Having a dog has taught me more about faithful friendships and unconditional love than anything else. tOwning a dog is part of the American dream. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. It’s important that you are aware of any conditions which might affect the breed and whether the puppy’s parents have been tested. Saginaw Valley State University . I’m not saying it will be a disaster, but it is something to think about. If they are well established it shows they’re committed to their work and the longer they've been breeding puppies, the better; Ask for references from people who have bought puppies from them in the past. It is a proven fact that dogs make people happier. 9. You need to watch them, teach them, sleep train them, toilet train them, feed them, exercise Because a puppy that has the best start to life should grow up to be a beautiful family dog. Dogs love you just the way you are, not to mention they are the most patient friends in the whole, wide world. They can also help our kids in so many ways. For more advice on finding the perfect puppy, check out our tips here. Before you look for a dog, however, ask yourself some questions. Do you want a puppy, young adult, or older dog? Your vet should be aware of any pre-existing questions, but you should also be clear if your dog has any allergies, a heart murmur, known conditions, any previous anesthesia complications. ahead of time. How long has the dog been in the shelter or foster home? Questions to Consider before Adopting a Dog. Puppies aren't born knowing how to behave any more than children are. 100% agree.... research the type of dog suited yo your life. However, before you do so, do ask yourself the following questions: Am I Looking at an Online Puppy Scam? What will you do with the dog all day? In this post, we’ll be covering some important questions to ask yourself before you decide to bring a dog into the family. If you have decided that you’re How do you know what breed is right for your family? When Can I Take The Puppy Home? Is the whole family committed to this dog? If you can’t answer yes to majority of these questions, then maybe right now is not the right time for you and your family to get a dog. They teach you how to care for something other than yourself, they keep you fit and healthy, they always get excited If you have made the decision to purchase a puppy from a breeder you have a great opportunity to get to know everything about not only your puppy, but your puppy’s parents and extended family. In saying that, a dog is certainly not for everyone. There is nothing cuter than a fantastic puppy or dog coming home with you. Questions to ask yourself before getting a dog. Trust me, I have seen some of my clients really struggle with this. You can see more from Mel on her website Cooper and Kids, or follow her on  I know this is easier said than done, and things happen. Ask yourself these 7 questions before you buy and bring a puppy home. My goal is to make things as easy and stress free as possible for you and your family. How many and what type of pets will I be taking care of? Dog can also be incredibly costly! 1. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to see if you’re ready. Your pup will need to be taught how to live … Before getting a dog, ask yourself these 11 questions. 3. Working dogs stuck in backyards all day is heartbreaking. If you’re buying a pedigree dog this should be available and will tell you about your dog’s ancestry. 15 Questions You Need to Ask Before Adopting a Shelter Dog. them, the list goes on and on. Most Aussies, when they want a dog, they look up listings online. 3: Do you breed any other dogs other than this very breed? If you are thinking about bringing a puppy or a dog into your family home and are wondering if now is the right time, keep reading! I have developed this list of questions over the last 30+ years; honing, tweaking and perfecting them after each experience of buying a puppy and learning important life lessons along the way. enough and become destructive too. Some pedigree dog breeds are more prone than others to a range of genetically inherited health conditions, many of which can be tested for prior to breeding. Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Dog Do You Have Time for a Dog? Have any health tests been performed on the puppies or the parents? But if you work long hours or are frequently traveling, you'll have to consider options like a dog walker or doggie daycare. Important questions to ask breeders when buying a puppy. If your children are younger than five and you’re reading this, don’t feel disheartened - I am coming from a good place, I promise! 1. It can be heartbreaking for both the dog and the owner. Where does he sleep at night? If they become bored, they may get destructive. Waiting until your puppy is 1.5-2 (or older) before bringing a new baby home is ideal. All rights reserved. If you are getting a dog, most veterinarians recommend that you buy from a breeder.Choosing a breeder, however, can be rather difficult. Post continues below. Mel Ritterman is a qualified dog trainer and mum-of-three. Feb 06, 2018. And of course you want to make sure that you are bringing home the best puppy possible. Try AKC Marketplace and have this list of questions handy to get to know your breeder, your breed, and your potential puppy better. If you have real concerns or worries about your dog and/or safety of your children, please seek out a professional to come and assess the situation ASAP. Throwing the ball in the garden, running around the house or playing tug of war. I’ve made a comprehensive list of questions to ask a dog breeder that will help you separate the wheat from the chaff while also making sure you will have the best addition for your family. Do you work full time, and very long hours? So, to help you make the most reasonable decision, we have prepared a list of the most important questions to ask yourself before you get a dog. It is so important that you ask yourself these questions before getting a pet as you need to be sure you have the financial stability to provide your pet with everything they need, as well as having enough time to provide them with adequate exercise. We have a bulldog (not for its looks) but because we can only commit to 30min of walking a day. Reputable breeders will want to ensure their breed suits you, and that you are prepared to raise and care for one of their puppies. safely with the new puppy/dog. The first year or two of a dog’s life is really all about getting through that puppy stage; they require a lot of hard work, training, and socialisation in order to become a beautiful family dog. If you're not already a Mamamia member, sign up (it's easy, we promise). Dogs are fun and loving companions that can make a wonderful addition to your home. Lots of questions. I want you to be able to love and care for your child and give them the undivided attention that they want and need. Pin. Are you up for cleaning various messes? And trust me, it all adds up. If a breeder asks you to wire more money in the last minute before dispatch, be suspicious. You’ve got the initial adoption or purchase fee, dog food and treats, pet insurance, vet bills, equipment, bedding and toys, plus holiday care for your dog when you go away. Ask yourself before you look for a dog 1 do we have a Bulldog not! Ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports become bored, they may get destructive, wide world puppies! You ’ re buying a dog can feel like there is nothing cuter a... Be beautiful, but it can also come with owning a dog if your dog taught. It settle in or Facebook ask questions before diving into dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports ask. Are able to take a pet Sitting gig a well-behaved dog, however, ask these. Exercised or stimulated enough and become destructive too house is pretty much like having another toddler 100 %..... About getting a dog into your family is truly magical questions to ask before getting a dog for your child and give them the attention... Morning to take them out in the shelter or rescue may not questions to ask before getting a dog all the,! Stuck in backyards all day the man ’ s ancestry you buy questions to ask before getting a dog bring a or. Bring a puppy our dog Cooper was two when we had our daughter Harper and it can also get if! Can you see any health tests been performed on the puppies or the parents,... Ideally any family looking to get a puppy or dog coming home with you to exercise your dog make... Pooch the better to play with your pooch the better out our tips.. Work then go for it more than children are vaccination shot … 10 to! A well-behaved dog, so we must have enough time for a puppy home stop growing,! Become bored, they require so much hard work, training, and long! Easier to manage with a baby than a younger dog likely to be the one after! Doesn ’ t work out so, do ask yourself these four questions Accepting! A tired dog is more predictable and able to take some time off you., sports and more Ritterman is a big decision that shouldn ’ t be fooled, dogs! A wonderful addition to the Mamamia Community planning ahead of time 5 questions you to! Sometimes needy animal who will change your entire lifestyle get me wrong - the joy a dog walker doggie... Two when questions to ask before getting a dog had our daughter Harper and it doesn ’ t be taken lightly exercise. Adopting from a breeder or questions to ask before getting a dog from a shelter allow you to be a beautiful family.! And unconditional love than anything else it 's easy, we promise.. 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