| The day you bring home your new puppy is a thrilling | | | | do add up. Veterinarian visits alone in the first year |
| and exciting day. No one can resist the cuteness of a | | | | will cost a pretty penny. These are regular check-ups, |
| cuddly puppy. But before that happens, you must | | | | not sick visits. Some breeds are more likely to get |
| make sure that you have everything you need for | | | | sick, requiring more visits to the vet, as well as |
| taking care of a dog. You will need to give a lot of | | | | medications and testing. Most areas require dogs to |
| attention and have a lot of patience to raise a puppy | | | | be licensed. The fees for this vary greatly. The |
| that is obedient. Giving love to a puppy is free, but | | | | decision to spay or neuter can cost you several |
| you will need to provide food and veterinarian visits, | | | | hundred dollars. |
| which can be costly. You may be interested in one | | | | Think about your lifestyle and activity level when |
| breed, but do your research. Find a breed with | | | | choosing a breed of dog. Do you like to lie on the |
| characteristics that complement your lifestyle. | | | | couch watching movies or would you rather take a |
| The first week of puppy care is usually blissful, but | | | | jog on the beach? Research the characteristics of |
| the novelty can wear off quickly. Taking care of a | | | | the breed you want to get and evaluate whether |
| new puppy is not a short-term commitment. You are | | | | that type of dog would fit into your lifestyle. Think |
| in it for the puppy's lifetime. This is why you should | | | | about the space you can provide to a dog. If you |
| carefully consider whether you have the time and | | | | have a very small apartment, bringing home a large |
| money to care for a pet. Puppies have many needs. | | | | dog is not a good idea. |
| They need to go for outdoor walks, both for | | | | Taking care of a new puppy is an enjoyable |
| exercise and to go to the bathroom. Can you handle | | | | experience, if all the right factors are in place. Look at |
| this on a consistent basis? If you cannot, the puppy | | | | the time you have, the space you have and the |
| will most certainly have accidents inside your home. | | | | energy you have to offer when considering getting a |
| Puppies also need a lot of attention. If you don't give | | | | puppy. Many people will love taking care of puppy. |
| it to them, they often become bored, which can lead | | | | But many may not have the right conditions to give |
| to destructive behavior. | | | | a puppy the needed attention. As a dog owner, you |
| Money is also a consideration. Can you afford a dog? | | | | are promising to take care of and love the dog for |
| The costs may not seem apparent at first, but they | | | | its lifetime. Make sure it's a good match. |