Remember, Puppies Are A Responsibility

It’s Puppy Awareness Week, and all of those oh-so-adorable pictures on your Facebook news feed has inspired you to get a pup of your own. Not so fast. Before committing to years’ worth of responsibility, take a step back to consider what you’ll need, if and when you do choose to get a puppy. Here are some of the basics.

Pick Up A Crate For Your Puppy Training!

There’s a very good chance that, when you pick your new puppy up, he or she will not be house trained — and he or she will not be neutered or spayed, either. This is a relatively normal struggle, and you can make your life a whole lot easier by using a crate to housetrain your puppy!

While these are necessarily tools for the first couple of months, that doesn’t mean it’s okay for you to neglect house training your new puppy — and it especially doesn’t give you a free pass when it comes to getting he or she neutered or spayed. The importance of spaying and neutering your pet can not be stressed enough. If you are wondering when to spay your dog, the best time is as soon as you can, and definitely before sexual maturity at roughly six to 12 months of age. Take your new puppy to an affordable spay and neuter.

If you plan your puppy’s arrival when there is sufficient time to socialize and housetrain it, your puppy will learn faster and more likely grow into an adult dog you’ll enjoy. If your area offers puppy classes, they are a great way to socialize your new companion and help it learn some basic commands.

Don’t Forget Chew Toys

Before bringing your new dog home, have ready the necessary accessories such as a collar and leash, ID tag, food, and water bowls. Provide your dog with a variety of toys to prevent him from playing with your socks and shoes, your morning paper, or your child’s favorite doll. Get some toys that you and your dog can play with together, such as balls and plush toys, and some things to keep him busy when he’s alone, such as chewies or rope bones.