First heat
If you’ve got a little female puppy at home, first heat might catch you off guard, so it’s not a bad idea to make some preparations ahead.
Choosing a puppy: What to consider?
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.
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