan on seeing one at least once a year and probably more often. You will probably want to have the pup spayed or neutered unless you plan to breed the pup. There are yearly vaccinations and sick pet visits. Also there is heart worm medicine, which should be given all year around and you may want a flea or tick preventative.

You are going to need to walk your pup a few times a week, preferably once a day.

6. Gimme A Break

House breaking a puppy is a big job. It requires ALOT of attention for those first few weeks. I am so thankful my wife could be home with Murphy when he was getting house broken. But I have a friend who got a puppy when both he and his wife worked. The puppy stayed in the crate during the day and it worked out okay. There were a few accidents but in the end it worked out.

7. Sweet Home Alabama

Do you like to take family vacations? Weekend family get a ways. Well remember, when you get a dog your family has just gotten bigger and if they're not coming with you, you will need to make arrangement for their care. They would love to come though, if they can!

8. Not To Be Poo Pooed

Every day twice a day, maybe more, you or someone has to pick up poop. Are you ready for that? Puppies go more often, like a baby but as they get older, its less often, ending up at about 2 - 3 times a day. That's a lot of poop. And even when its raining, your friend will need to poop. In the snow he needs to poop. So there is going to be some maintenance along with bad weather, and maybe some coaxing too.

9. Tis Not The Season

If you are thinking of getting a dog, puppy whatever, for Christmas, Easter, or birthdays, don't do it! There is too much confusion going on during those times. Either get an early gift or give a card for a late gift. Don't make the adjustment of a new home harder on your furry friend than it has to be.

10. Baby Of The Family

Sometimes a new dog does not get along with a baby in the family. Some times an older dog does not get along with a new baby. Having a baby is ALOT of work, more than a puppy! Wait a few years before bringing home another mouth to feed.