If you’re planning on getting a puppy, there are a few ways you should prepare before bringing them home.
Time
Before even thinking about getting a dog, ask yourself if you have enough time.
This isn’t a pet that you can buy and then just leave them at home all day while you’re at work – that’s not fair, and it’s actually very cruel. Dogs needs to go out for long walks at least twice a day. Even if they’re a smaller breed that doesn’t need as much exercise; they still have to be taken out.
They need to run around, breathe in the fresh air, and play with you and any other dogs they meet. Like humans, it’s so important to socialize and have a change of scenery, otherwise we’ll end up depressed right? – Well so will you pup if you leave them locked inside forever.
Toys
If you don’t have a selection of toys for your dog to play with, they will end up getting bored, and when an animal gets bored, they create their own fun. Now, this can mean pulling up the side of the carpet, ripping open your pillows and tearing open your trash. If this doesn’t sound like your kind of fun, then make sure they have things with them to stay occupied when you’re not there.
Health
It’s important to brush up on your dog health and grooming skills. It’s a good idea to know these things because it could end up saving you a lot of time and money. – We all know how expensive vet bills can be – and sometimes your pup may not have a problem at all, and you could have figured that out for yourself if you’d done the right research.
Having said that, it is your full responsibility to make sure your dog is healthy and happy, so if you do think there might be an issue – get it sorted.
Sleeping arrangements
You need to decide beforehand whether or not your pup is going to sleep in the same room as you. When he or she first comes home, all you’re going to want to do is sleep in the same bed as them, because they’re cute, little, gorgeous babies. But this will become ‘normal’ to them. So if one day you change your mind, it will be a lot of confusion for them to take in, and they won’t understand why you’re sending them away. So try and stick to the plan, don’t get pulled in by their adorable faces… Easier said than done.
Love
All a dog wants is to feel loved, because they will love you so much. They will be loyal and honest and cheer you up when you’re feeling down, so they deserve that same care.
Play with them, take them out and explore the world together. Give them big cuddles and kisses, and don’t stay mad at them for too long when they mess up. You can always replace the rug, but you can never replace your dog.
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