Four things to Consider Before Buying
Whether you are looking to adopt from a breeder or a shelter, it is important to thoroughly think the decision over. While we want pups to be adopted, we also want to ensure the dog is a good match for home & lifestyle
If you are thinking about adding a new addition to your family, here are a few thoughts to consider and questions to ask yourself before adopting a dog.
1. Your Living Space
Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a backyard? Does your home have a lot of stairs? These are all good questions to ask yourself as some dog breeds have different needs when it comes to living spaces. Breeds with long backs and short legs, such as Corgis, can injure themselves by ascending or descending stairs. On the other hand, high energy breeds such as Australian Shepherds, thrive by having a backyard that they can run freely in. By considering these items, you can ensure a successful fit for your home.
2. Other Family Members
Who lives with you? Do you have small children or other animals? Certain dog breeds do better with small children, cats or other animals. If you know what kind of breed a potential dog is, spend some time researching and see how they might fit in with your family. As cute as this dog might be, it is beneficial to make sure that not only are they a good dog for your family, but that your family is a good fit for this dog.
3. Your Finances
Buying a dog is an ongoing expense. When first buying, you can typically expect to pay an purchase price for your animal which can be quite expensive when purchasing a purebred from a reputable breeder. In addition to the purchase fee, it will be necessary to make initial purchases such as dog food, collars and leashes, dishes, and more, in order to get your canine settled into their new home. Some of these items, such as food, will be reoccurring and made often. According to the Spruce Pets, the average American spends $1,400 to $4,300 per year on a dog. Is your wallet ready for this commitment?
4. Your Day-to-Day Life
Another thing to consider prior to adopting is what your average day looks like. If you are looking to adopt a puppy, it is important to take into consideration what your schedule looks like, as puppies require lots of attention and training. If your schedule does not allow a lot of time to spend with this new puppy, you may consider an older dog, who will give you just as much love. Certain dog breeds also do better alone than others dog breeds. Again, spend some time understanding what breeds would fit best for you. It is also important to think of time commitments such as grooming. Ideally, dog’s teeth should be brushed once a day, or at least several times a week, as well as their coat brushed a few times a week. Dog breeds such as the Afghan Hound, require frequent grooming to maintain those beautiful coats. Take some time during your average day to see how often you have free time that would allow for a dog.
Bringing home a dog is both a financial and an emotional investment, and these are only a few of the considerations that should be made prior to buying. While it can be a lot of work and a bit of an adjustment, there is nothing more rewarding than giving a dog a loving and happy home. From all of us here at Paw Print Genetics, we wish you luck in finding the perfect new furry family member!