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.
Summer months bring hot weather and also holidays. What sort of nutrition do animals require during this period? Is it necessary to change their diet on hot days? And what is most important during hot temperatures? We have discussed this topic with...
Despite being self-reliant animals to a certain extent, cats are provided with the best possible care by their owners who make sure that those balls of fluff are content in any circumstances. What is required by cats that live with us in a flat? And...
Everyone should have their own place where they can relax in peace. This also applies to animals. Rats, for example, who are very sociable and in nature live in large groups, usually have their own place where they can recharge by the side of their...
They help with searches in avalanches, debris and large wooded areas in inaccessible terrain. They save valuable minutes that can make the difference in whether an injured person survives. One canine rescuer makes up for up to 20 people, especially at...
The tradition of rescuer dogs has been a staple in the Czech Republic for almost a century, and our country ranks among the top European leaders in this discipline. Canine rescuers help in the mountains not only in winter, but throughout the whole...
Today, there are a number of products and gadgets for riding with a dog, which will ensure that we can take the dog with us safely on longer journeys. However, you should pay attention to driving safety even if you only drive a few kilometers. Even...
Dog agility is a discipline that means a lot of exercise for both the dogs and the handlers, but also a lot of fun. In addition, it strengthens the relationship between the owner and the animal, and also allows the dog to learn new skills. Another...
Rabbits are great pets for all who live in flats, but cannot afford a cat, or just want to have a cheerful companion who won’t let you down and can handle being alone at the same time. Still, there are certain factors you should think about before...
In most cases, cats love being in nature and active, so it comes as no surprise that felines living in houses and flats may occasionally want to go out and explore the world. If you have such a cat at home, you may find useful the following tips on...
Czech cynologists from the Search and Rescue Czech Republic team have managed to train eight dogs who can tell if you have COVID-19. Detecting the disease is a worldwide problem, which is also recognized by VAFO, who supported the project financially...
As the title suggests, this breed comes from the State of Maine in the United States. It is one of the oldest breeds living in nature, the largest domesticated breed, gaining popularity in Europe in recent years. There are several reasons for this....
We have already introduced dogfrisbee, the activity in which a dog catches a frisbee, several times. We focused mainly on various disciplines in which dog owners can compete together with their canine companions at any level. Another such discipline...