Puppy or Dog, which is right for you?

Are you ready for a new puppy? When deciding on a new puppy there are more factors than "how much is that doggie in the window" (lol). Puppies require commitment, patience, time and money.

Some things to consider when getting a new puppy:

When choosing a puppy consider your job and other commitments. Dogs are pack animals and need attention as much as food and water. The easiest way to upset your dog and cause permanent damage is to habitually ignore it.

The most important time in a puppy's life is between 3 and 12 weeks. During this time a new puppy learns about you, the house rules and their surroundings. A new puppy that is neglected can become aggressive, so make sure you're ready to fit them into your life.

Make sure you factor in how much time you need to train your new puppy. This is crucial to your future relationship with the dog. Remember, owners that have an unruly pet have no one else to blame but themselves and most behavior problems are caused by neglect.

New Moms and Dads should also consider the cost of a new puppy. As mentioned before, the cost of owning a dog is nothing to ignore. Pet supplies, puppy toys, training, and veterinary care can cost hundreds of dollars each year.

Everyone loves puppies. They’re adorable. But how adorable will you think your puppy is when you find him in the middle of a mess that used to be your favorite pair of shoes. Puppies, like babies, require an enormous amount of attention and effort – from housebreaking and socializing to teaching acceptable manners. If you don’t have the time to keep a steady training schedule, perhaps you should look into getting an adult dog. However, adult dogs come with their own “baggage.” Some adult dogs have been abused or neglected. As a result, these dogs have acquired some less-than-ideal behaviors of their own.

Once you’ve got an idea of what you want, there are generally two options you can take to get your new puppy or adult dog. You can buy a dog from a reputable breeder, or you can adopt or rescue a dog from an animal shelter. Unless you’re looking for a purebred dog that you possibly plan to breed in the future, adoption from a shelter is one of the best ways to go. Adopting a pet from a shelter is not as expensive as buying a pet from a breeder.

Animals from a shelter are usually screened for health and temperament, so you can be sure that while you’re giving an animal in need a home, it’s the right animal for your home. However, if you’re looking for a specific breed, a breeder (or a specific breed rescue) is the way to go. Ask for references from your breeder, and ask about how many times of year they breed. A good breeder generally only produces one to three litters a year and will guarantee their dogs against most major health defects.

The decision to get a new puppy or an adolescent dog needs to be well thought out, weighing both the pros and cons. If you choose to accept this mission you will be rewarded more than words could say. Finding the perfect companion is fun and exciting for the whole family. Your furry family member will surely bring you joy, unconditional love and companionship for many years to come.