Sharing a home with a puppy is a great joy as well as worry. Especially if you have no previous experience with a dog or other domestic animal. Before getting a puppy, you should take into account a number of things, think about them carefully and prepare properly for the arrival of the new family member.
Birds of a feather...
Before getting a pet, you should think about which breed is suitable for you, other members of your family and your lifestyle. Active individuals who are used to spending every free moment on long walks in the nature may consider high-energy breeds such as the Border Collie. Some want a dog primarily for the cuddles and for having a good companion. For these people, a Bichon may be good. Some people, on the other hand, need a dog for work, and will select the right breed accordingly.
House or apartment?
The second criterion to take into account is the space which the puppy will occupy. Do you live in an apartment without a garden and spend all your time at work? Then you should take this into account, as some dogs (for example those belonging to the large breeds) may suffer in a small apartment. On the other hand, even a big can manage living in an apartment. But, if you live in a house with a garden, you have more flexibility when choosing the right breed.
Your availability
Relating to this is another aspect: time. If you know that you can spend time with your dog mainly in the evening, after work, and want to go for shorter walks, be sure to keep that in mind when choosing a puppy. If, on the contrary, you can afford daily long walks, preferably several times a day, feel free to consider getting one of the livelier and more energetic breeds that require movement.
Pedigree: yes or no?
When choosing a puppy, you should also consider whether it is important for you whether your dog has a pedigree. A pedigree represents, among other things, a guarantee of the breed’s standard, details about its origin, and above all, the certainty that the puppy will grow into the dog you chose. For dogs without a pedigree, you cannot be sure of its origin, not knowing which characteristics and standards the dog will acquire, meaning a greater uncertainty. Also pay attention to where you are getting your puppy from. Avoid any puppy mills, as these facilities usually treat dogs inhumanely and breed them primarily for profit.
Joys and worries
These are some of the basic aspects to think about before bringing a new family member home. The dog itself and caring for it require time, diligence and perseverance. However, the reward will be endless joy and an incredible amount of love and support. On the other hand, it means a commitment, a living creature that will be dependent on you to some extent. With a new dog you will experience an incredible adventure, you just have to be sure that you are able to enjoy it properly.
Many times, I was left standing with my mouth open when I was watching the fall maneuvres of my cat partner. I was curious and started to look for more information about where the cat ability to always fall onto all fours come from along with their...
Sri Lanka – a holiday paradise in south-eastern Asia, the promised land for travellers. It is no problem to communicate here in English, the prices are relatively low, the locals are poor, but friendly… However, to dog lovers, apart from the fairy-tale...
A pet brings joy, that’s what everybody who lives with one in a joint household knows. With its playfulness and unconditional love, it often distracts us from stressful thoughts and duties. It teaches us to live here and now, to concentrate on the...
In this series, we will get to know famous dog personalities. Dogs, after all, play an important role in our life, so let us take a look what have they already managed to achieve during the time of us living together. Bobbie walked an incredible 4000...
Did you know, that such watches exist? You can join them as well. I’ve first heard about these watches referenced this year while on holiday doing a crossing of Šumava (the Bohemian Forest). And of course, I had to find out more!
If your dog sniffs on every corner when you’re walking it, nosework would probably be the right sport for it. Do you know, what it is?
Same as with dog record holders, we will find many cat records as well. For example, do you know, what is the record in the number of cats living under one roof?
Are you interested in how big the tallest dog is, how small is the smallest one or perhaps how many balls a dog managed to stuff in its mouth? Among the typical records such as age or size, we will find also a few more peculiar ones, so let us have a...
Securing windows and balconies is one of the first things that you need to arrange at home, when a cat arrives into the family. Do you know, what your options are?
Everyone, who has a cat at home, is definitely aware of its beneficial influence. When you are down or worried, nothing beats a purring ball of fur settled on your lap or a cat which massages you with its small claws. However, did you know, that...
Japan is not the only country, that has an island full of rabbits. Did you know, that you can find one even in the Czech Republic?
It is clear to every cat owner, that a fluffy needs its own place where it will feel safe, where it can laze about, play, scratch and climb. Not every cat will like a scratching post or a tree, but if your cat belongs among those who love it, the...
