Why a puppy or dog may or may not be a good fit for your home

Now I am not a professional, however, I do know enough about puppies verses dogs to tell you there are many different reasons why one may be more appropriate for your home than the other. Preparation plays a key role in helping decide which course to take. Do your homework. There is and never will be too much information on such an important subject as pet ownership and responsibility.

When considering which is best for your household many factors come to mind. Dogs and puppies have different needs, training is different, social needs vary widely. Taking one step back, before looking at the characteristics of what a puppy might need verses a dog, a good place to start might be looking at your current living situation, long-term goals, and any unforeseen circumstances that could change the home dynamics. Dog or puppy the family should be prepared to be a forever home for the next 10 - 20 years depending on breed, health, and other factors.

Family dynamics may also impact your decision. Are there other pets in the home? Have they ever been around a puppy or a dog? Are there children in the home and how old are they? An infant, toddler, and teenager all have a learning curve of their own with regard to their interaction with a dog or puppy. If there are children in the home, are they able to handle having a new addition in the home? Is there any knowledge of a dog allergy? If you are not sure you may want to check. Are they old enough handle a young puppy? Will there need to be constant supervision? Has your child ever been around a dog or puppy and what, if any, was the reaction?

Once all of your research concludes on evaluating your home situation taking a look at the needs of a dog in general should be addressed. Financially, both dog and puppy are a huge commitment. A few things to keep in mind:

• Cost of the dog is minimal, even if you are planning on purchasing from a top notch breeder.
• Set up is also a minimal cost. When I say set up I mean supplies like a collar, leash, bowls, toys, chewies, a dog door, kennel, dog bed, the list goes on and on!
  
• Also, how much will it cost to feed your new addition? This will vary depending on quality of food and the size of your new addition.
  
• What will you do if there is a large vet bill? If you or your child are sick you go to the doctor, right? The same with a dog. Accidents happen as well. Be prepared. To me this is most important financial consideration.
  

Now for the fun part, dog or puppy. Really it is up to you. It is good to narrow a breed or mix along with size that will compliment your home. Many breeds have innate traits that are breed specific, hunting, herding, burrowing, possessive, pleasing, even drooling are among a few.Whether you decide getting your new addition from a breeder or shelter, keep in mind both dogs and puppies can be found in both venues. Another option may be to look at your local breed specific animal rescue. All three options have applications that may need to be submitted and more than likely you will find help matching your family to the appropriate dog or puppy too.


Taking a look at a grown dog first, my suggestion would be to take several outings with NO plan to get a dog and go to your local animal shelters. Read the interaction sheets that are on the dog's pen. Get an idea of the varied spectrum a grown dog can have within a new home. Talk over your family situation to one of the trainers on staff and understand some of the backgrounds and issues that these dogs may or may not have. Some grown dogs are good with toddlers and older kids, some are not. Some dogs prefer females over males and vice-versa. Even adult dogs may need potty training or to be house broken. Dogs can have different reactions to other pets. Many times pet interactions can be scheduled with the shelter and/or breeder, as a matter of fact many reputable breeders require the entire household to meet the grown dog/puppy prior to letting you take him/her home!

Puppies are a lot of work and a lot of joy too. Even though you are starting with a clean slate so to speak, the parents of the puppy will tell you many things about your future dog. Ask questions. Has this puppy been temperament tested? Were the parents temperament tested? At a shelter you probably won't be able to meet the puppy's parents, but it doesn't hurt to ask! Observing the parents and their interactions with people they don't know is important. What if you have guests? A reputable breeder will have a plethora of information on the parents and should have the mother on site. In cases where only the mother is on site, ask to have the breeder's information on the father. If you meet any resistance, I would find another breeder as reputable breeders are VERY proud of their puppies and their puppies parents. A health screening the new puppy is important as well. Shelters often do a vet check certification and give preliminary shots. For a breeder, you are probably paying quite a bit more and as such you should expect more! Has the puppy been given it's first set of shots? Are it's ears clean, mouth healthy, energetic or lethargic, are the eyes clear or runny? Most important, breeders are there to promote the breeding of healthy dogs. A good breeder will test the puppies parents for genetic diseases and avoid breeding any unhealthy dog. Do your due diligence and ask for copies of the test results on areas that are specific to genetic problems in the breed you choose. In addition, has your puppy been tested for any specific genetic traits yet. If not, I would ask why. Shelter, breeder, or breed specific rescue there is sure to be a puppy that needs a forever home.

Dog, puppy, breeder, shelter, or breed specific rescue there are many considerations to be made when considering a new member of the family. Taking the time needed will pay off in the long run for your home. Don't stop with your research here, keep Googling, go to the library, and talk to those around you who have dogs. Remember it is not the destination, but the journey that makes life worth while for all of us.