Whether you’ve owned dogs previously or are thinking of becoming a first-time owner, it is always best to do your research before getting a new puppy. You need to consider the right breed for you, your lifestyle and your home. Remember, offering a dog a lifetime home is a huge commitment that will likely span 10-15 years – or more.
Should I get a puppy?
To help you consider all aspects of dog ownership, here are 10 key things to think about when deciding whether to commit to a new puppy.
Is a puppy the right pet for you and your lifestyle?
It’s useful to think about the reasons for wanting a pet and why you want a dog specifically. Consider the time commitments, cost, your current home and lifestyle and whether these fit with offering a puppy the best possible life.
How active is your current lifestyle? Do you have lots of suitable dog-walking options near you? How much time can you dedicate each day to exercising, training and socialising your dog? These are all things to consider before getting a puppy and also to help decide what breeds might be best suited to your lifestyle.
Is now the right time to get a puppy?
Although the temptation to get a puppy can be hard to resist, if you have just moved into a new house, had a baby, scheduled building work or booked travel, it may be worth waiting until life has settled down before adding a puppy into the mix.
Do you have enough time and is the whole family committed?
Caring for a new puppy takes up a lot of time. Do you feel that your lifestyle offers the time and flexibility to allow for this? If you are making the decision to get a puppy as a family, is everyone comfortable about it? Even if someone takes on the role of the main caregiver, having a pet is a commitment for everyone who lives in the house.
Can you afford all aspects of a dog’s care?
Providing for a puppy is a costly and ongoing commitment and you will need to budget for pet insurance, flea and worming treatments, neutering and all of the things a puppy needs day to day, such as food, treats, toys and a crate. Don’t forget that you may also have to pay fees for a dog walker or doggy day care if you’re out of the house for long periods of time, as well as boarding fees if you go on holiday and sometimes the cost of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist.
Can you meet all of a puppy’s needs?
As well as being able to financially provide for a puppy, there are many other needs to fulfil. This will include dedicating time to toilet and other training, socialisation, making sure your puppy has plenty of mental stimulation and contact time, and, once they are old enough, adequate physical and mental exercise, such as daily walks.
Which breed of dog would suit you best?
There are so many different breeds of dog, each with varying characteristics and energy levels, and it’s very important to find the one that best suits the home you can offer. Lots of factors will come into play when selecting a breed, for example, how much daily exercise you can provide and whether there are young children at home. If you are thinking of rescuing a puppy or adult cross-breed dog, speak to its carers about the dog’s personality and needs.
For more information on different breeds of dog, check out this great resource from the RSPCA.
Is a puppy the right choice or would you be more suited to an older dog?
There are pros and cons to both getting a puppy and rehoming an adult dog, and the best option for you will very much depend on your personal situation.
There are many lovely dogs and puppies waiting in rescue centres for a second chance and this is always an option worth exploring. Rescue centres will be happy to talk to you about the dogs they have waiting for new homes and whether any of them would be a suitable fit for you and your lifestyle.
Are you able to ensure your puppy won’t be left alone for long periods of time?
DogsTrust recommends that dogs should not be left alone for more than four hours at a time, and puppies will need checking more regularly than this. If your lifestyle will make this difficult, then it’s advisable to consider getting a dog walker or considering doggy day-care.
Will your other pets cope with a new puppy?
If you have other pets, it is important to think about how getting a puppy will affect them. Will they cope with having an excitable young dog at home who wants to play, and could this be stressful for them?
Do your future plans fit around owning a dog?
Due to the long commitment that owning a dog brings, it’s important to consider whether a dog will fit with all aspects of your life. Do you travel regularly? If so, where will your dog stay when you are away? Where do you hope to be in 10 years’ time? Will you still be able to offer a dog a stable home?
Always reach out to your veterinary practice if you are thinking about getting a puppy and have any questions about the costs involved, their general care, diet or health.
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Registered veterinary nurse Lucy Wright has more than 17 years of veterinary nursing experience and is the regional lead for Best Friends Veterinary Group in the Cambridgeshire region. Lucy has a passion for animal welfare and behaviour, striving to ensure pet healthcare is as stress-free as possible for all involved.
Best Friends Veterinary Group is a member of the VetPartners Family. VetPartners is a nationwide veterinary group, which includes first opinion practices for large animals, equine and small animals as well as a growing network of referral practices that offer specialist care for small animal and equine patients.