Are You Ready?
You already know you want to add a new puppy or older dog to your family. That's wonderful! Pets can add so much joy to our lives, and ask nothing in return but your unconditional love. They are a great source of comfort when we need them, a companion when we want to play or snuggle, a shoulder to cry on when we're down. They can also be a great way to teach our kids the responsibility of what it means to care for and train an animal. The decision to add a new dog to your family is also a huge responsibility and commitment. Before purchasing that new addition to your family, here are some important things to consider:
* How much do you really know about the breed you are considering? Have you owned this breed before, or at least know others who do? Does this breed's personality, temperament, activity level, size, trainability, grooming needs, etc fit into your lifestyle?
* Does any member of your family have allergies to dogs?
* Are you prepared for a pet that may grow to upwards of 80 lbs, and that may not grow out of their puppy stage for two to three years or more?
* Do you have enough space for a dog to run, play, and explore safely, and the time to supervise him so he doesn't get into things he shouldn't?
* When is the best time for you to add this new addition to the family? When will you have the most time to devote to training, housebreaking, crate training, socialization, etc?
* As social living creatures, dogs enjoy companionship. They need daily exercise, playtime, and training to keep them happy. Do you have extra time after work, running errands, hobbies, child care, your social life, and down or quiet time to spend with your dog doing these activities on a daily basis?
* Are you financially capable of caring for the dog's every need including proper nutrition, regular vet bills, spaying/neutering, monthly heartworm and flea & tick prevention just to name a few? What about if he swallows something he's not supposed to and needs emergency surgery or hospitalization?
* Do you have a plan in place on how this new addition to the family will be trained, who will be involved, and how much time and money you'll have to devote?
* When you can't be home for long periods at a time, what will your dog be doing? Will he be able to entertain himself without tearing up your house from boredom? Will someone be able to check in on him if he needs to go out to potty? Who will care for the dog while you are away on vacation?
* What will happen to your pet if a major event comes along in your life that changes your current family or living situation such as a wedding, a divorce, new children, a death in the family, a career change, etc? Are you prepared to keep the dog with you wherever life takes you? If a situation arises where you simply can not keep the dog, are you prepared to let the breeder help you find it a loving new home instead of leaving it at an animal shelter where it's future is unknown, and where it may even end up being put down?
Adding a new pet to your household is a major, life-changing decision, not to be made on impulse or without thinking through all the repercussions. We don't want to talk you out of adding a new dog to your family, we just want to make sure you fully understand and accept the enormous responsibility involved, and are truly ready to make that commitment to this new family member before you welcome him into your home.
Thanks for taking the time to read this over and think it through.