Free to a good home! But wait, nothing in life is free.
So you decided you wanted to add dog to the family. And you decided you wanted a puppy instead of an older, more mature dog. This lens will discuss the pros and cons of getting a puppy and then what you need to sucessfully raise your new baby. It's a lot of work. Are you up for it? You are making a huge committment so be absolutely sure you know what you are getting yourself into.
You may be tempted when you see a sign on the corner or are approached by someone holding a box of puppies to just take one. They are free. But really, what are the pros and cons? Taking a dog home is a huge committment. It's not something to be taken lightly. You don't want to see those cute puppies in the pound so you feel obligated to take one. But if you aren't prepared for a new baby in the house, you may end up feeling worse when it's you having to take it to the pound or finding a new home. So let's take a look at what you need to prepare for a new puppy and then look at what tools and supplies you will need to keep your new pup or dog happy for the rest of it's life."
Stumble It!
The Costs of Owning a Dog.
Expenses related to dog ownership
Excluding the purchase or adoption price of your new dog or puppy or assuming you got the dog for free, here are some average costs of items and services associated with your new pet.
We are also assuming you have a healthy pet with no major health problems.
- Food - You need to find a good food to feed your pup or dog. A growing puppy needs quality food. And a large breed puppy needs appropriate puppy food, not too much protein or they grow too quickly. A reasonable price for a premium dog food is around $35 to $40 for a 40 lb bag.
- Vet Care - You need to get your puppy in to see the vet as soon as you can. Things like getting the required shots, checking for worms and getting your pup on a monthly flea/tick and heartworm treatment. The initial vet visit just to check things out and make sure you don't have any issues but not including the cost of any medication depends on your vet. But shouldn't be over $100. On average I'd say $60 to $80 for the exam.
Spay or Neuter - Also depending on your vet and your dog at 6 month old and preferably before a female's first heat, you need to spay or neuter. There are some programs out there to help with the cost of spaying. In general, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200. And be very aware if you know what breed of dog you have about any sensitivities to anesthesia or medication such as acepromazine. That's a huge NO for sighthounds or boxers. - Medications - Assuming you have a healthy dog, you still need to keep those fleas, tick and heartworm away. Heartworm is a terrible thing to treat so it's best to prevent it from even happenning. There are many different products on the market. I would go with what a veternarian suggests.
For fleas and ticks, a product such as Frontline will cost you on average $20/month.
For Heartworm, a product such as HeartGuard will cost you about $60/year. - Grooming - If you have a dog that grows hair instead of shedding it all off or have a long haired breed, you will have a grooming responsibility. Poodles, Wheaten Terriers, Schnauzers and Bichon Frise are examples of dogs that require regular grooming. On average, anywhere from $40 to $60 and higher depending on what you have done.
- Boarding - You have to take a vacation sometime. Or maybe something comes up and you have to leave town and you can't take your dog. You need to find either a friend to watch your dog or more likely, you will end up boarding your dog in a kennel. Prices vary depending on the size of the dog, the size of the kennel and run, the ammenitites, if you provide food or if they provide the food. And most kennels require proof that your dog has been vacinated for Kennel Cough (Bordatella) within the last 6 months (another vet expense). On average $25/day.
- Training - Proper socialization and teaching basic commands and manners is very important for both the dog and for you. Whether you employ an expensive trainer to help or go to your local pet store, you have to spend the time and the money to socialize your dog and teach him basic manners and commands. If you choose to buy training videos and books to train yourself, expect to spend around $100. Classes will vary depending on where you go so you will need to research this.
- Dog License Fee - Check with your City, State or County in the United States to see what requirements they have to license your dog. It usually is not very expensive and in many states, the Vet will hand you a tag right then and there when you get a rabies vaccine for your dog. On average around $20.
- Supplies - Toys, bedding, food dishes, collars, leashes, etc. It all adds up. With a puppy there are certain items you have to have right away. See the New Puppy Kit section for suggestions on what to get and where to find them. On average, $200.
- The unexpected expenses - You don't like to think about it, but it does and can happen. We are talking about unexpected health issues such as cancer or some other serious disease that may come up. You have to be prepared to come up with the cash in case of those emergency situations. Some people have even bought insurance to help with the costs associated to vet care. Be careful and do your research. Some policies do not cover certain diseases or conditions.
What am I getting myself into?
Consider these points before you get a dog
Adding a dog into your heart and home brings with it a lot of fun, love, companionship and enjoyment. But it also brings in a lot of responsibility. Before you even get a dog, consider the following points:
How much time will the dog be alone?
A puppy at 8 weeks old can not hold his bladder more than a few hours in larger breeds and even less in a smaller breed. So you will either need to work from home, have someone come by and let your dog out or come home yourself or put your dog into daycare. A crated puppy should not soil his crate but if he constantly does because you can't let it out in time will learn it's okay to pee and poo and the crate.
How much time can I commit everyday to exercise and training?
Depending on the breed and the energy level of your dog, you need to exercise your dog daily at least 20 mintues before you go to work. With higher energy breeds 30 to 45 mintues. A tired dog is generally a good dog. Many behavioral issues occur when a dog is bored and agitated or anxiety ridden. A good run or bike ride will help with those issues.
How much can I spend per month on my dog?
There are many costs associated with dog ownership, as outlined in the previous section; The Costs of Owning a Dog.
Am I up for the work associated with house breaking my new puppy?
You essentially have a new baby in the house. You will need to get up during the night to take the puppy outside. You will need to watch your puppy like a hawk when inside to prevent them from soiling in the house. This is constant work and depending on the breed, difficult with some dogs and not so difficult in others. Get ready for cleaning up messes and dealing with the "ick" factor.
What behavioral issues will I have to deal with?
Different breeds have different issues. If you know what breed you want, you can research it and find out what they are prone to. For example, Terriers like to dig. Italian Greyhounds can be difficult to housebreak. Whippets can suffer from separation anxiety. What are you prepared to deal with when you bring home a new dog? If you don't know the breed or it is mixed, you have to be prepared for anything. It is very important that you find the right breed for your lifestyle or you and the dog may end up very unhappy.
Where did that puppy come from?
Does it matter where you got your puppy from? Absolutely! I try to encourage people to adopt dogs from the shelter in an effort to save the lives of these sweet and innocent dogs and puppies. But the reality is, some people will insist on getting a puppy for various reasons. So if you do go the route of getting a puppy, do your research! Don't buy the first dog you see.Reputable Breeders
What is a reputable breeder? This is someone who will be very careful about who they place thier puppies with. A reputable breeder will want to ensure that every puppy that leaves their home or kennel has found their "forever home." If you feel like you have just been grilled in an interview, you found a good breeder.
Reputable Breeders will:
Make you sign a contract that you will spay or neuter or your puppy when it's old enough and that you will not breed it. The contract will also say that you must contact the breeder if for some reason you are unable to keep your dog. Many breeders will insist you return the dog and some will even refund what you paid them to ensure they get their dogs back, instead of having them surrendered to a shelter or to rescue.
Will have a vet certification that the puppy was given all it's shots and exams to ensure the puppy is healthy.
Will have exams performed on the breeding parents to make sure there were no congenital defects or diseases.
Does not breed their females every season. Most breeders won't even breed more than 3 times in a female dog's lifetime.
Has a complete Pedigree of the breeding parents.
Usually will show their dogs in AKC and similar Breed Club organizations, ensuring the dogs are up to breed standard.
In my experience, most breeders do not sell pet quality puppies for more than $800 - depending on the breed and whether or not they have to transport the puppy to you.
Backyard Breeders
A backyard breeder is a term used by some to describe someone who has two dogs and decides to breed them for money. Their dogs are not pedigreed, nor have they been examined by a vet for congenital diseases and health problems. Puppies from these types of litters are hit and miss. You can end up with a dog that may have behavioral issues, or worse, a terrible illness or congential defect that will cost you thousands and create a lot of heart ache and sadness. After all, you fell in love with that puppy the moment you held it and you are not about to return it now.
Puppy Mills
You found the cutest puppy in the Pet Store and you just had to have it. But did you know that this little sweetie came from a puppy mill? Puppy mills are horrible places where breeding dogs are kept in cages and do nothing but pump out puppies. No reputable breeder would EVER allow one of their puppies to put into a store where they are gawked at all day and left alone at night and the breeder has no idea where that puppy ended up. Puppy Mill puppies are often sick and have health issues that may not show up until years later. Don't support the cruelty by buying a dog from a Pet Store.
Learn more about Puppy Mills
Please visit these links before you buy a puppy. Arm yourself with information to make the right decisison when buying a puppy.
- Puppy Mills - Don't Shop, Adopt!
- There is NO doubt about it. Puppies are CUTE! People are suckers for puppies, me included. When you see the adorable puppies in the cages at the petstore it IS hard to resist. We're here to tell you why you should resist.
- Puppy mill - Wikipedia
- Puppy mills (also known as puppy farms outside of the United States) are large-scale dog breeding facilities that operate under substandard breeding conditions
- Stop Puppy Mills
- For decades, The HSUS has fought puppy mills on all fronts. From conducting investigations to strengthening laws, we won't stop until puppy mills are shut down for good.
Puppy Mills
If more people understood what a puppy mill is and how they operate, I think fewer people would buy a dog from a pet store. Become educated about where your puppy came from and the risk involved with buying from a non-reputable source.
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The Most Important Thing
When choosing a dog, find the one that will best fit in to your lifestyle. Not all dogs are the same!
Puppies v.s. Adult Dog
Depending in your situation, a puppy may not be the best choice. Bark out about your preference when acquiring a new dog.
Do you think getting a puppy is better than getting an older dog?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byPuppies are the best choice. You start with a clean slate and they don't come with "baggage."
Susan52 says:
The only reason we chose a puppy this time was to start the cats out with a dog their size, get them used to that and then "grow the dog." They would have been overwhelmed with a full-grown lab - and they lived here first! It's much easier starting with a grownup, though. We've done that twice before. Puppies are a lot of work!
Posted August 04, 2008
Adult dogs are best because you don't have to go through all the puppy training issues.
alslad says:
Puppies can come with baggage too! Not all dogs in shelters have been found wandering the streets. Many dogs are rehomed every year because their owners have died or are otherwise able to give them the life they deserve. You also have to think about your own circumstances and whether you would have the extra time needed in the first months of bringing a puppy home to make sure she is properly socialized and trained before leaving her to her own devices!
Posted July 08, 2008
WeaselPuppy says:
With an adult dog, you know it's temperment. Not sure how it will be with your children? Introduce them and see. You will be past the status-seeking and rebelillous stages. Also, you can have the dog examined for hip problems. If you go to the pound, so many of the dogs there will be 6 months to 2 years old. They are puppies people got because they thought that puppies are easier/cuter/bond better/safer around children. The puppies grew into dogs where that was no longer true, and end up in the pound.
Posted July 06, 2008
triathlontraining says:
In my situation (just me in the house), an adult dog that is already potty trained is the best choice. I could handle the other training issues, but wouldn't have been able to let the puppy out often enough.
Posted July 06, 2008
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When Fido came home.
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What kind of dog is that?
"What breed is my dog? He's a Deegeedee - Darn Good Dog!"
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- Toilet training a dog is not really difficult, but it can be stressful, so I decided to make a lens on "tips for potty training a puppy"If you have any specific questions about house training your dog, I would love to try and help. If you have a Squidoo account (it costs nothing to
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- Your Purebred Puppy, An Honest Guide to Purebred Dogs and Dog Breeds
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- Puppy & Dog Forums
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- American Kennel Club - akc.org
- American Kennel Club
- Petfinder.com: Adopt a pet and help an animal shelter rescue a puppy or kitten.
- Adopt a homeless pet dog or cat from animal welfare organizations across the country.
The Puppy Kit - Part 1
Essential Items
The following is a list of recommended items to have when you get a new puppy. Clicking the photo will take you the described products.
Bedding - Your dog has to have a bed to sleep in besides yours! Many dogs like the security and warmth of beds with sides or bolsters. With a puppy, don't invest a lot of money in a fancy bed. A puppy will chew that up in a heartbeat. So start off with something comfortable, yet reasonably priced.
Crate - There is great controvery between people about whether or not a dog should be crate trained. It's ultimately up to you to decide on what is best for your dog and your lifestyle. I have owned dogs that needed a crate and some that didn't. But it never hurts in my opinion to have one on hand just in case you need one or in an emergency situation where you must confine your dog. Remember that to use a crate effectively, you need to find one that is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lay down againg. Too much space in a crate will allow your dog to soil in his crate. When buying a crate for your puppy, look for models that have an adjustible panel to that you can increase the size as the puppy grows. There are basically two types of crates. Wire and Kennel.
Life Stages Folding Crate
Single-door, fold-down, wire dog crate includes a free divider panel for simple crate training, all at an economical price. Convenient design permits easy size adjustment of crate to suit your dog's size as she grows from a puppy to an adult. Heavy-duty gauge wire construction features tight mesh spacing and dual slide-bolt latches to safely contain your dog. Simple flip-up and snap-together design easily folds flat for travel or storage. Durable, black electro-coat finish with rounded corners for added safety. Includes two plastic carrying handles and a wipe-clean plastic base with rubber feet to protect floor finishes.
Pet Den Dog Crate
Flow-through ventilation on all four sides. It's airy and light, but tough. Crate is made with reinforced sidewalls and an electroplated steel door to keep your dog safe. Easy-open, secure door lock adjusts to open left or right.
Crate Pads
DAP - Calming pheromones communicate a reassuring message to your dog or puppy, reducing or eliminating chewing or other damaging behaviors caused by separation anxiety, thunderstorms, new visitors or other nervous situations. Dog Appeasing Pheromone (D.A.P.) mimics the pheromone the mother dog produces as she is nursing her pups. When your puppy or dog senses this pheromone, even later in life, he is brought back to his peaceful nursing days. Place into a room where your anxious dog spends the most time, such as by his crate.
See also: What is a DAP Diffuser and will it help my dog with Separation Anxiety?
Food dishes
Bedding - Your dog has to have a bed to sleep in besides yours! Many dogs like the security and warmth of beds with sides or bolsters. With a puppy, don't invest a lot of money in a fancy bed. A puppy will chew that up in a heartbeat. So start off with something comfortable, yet reasonably priced.
Crate - There is great controvery between people about whether or not a dog should be crate trained. It's ultimately up to you to decide on what is best for your dog and your lifestyle. I have owned dogs that needed a crate and some that didn't. But it never hurts in my opinion to have one on hand just in case you need one or in an emergency situation where you must confine your dog. Remember that to use a crate effectively, you need to find one that is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lay down againg. Too much space in a crate will allow your dog to soil in his crate. When buying a crate for your puppy, look for models that have an adjustible panel to that you can increase the size as the puppy grows. There are basically two types of crates. Wire and Kennel.
Life Stages Folding Crate
Single-door, fold-down, wire dog crate includes a free divider panel for simple crate training, all at an economical price. Convenient design permits easy size adjustment of crate to suit your dog's size as she grows from a puppy to an adult. Heavy-duty gauge wire construction features tight mesh spacing and dual slide-bolt latches to safely contain your dog. Simple flip-up and snap-together design easily folds flat for travel or storage. Durable, black electro-coat finish with rounded corners for added safety. Includes two plastic carrying handles and a wipe-clean plastic base with rubber feet to protect floor finishes.
Pet Den Dog Crate
Flow-through ventilation on all four sides. It's airy and light, but tough. Crate is made with reinforced sidewalls and an electroplated steel door to keep your dog safe. Easy-open, secure door lock adjusts to open left or right.
Crate Pads
DAP - Calming pheromones communicate a reassuring message to your dog or puppy, reducing or eliminating chewing or other damaging behaviors caused by separation anxiety, thunderstorms, new visitors or other nervous situations. Dog Appeasing Pheromone (D.A.P.) mimics the pheromone the mother dog produces as she is nursing her pups. When your puppy or dog senses this pheromone, even later in life, he is brought back to his peaceful nursing days. Place into a room where your anxious dog spends the most time, such as by his crate.
See also: What is a DAP Diffuser and will it help my dog with Separation Anxiety?
Food dishes
The Puppy Kit - Part 2
Collar/Leash - So many to choose from! But whatever you choose, get one that is adjustable. You need to be able to easily slip your finger between the collar and the pup's neck without it being too tight. I don't advise getting a "flexi" type leash with puppies or new dogs. Get a good 4 ft. lead.
See all collars and leads by clicking the above image.
I.D. Tags - One of the most imporatant and inexpensive things to have is identification for a pet. Puppies have a way of getting loose and away from you very quickly. Get a little piece of mind by having a way for someone to contact you if your pet gets lost.
Toys - All dogs love toys. Give your new puppy or dog something that are allowed to chew on and play with instead of your shoes or socks. But be careful is there's a squeaky inside. Make sure your pup doesn't eat it!
Stain Remover - No matter how diligent you are with potty training, there will be accidents. And if you don't remove the stain completely, the odor will still be there and it may encourage your pet to go again in the same place. Make sure you use an items that will eliminate the stain and the odor.
Waste Disposal - What goes in eventually comes out. Here are some items you will need to dispose of those "end" results!
Puppy Pads are used when you can't take your pup outside and need a spot to designate as an elimination spot.
Puppy Training Pad Holders helps prevent tearing or shredding of pads and provides a secure anchor to keep pads in place. The pad holder is easy to use and discourages pets from playing and dragging training pads.
Chewing/Teething - Remember to always supervise your dog when they are chewing edible or soft items. Dogs can bite off large pieces and can choke.
One of the best inventions in my opinion is the Kong toy. These rubber toys can be filled with a treat and are almost indestructible. Freeze peanut butter inside for a long lasting treat to keep your teething puppy busy for hours!
These Air Kong toys are a favorite for my Whippet and almost indestructible. They squeak but don't have a squeaker inside so you don't have to worry about your dog getting it out and choking on it.
See All Kong Toys Here!
See all collars and leads by clicking the above image.
I.D. Tags - One of the most imporatant and inexpensive things to have is identification for a pet. Puppies have a way of getting loose and away from you very quickly. Get a little piece of mind by having a way for someone to contact you if your pet gets lost.
Toys - All dogs love toys. Give your new puppy or dog something that are allowed to chew on and play with instead of your shoes or socks. But be careful is there's a squeaky inside. Make sure your pup doesn't eat it!
Stain Remover - No matter how diligent you are with potty training, there will be accidents. And if you don't remove the stain completely, the odor will still be there and it may encourage your pet to go again in the same place. Make sure you use an items that will eliminate the stain and the odor.
Waste Disposal - What goes in eventually comes out. Here are some items you will need to dispose of those "end" results!
Puppy Pads are used when you can't take your pup outside and need a spot to designate as an elimination spot.
Puppy Training Pad Holders helps prevent tearing or shredding of pads and provides a secure anchor to keep pads in place. The pad holder is easy to use and discourages pets from playing and dragging training pads.
Chewing/Teething - Remember to always supervise your dog when they are chewing edible or soft items. Dogs can bite off large pieces and can choke.
One of the best inventions in my opinion is the Kong toy. These rubber toys can be filled with a treat and are almost indestructible. Freeze peanut butter inside for a long lasting treat to keep your teething puppy busy for hours!
These Air Kong toys are a favorite for my Whippet and almost indestructible. They squeak but don't have a squeaker inside so you don't have to worry about your dog getting it out and choking on it.
See All Kong Toys Here!
Training Your Puppy
These books will help you teach your new pup some manners and a few tricks. And will teach you how to deal with common puppy issues.
How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With
Amazon Price: $9.56 (as of 10/06/2008)
Usually ships in 24 hours
How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days (Revised)
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/06/2008)
Usually ships in 24 hours
My Smart Puppy: Fun, Effective, and Easy Puppy Training (Book & 60min DVD)
Amazon Price: $17.15 (as of 10/06/2008)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Puppy Training: Owner's Week-By-Week Training Guide (Training Book Series)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 10/06/2008)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 10/06/2008)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Where to Shop?
Online Shopping
These are links to online pet supply store that I personally shop at. I rarely walk into a pet store or pet supply store these day. You can find everything you need online, for less money and save a few bucks and the environment by not driving anywhere. Compare prices and deals between these merchants:
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WhippetTalk
Be sure to see my lens about the DAP products. Does it work? Well every dog is different so I can't say 100% that it will help for sure. DAP works for some and not for others. It just depends on the dog and level of anxiety you are dealing with. Some swear by it while others say it didn't help much if at all. It's a try and see sort of thing. Just remember that it takes a week before you see results from DAP. Good luck with your dog search. Posted September 19, 2008 |
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AMB1
Very helpful lens! We are debating getting a dog (daughter really wants one). I had never heard of the DAP thing that plugs in. Have you used it? Does it really work? THanks! Posted September 18, 2008 |
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LucyVet
Great lens with great info about responsible ownership. 5* Posted August 14, 2008 |
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Susan52
Daisy and I think this is a great lens! Posted August 04, 2008 |
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mosaic
Those puppies are soooo cute. If only I could get a dog.... Posted August 01, 2008 |
