HOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE READY TO BRING A FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND TO YOUR HOME

Making the decision to bring a new puppy to your home is not easy. Recently, I met quite a few families who made the decision to bring a puppy home, but after figuring out that the challenges involved in raising a dog were simply too much for them to handle, they ended up giving them back after a few days. The decision of bringing a puppy into your home should not be taken lightly. Bringing one into your home and having to give it away shortly thereafter, can impact your chances of ever getting one in the future. Before making this decision, there are a few aspects to look at:

1. Former experience with raising dogs - while having had a puppy or dog as a child can be an advantage, remember that when you were young, the burden of raising the puppy was placed on your parents. Now you are the parent, and it’s YOUR responsibility. How does your spouse or partner fall this decision - is he or she supportive? Do they want a dog? Will they share the burden of taking care of it?

2. How old are your children? A lot of parents get a puppy after the kids beg them to get one. The kids promise that they will take the dog for daily walks and help take care of it. But in reality, things don’t always work like this. Most of the responsibility of raising the puppy and taking care of it, falls on the parent. Children may help a little, but that’s all it is - a little help.

3. Budget - do you have enough money to take care of a dog? Raising a puppy is always full of surprises, especially when it comes to the financial aspect. Medical expenses are usually the biggest expense, however, they are not the only ones. There are food costs, medical insurances, doggie-sitters, toys, training, and many miscellaneous expenses that are not always taken into account. Make sure to take this under consideration.

4. Take a look around your house - are there many adjustments that will have to be made? Are you willing to make these adjustments. Many people I’ve spoken with, didn’t consider that they will have to put away their expensive carpets for at least a year when the new puppy arrives...

5. Your lifestyle - if you think you can bring a puppy into your home and leave him alone while you are at work all day, you are mistaken. A puppy needs a human companion next to him for many hours of the day. The same goes for a fully grown dog. By the way, it doesn't always have to be you who is at home with the puppy, it can also be any member of your family.

Bringing a puppy home is very exciting, but once it is home, the journey just begins! And if you are lucky, your four legged friend will be there for you for many years and will fill your heart with a lifetime of memories...