The right steps to be a responsible pet owner

Taking the right steps to become a responsible pet owner

Owning a dog is a privilege and a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You need to make sure you’re getting a dog for the right reasons and that you will be able to provide them with the proper care that they will need. I will share some guidelines for being a responsible pet owner and steps on how to prepare for your new companion.

 

Is getting a dog right for you?

When deciding whether or not to get a dog, you need to ask yourself a few questions to make sure you’re ready. First of all, you need to ask yourself, “Why do I want a dog.” If it’s because they are cute, or look fun, that isn’t going to be a good enough reason to get one. So, make sure you’re getting one for the right reasons. Secondly, if you are interested in a specific puppy, you need to understand the proper care and dedication it takes to raise that specific breed. Puppies can take more investment such as daily walking, training, feeding and even cleaning up – including the not-so-fun messes they can make. Don’t forget about bathing your puppy too!

Think long term – ask yourself – can I afford a lifelong puppy? This is the big question. It takes a lot of money to properly care for a dog, such as veterinarian expenses, food, toys, treats, bedding, grooming, etc. Therefore, to be a responsible pet owner, you need to make sure it is something you can afford longterm.

I still want a puppy, what’s next?

You have found the right puppy or dog for you, so what is next? Make sure you have everything ready to go before their arrival. Be sure to choose a good Veterinarian and one that you are comfortable with. Make sure you have all of the supplies they will need, such as:

Lastly, you will want to make sure your house is puppy or dog proof. Until your puppy is trained, they may chew on cords, furniture, shoes and whatever else they may find. It’s a good idea to consider using a gate to block off some of the rooms until your furry-friend gets the hang of things.

So, once you have followed some of these guidelines, you can sit back and enjoy your new companion. Well, until they have to go outside again.

 

This article was written by Ashley Foglesong & Teresa Campbell, Professional Breeders