Should You Get a Puppy?

Puppies are just oh so cute! It's nearly impossible to pass the little guys up without petting them and smelling those little puppy heads, holding them close. Too cute!

But alas, should you get one? Should you buy, adopt, foster, trade for or in some manner get a puppy and bring it home?

For some people, sure. This could be a wise decision, making both dog and human happy. But for others, no way. Bringing a dog home could be a big mistake - for both of you.

To learn if you should or should not bring a puppy home, review these basic points below:

1) Babies of all types are often cute. But they do grow up. So first, take into consideration size and long term care. Are you up to long term responsibility? Dogs live an average of 10-15 years. They need food and fresh water daily, a good living environment and basic veterinary and grooming care regularly, with extra in there sometimes. Take time - a lot of time - to consider these facts before continuing.

2) Consider money next. You will need more money to buy a pure bred. If you want a particular type for size and temperament (like for an apartment), you need to do some homework via library books, vets and pet store workers to find a suitable match. Plus you need money for shots, heart worm medicine, flea and tick treatments, an annual license, food, treats, accessories like a leash, grooming tools and supplies and bedding.

3) The first stage of bringing home a puppy is often the most difficult, training the little dog to go to the pottie outside. Some try to paper train first, teaching the pup to go on newspaper in the same location, at least until the dogs get large enough to head outside by themselves; i.e. without a person to make sure they go to a grassy area and get business done. This can work fine, because it is too much stress and work to get the pup outside every time it sniffs, thinking it has to pee. Just make sure to place several layers of newspaper down and think about protecting your flooring with a product like Azborb Mats placed underneath the newspaper and all around pet areas the whole time you have your dog.

For those times when accidents do happen, make sure you have plenty of pet stain and odor removal products on hand. And keep them ready for all members of the family, or some spouses and children will leave the mess sit and / or not bother to scrub urine stains until its too late.

3) If you do not want to continue at this point, you may want to consider adopting or fostering an older dog. Check out programs at your local Humane Society chapter and pet rescues (find these through the Internet) and visit regularly to see which dogs are available. Fostering is a great way to make sure there's a good fit for the dog and you.

Regardless of the type of puppy or older dig you get, seek help with training courses right way to that your new family member learns to behave. Then enjoy your new buddy!