Puppies are so soft and adorable, aren’t they? I remember when we first got ours I rarely kept my hands off of her. They have that little puppy smell and all you want to do is love on them. Watching them waddle around, getting use to their new environment is such a joy. They tire so easily and when they do, your lap is the best bed ever.
The weeks go by. The cute little puppy is now bigger and a little terror! The house has become a disaster area – newspapers are shredded, torn into little pieces ands strewn all over your once clean house. And, that’s not the only thing you are picking up. That smell! What is that smell? What did I get myself into? I remember asking myself more than once this very question.
Was my family prepared to care for this cute little pup, turned mess making, stinky, poop dropper? Not hardly.
Planning for a puppy is necessary. You can’t expect to pick up the cute little fur ball one day and the next everything be the same. Puppies are just like babies; they need constant care and attention. And yes, that even means attention during the night as well. The following checklist is a list that every future dog owner, whether it’s a puppy or full grown dog, should ask themselves.
– Is my house puppy proofed? Remove all items that you do not want torn, chewed or shredded.
– Do you have adequate room inside and outside? A fenced in yard is perfect for the puppy to roam around and get appropriate exercise. Perhaps a kennel is needed for night time or during the day while you are gone.
– Have you contacted a local veterinarian? It is very important for puppies to have a well checkup, and stay current on all vaccinations and necessary treatments.
– Will someone be available to help you out in case of emergencies and/or vacations?
– Do you have the time to properly care for a pet? Puppies require a lot of attention and care. Be prepared to lose sleep and sometimes patience, however it is the puppy stage and they will grow out of it. Proper training is the key.
Before you go out and pick up that cute little pup, be sure you are well organized for the weeks ahead. Raising a puppy is not an easy task, however if you are properly prepared, and aware that your house may be turned upside down, it will all go a little smoother. Well… maybe just a little bit.
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