Getting a puppy simply because the children want one, is not the right reason.
This is especially true, if neither parent has any experience with pets.
Dogs are an awesome responsibility.
Especially puppies! Before even considering acquiring a puppy, the adults must be absolutely sure they are ready for including another living, breathing, eating, pooping and peeing object, with genuine and sometimes very expensive needs, into the family.
A puppy is not a stuffed toy.
It cannot be placed in a closet and forgotten.
It has basic needs such as food, water, shelter, training, exercise, medical necessities, love and attention.
Those require the obligation of time and money.
Parents must consider their children's level of maturity in addition to the commitment of time needed for a puppy to develop into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult dog.
Children must be aware that puppies feel pain, and respond best to fair, firm, loving and consistent leadership.
Then, there are also the financial responsibilities of feeding, medical needs, grooming, training and liability.
With that all taken into consideration, then, the entire family must sit down, and discuss what adding a puppy to the family will entail.
At this point, you must figure out who will be responsible for what the puppy needs.
The best way to do that is to list responsibilities associated with a puppy, along with the name of the person who would be best suited for each job.
Basic responsibilities include: 1.
Housetraining -Puppies need a strict schedule.
They have to be taught where they must go, so you can learn to read their signals that they have to relieve themselves.
2.
Food/Water - Young puppies need to eat three times a day.
That is later reduced to twice a day.
By the time they are a year old, most dogs are fed once a day.
3.
Training - Enroll in a local positive reinforcement, punishment-free Puppy Kindergarten.
Your puppy will need and thrive on the socialization.
You will need to learn proper techniques for obedience training and vital leadership skills.
4.
Walking/Exercise - Puppies and dogs need to be walked a minimum of three times per day.
In addition, they also need structured exercise with their people.
All too many people think simply because the puppy has been tossed alone, into the backyard they are getting exercise.
More times than not...
they are getting into trouble.
Want your puppy to reach their full potential, and be less frustrated, encourage breed specific exercises.
5.
Grooming - Some breeds don't need a groomer, others do.
Everyone can share simple basic grooming such as brushing your puppy.
If it entails more than bathing and brushing, a groomer may be needed.
6.
Poo Patrol - What goes in, must come out! Someone will have to be in charge of the backyard clean-up detail.
To keep your yard as sanitary as possible, poo patrol should be done immediately, if not daily.
It's not a prestigious job, but it's important! 7.
Medical Attention - Puppies get sick, need shots, have accidents, need preventative medications and most importantly, should to be neutered or spayed whenever your veterinarian thinks the time is right.
.
If everyone is in agreement, and the family is willing to make the commitment, the next step is to establish a weekly chart, showing the daily and weekly needs, and who is responsible for each one.
This is especially important for parents with little or no puppy/dog experience.
When each task is completed, the person responsible for that specific duty, initials the chart.
That way you will know the puppy has been fed on time, walked on time, exercised on time, cleaned up after, and trained daily.
It is vitally important to remember, puppies and dogs do their best, when on a regular schedule.
Change things around, or forget to do something, and you have just opened the door for problems.
Stick to a schedule! Simply by doing that, most of the time, everything rolls along smoothly.
That is not to say accidents don't happen! Be prepared for them.
Now it's time to decide which puppy/dog is best suited for your family.
High energy, active families are best suited with like kind dogs.
Look for a puppy that genetically shares your energy level, even when they have matured.
Low energy, less active families would be best suited with a puppy, that when older, instinctively shares the tempo of their lifestyle.
It may be worth your time and a few bucks, to consult with an knowledgeable dog trainer or behaviorist.
Get their thoughts on what breed they believe would be best suited for your family.
They have the experience of working with a variety of breeds, and are familiar with temperaments, learning levels, plus, how well they unconsciously get along with children and other pets.
With that done, ask around; get recommendations for a veterinarian you will be comfortable with.
Just because there is one down the street, doesn't mean they will be the best choice for your puppy.
The relationship between you, your vet and your pet, will last a long time...
it should be one you and your pet are happy with.
Another thing novice puppy owners must absolutely consider is, enrolling in a positive reinforcement, punishment-free Puppy Kindergarten.
The manner in which a puppy is handled during the first 20 weeks of their life, generally sets the measure of what you can expect from them when they get older.
Rowdy, ill-mannered puppies all to often grow up to be rowdy, ill-mannered dogs.
The sooner you get your puppy on the right track, the better it is for all concerned.
Find a local trainer who encourages the entire family to participate in the puppy's training.
The most important thing you will take away from a dog training class, besides learning how to train properly, is leadership skills.
Instinctively, puppies and dogs willing follow strong leaders.
If they do not sense strong leadership, most often behavior troubles will develop.
Bottom Line: If there is even a modicum of doubt, do not get a puppy! Puppies are a lot of work and responsibility.
They are time consuming.
It can get very frustrating and stressful.
You may be better off, adopting or rescuing an older dog.
It is not fair to yourself, your children and especially the puppy, since they will be the one to suffer the consequences.
On the other hand, if you have done your homework, are willing to invest the time, energy and expense; adding a puppy to your family can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will all share.
Remember, your local shelters and rescues are over-flowing with puppies and dogs just waiting to love your family heart and soul.