One of the most common reasons puppies get returned to the breeder/sent to a shelter is because the purchase was a knee-jerk decision that was not communicated, researched, or agreed upon by ALL parties involved, PRIOR to making contact with the breeder. In other words, it can be AVOIDED.
Here is our advise on what you should look at if you’re hoping to get a dog this year!
1. WHAT & WHY
Before embarking on your quest to find the dog for you, you need to be clear with yourself about 2 things:
What do you want (temperament, activity level, breed, looks, gender)
Why do you want/need it?
It’s SUPER important to take as much time as needed to figure out what you’re actually looking for, and why *that* over something else.
If you don’t, the chances of you ending up with something that isn’t compatible in the long-run are much higher.
Knowing your what & why are crucial.
2. FINANCES
Now that you’ve figured out your what & why: what is your price point?
Not only for the initial cost of a puppy, but the continued expenses, such as: a good quality diet, grooming upkeep, products you’ll need when initially bringing the puppy home (leashes, collar, crate, bed, toys, etc) any potential vet expenses, and insurance if you want that.
A dog isn’t a one-time expense.
Remember, buying a dog isn’t like getting a used couch on FB marketplace—haggling & lowballing are not gonna work.
Mapping out what you’re able to spend BEFORE reaching out will save you & the breeder a huge headache.
3. TIMING
Does your current lifestyle/schedule allow the time to commit to raising a puppy & all that entails?
A lot of puppies get 2 weeks of their owner’s time that they’ve taken off work to “house train”, but then are left largely to teach themselves. This is not ideal at all.
Making sure you have the time to not only enjoy a puppy for the first 2 weeks, but a dog with needs & requirements for the next 12+ years—is important.
Does it need to happen now, or would it make more sense later?
If all you’re able to currently commit to a puppy are 3 hours at the end of the day, WAIT
4. AGREEMENT
If you’re not the only person in the house, the decision to get a pet affects more than yourself.
Has it been mutually agreed upon & discussed in detail with all parties?
Being on board doesn’t look like “whatever, just so long as I don’t have to be involved and any responsibility falls on you”.
For it to be a successful addition, the whole family has to be willing to put in effort, time, and attention. Remember, dogs are greatly affected by the energy around them, and whether you’ve acknowledged your family/relational dynamic or not, your dog will, and their training & overall behaviour will reflect the pulse of your home!
Talk with the family! Talk lots.
5. RESEARCH
This is a non-flashy way of saying “I love you” to your future furry family member. Look into the breed, their purpose, activity level, what training will help shape them into a balanced pet & how you can prepare YOURSELF to make that happen.
A dog needs guidance, leadership, and consistency (aka parenting!).
Take yourself to school again and be a learner. There are so many free resources out there to prepare & help anybody interested in bringing a pup home, whether for the first time or the 10th.
Your dog will largely be a product of what you put into them, so if you know that and act accordingly, you’ll be alright!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Now you’re ready reach out to a breeder/adoption agency and pursue moving forward without waffling, second guessing, having cold feet, or regretting your decision down the road.
Share this post to help more puppy additions be long-term success stories!
-The RLD Team
Comments