Small dog

There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a dog and bringing home a puppy is truly one of life’s greatest joys. However, many people fail to realize all the responsibility and commitment it takes to look after a new furry family member. Are you ready to take the plunge into pet parenthood? Here are five signs that now is the right time for a puppy:

You have time to train your puppy and shower them with attention

Just like a baby, bringing home a puppy requires a huge commitment of time and patience. When welcoming a new pup into your family, be prepared to invest a lot of hours into potty training, safe socialization with humans and other pets, training them on the rules of your house, and helping them distinguish between toys and off-limit items. Training your pup right off the bat will help them grow to be a well-behaved and obedient dog, however, it will remain an ongoing process. Training is something that should be consistent throughout your dog’s lifetime. Your new pup will demand a lot of your attention and if neglected, they can become very bored which may lead to destructive behavior.

You lead an active lifestyle

Aside from doggie training, puppies also need a lot of attention and plenty of activity, even on those days when the weather isn’t great or you’re tired. Playing with your new pup helps them burn energy, keeps them healthy, and taking your pup out with you gives him or her tons of exposure to other people, pets, smells, sights and unexpected noises. Although some dog breeds have higher energy levels than others, every dog needs adequate exercise.

You are financially prepared

Make sure you are ready to take on all the financial responsibilities that come along with your new furry family member. From food, toys, vaccines, cleaning supplies, spaying or neutering, vet trips and potential professional training, dogs incur expenses from puppyhood throughout their lives. Keep in mind that emergencies happen, which means unexpected veterinarian bills that can be very costly. Many companies offer pet insurance as a way to offset some of the high veterinary costs with a smaller monthly payment.

Everyone in your family is on board

Whether you’re married with children, living with a significant other, or have roommates, you need to ensure everyone in your household is on the same page when it comes to welcoming a puppy into your home and contributing to his or her care. Discuss it together and create a plan where you outline each person’s responsibilities, as well as the puppy’s rules to ensure that training remains consistent. Not only should you get every person in your household on board, but your other pets, too. We recommend checking in with your veterinarian or a canine behaviorist for tips on how to safely introduce your other pets to your new pup.

You’ve done your research

The most important thing you should do before considering bringing a puppy home is research! Different dog breeds suite different lifestyles, so take the time to analyze your living habits to find the dog that is the best fit for your family. Research dog food, toys, cleaning supplies, nearby vets and daycare/boarding facilities to prep for your new furry family member and ensure you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Being a puppy parent can be very difficult at times, so be prepared to put up with them waking you in the middle of the night, chewing your things, and going to the bathroom in places they shouldn’t. Living with a dog requires responsibility and effort, but it’s undoubtedly worth all the loyalty and unconditional love you’ll receive in return! At Dogtopia, we are the Puppy Love Experts! Let us help socialize and educate your pup so they can become proper canine citizens. Find the location nearest you.