National Puppy Day, celebrated on 23rd March (mark your calendars!), is the perfect occasion to honour the joy and companionship that puppies bring into our lives.
Beyond the celebration of your four-legged companion, this day also serves as a reminder of the responsibilities and considerations involved in bringing a new puppy into your home.
So, if you’re contemplating adding a furry friend to your family, here are five essential things to know from our Pointer experts before taking the plunge.
Does A Puppy Suit Your Lifestyle?
Puppies are adorable bundles of energy, but ones that require significant time, attention, and patience.
Before you bring one into your routine, it’s essential to evaluate whether your current lifestyle can accommodate the demands of a young dog. Consider the following:
• Time: Puppies need regular feeding, exercise, training, and socialisation. They sleep a lot, sure. But they also have a LOT of energy when they’re awake. Ensure you have the time to dedicate to these daily activities.
• Long-term responsibility: Our furry friends can be in our lives for 15 years or more. Are you prepared for the long-term commitment? Are you planning to change your life and family structure in that time? Think about how a puppy may fit into your future, not just your now.
• Activity level: Different breeds of puppy have varying energy levels. Choose a dog that matches your activity preferences to ensure a balanced relationship.
Financial Considerations
Owning a puppy involves more than just the initial cost you pay. It’s essential to budget for various ongoing expenses for your pooch, including:
• Veterinary care (don’t forget all their initial injections!)
• Insurance
• Training and socialisation
• Food and treats (this is where buying treats in bulk boxes can help)
• Toys and enrichment
• Bedding
• Hygiene and grooming equipment
• Supplements
• Doggy day care (sometimes!)
Importance of Early Socialisation and Training
The early stages of a puppy’s life are critical for development. Proper socialisation and training during this period can influence their behaviour and temperament as adults. So, training and ensuring they spend time with other furry friends is paramount!
Make sure you’re introducing your puppy to various environments, people, and other animals to build confidence and reduce the likelihood of fear-based behaviours. This also teaches them other positive behaviours like how to play nicely, something they can learn from other dogs, and generally being sociable with other dogs.
It’s important to note that socialisation won’t solve every puppy training qualm, and every dog is different, but it’s definitely something you ought to consider before bringing a new dog home.
Choosing the Right Breed and Source
Selecting a breed that aligns with your lifestyle is super important, but with every dog being super cute – how do you choose?
Here are some of the things we’d recommend bearing in mind when getting your new puppy:
• Breed characteristics: Research different breeds to understand their temperaments, exercise needs, and potential health issues.
• Adopting vs. buying: Consider adopting from shelters, which can be a rewarding experience and provide a home to a dog in need. However, it’s worth noting that puppies are usually the most desired dogs for adoption, and you may be put on a wait list. If purchasing your pup, ensure the breeder is reputable and prioritises the health and well-being of their dogs.
The Kennel Club advises thorough research before purchasing pets to avoid supporting rogue breeders and facing detrimental long-term consequences.
Preparing Your Home and Family
Finally, before bringing your puppy home, it’s essential to create a safe and welcoming environment by ‘puppy-proofing’. This includes removing hazards such as toxic plants, easily accessible electrical cords (and you’d be surprised by what they can access!), and small objects.
You’ll also want to make sure that while your home is set up ready for your new arrival – including having a bed and safe space prepared – your family is too. Especially if you have younger children in your household. Do they know what to expect when their puppy comes home? Do older children understand their responsibilities, and the correct way to interact with their new furry companion?
And of course, don’t forget to prepare plenty of treats for your new friend.
Our Pointer Puppy Love treats are the perfect option for dogs aged 12 weeks and over, providing small but delicious crunchy bites of goodness. Our BRAND NEW Pointer mini dogs, also provide a drool-worthy treat for furry friends. Again, they’re suitable for pups aged 12 weeks and above.
To find more ways to create exciting bonding opportunities with your pup, head to our blog page.
