Getting a Puppy?
Here's What to consider
Considerations When Getting a Puppy
Getting a puppy is one of the most exciting events of your life. After all, you are choosing a family member that will be with you for the next ten years or more. Here are some things to consider when you are deciding whether it's the right time for you to get a puppy.
Where to Get a Puppy
You have lots of options about where to get a puppy. You can find all kinds of classified ads on social media, in newspapers, and posted at places relating to dogs like groomers and pet stores. You can also find breeders through the AKC Marketplace.
Of course, you can also choose to adopt. Your local shelter and private rescues generally have puppies available. In many areas, local pet stores like PetSmart and Petco host adoption events on the weekends in which local rescues bring their available dogs for you to meet. This can be very convenient when you are searching for a puppy since most puppies in private rescues are kept in foster homes and it can be very difficult to meet a variety of puppies without going to one of these events.
Where you choose to get a puppy is completely up to you. However, there are a few things you want to be careful about when choosing this new member of your family:
Puppy Mills
Puppy mill owners can be very devious about the way they advertise their dogs. You may not realize that you are buying a puppy from a situation in which adult dogs are mistreated and puppies are in poor health until it is too late.
In general, be very cautious about buying a puppy unless you can meet at least one parent and see where dogs are kept. Avoid mail-order puppies or meeting somewhere other than where the puppy has been raised. Be suspicious of breeders that won’t let you meet the puppy’s parent(s).
Backyard Breeders
Backyard breeders may be able to show you where the puppy has been raised and show you the parents of the dog you are buying, which can make them difficult to distinguish from reputable breeders. However, backyard breeders generally don't do much to screen the dogs they breed genetically, and they may not vaccinate against diseases like parvo or distemper, which means that your puppy may not be in good health. Choosing a puppy bred from dogs that have had health screening is your safest option.
What do You Need When Getting a Puppy?
The market is swamped with equipment for your new dog, some of which is very useful and some of which you'll never need at all. Here is a puppy checklist to help you make sure that you have everything that you need:
- Crate. Crate training is a very good idea at the beginning, even if you don’t intend to use a crate when your puppy is older. A puppy who is crate-trained can safely be housed at the vet, a boarding institution, the groomer, or in emergency situations. Even if you puppy-proof your home thoroughly, your puppy can find things to get into when you're not watching, making a crate invaluable. The crate is also very useful for potty training.
- Harness and leash. Young puppies shouldn't be walked on a collar because they can do damage to their delicate necks as they learn how to respond to being restricted on a leash for the first time. For this reason, a well-fitted harness is your best bet for walking your puppy safely.
- Chew toys. Your puppy will chew, no matter what you do. Providing good chew toys makes a difference between training a dog to chew on the right things and having them destroy your home. Invest in a wide variety of chew toys designed for puppies. Kong toys and other puzzle toys that can be stuffed with food are useful for entertaining your puppy and teaching them to chew appropriately.
- Food. It's best to get the type of food your puppy has been eating in their previous home and then gradually transition them onto whatever you would prefer to feed them. Whatever food you choose, make sure that it meets guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
What is Involved?
Many people are surprised by the time commitment involved in when they get a puppy. The more time you invest at the beginning into potty training, teaching appropriate chew items, crate training, and correcting inappropriate behavior, the less you will have to deal with problem behavior down the road.
When you bring home a new puppy, it's a very good idea to set aside time for training. Taking time off work or getting your puppy during a vacation is ideal, but if you can't, make crate training a priority in the first few days with your puppy and come home frequently or hire a dog walker to let your dog out.
Puppies can only hold their bladder for a couple of hours at a time. The smaller your puppy, the shorter the time that they can hold it. Letting your puppy out frequently and watching or crating them anytime they are in the home is key to potty training success.
Keep in mind that every potty accident reinforces to your puppy that it is okay to go inside. Similarly, every time your puppy chews on something they shouldn't, they learn that it is satisfying to chew on inappropriate items. Therefore, you will want to watch your puppy very carefully so as to redirect them onto appropriate toys and prevent potty accidents.
Most puppies cry at night, so it's a good idea to prepare for some sleepless nights at the beginning. Every puppy is different. Some puppies learn to sleep on their own in only a few days, while others take weeks. Consistency is key to training your puppy to sleep well at night. Keep in mind that most puppies will need to be let out in the middle of the night for some time until they can physically hold their bladder all night.
Medical Care for a Puppy
Making good decisions for the medical care of your puppy is pivotal to the health of your dog and the protection of your pocketbook. Diseases that vaccinations protect against, like parvo and distemper, can be deadly and very expensive to treat.
You will need to protect your dog from exposure to other dogs until they are fully vaccinated. Some vaccinations, like rabies, are required by law. Others, like distemper, are required for every dog. Still others, like bordetella, are dependent on your dog’s lifestyle.
Talk to your veterinarian about what vaccinations are recommended for your puppy. You will also need to put your puppy on a preventative for heartworms and fleas. Heartworms are extremely common, and your puppy is very likely to contract them from any mosquito bite if they are not on a preventative.
Fleas can infest your entire home, as well as carrying diseases that can infect not only your puppy but also you and your family. Again, your veterinarian can give you advice about what kind of heartworm, flea, and other preventatives your puppy needs.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is increasingly popular for good reason. With insurance, you can pay a predictable amount each month and feel confident that if an emergency comes up, your puppy will be cared for without you having to dip deep into your savings.
There are a number of different types of insurance available for you to consider, but regardless of which insurance you choose, the earlier you enroll your puppy the better. Once your puppy begins to have some health problems, they may be considered pre-existing conditions and excluded from insurance coverage.
How to Choose a Vet
- Local. Pick a veterinarian that isn't too far from you so it'll be convenient to go for regular visits, pick up medication, etc.
- Multi-purpose. It's very convenient to choose a veterinarian that also takes care of other needs your puppy may have, like training classes, boarding, and dog daycare.
- Advanced treatment options. You don't want to have to go to a specialist if your dog needs dental care, imaging, or therapy like water treadmill. Pick a vet that provides these kinds of advanced treatment options.
Consider OKC Vet Campus for Your New Puppy
OKC Vet Campus has everything that your puppy may need from the time you bring them home and throughout their life. From veterinary care, to boarding and daycare, to training, grooming, and even advanced athletic activities, we have it all. OKC Vet Campus is a superb one-stop-shop for all of your dog's needs. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your brand new puppy!
FAQS
1. What are some potential problems that I should look out for in my puppy?
As a new puppy parent, you will surely be anxious about your puppy’s health and behavior. Don't hesitate to call your vet if you have any concerns at all. There's no such thing as a silly question. Puppies that sleep excessively and are hard to rouse, refuse to eat, yelp or cry without explanation, or appear inexplicably anxious or fearful may need a trip to the vet.
2. When is the best time to get a puppy?
Ideally, you'll get a new puppy when you have as much time as possible to spend with them. At the very least, try to get your puppy on a Friday afternoon so you'll at least have the weekend to get them settled before you need to go back to work.
3. Are some puppies easier than others?
Every puppy is different. You may hear stories about a friend's puppy being potty trained and sleeping through the night in a week whereas yours is several months old and still having trouble with these things. Just be patient and consistent and know that your puppy will eventually get the hang of it.
4. Should I get a puppy for a child, is that a good idea?
Dogs and kids can be a wonderful combination, but this relationship can also go very wrong. Whether getting a puppy for your child is a good idea depends on your child's age and maturity, but regardless of how mature or committed your child is to having a dog, it's best to plan to provide the majority of the care your puppy will need yourself.
5. Should I get a puppy or should I adopt an adult dog?
Both a puppy and adopting an adult dog are excellent options. The right choice is completely up to you. If you're on the fence, fostering an adult dog from a local shelter or rescue is a great way to help you decide.