Puppy Tips

Caring for a puppy

A puppy is a living being that has a need for love and proper care for the rest of his life - not just sufficient rest. He needs to be fed often while young, and a young puppy is especially vulnerable to broken bones and other injuries from careless treatment.

Children as Caretakers

A puppy should not be obtained to instill a sense of responsibility in children. It is unfair to place an animal's entire well being in the hands of children. Feeding, grooming, housebreaking, and discipline training of an animal should be the principal responsibilities of adults. Responsibility training of children is better left for household tasks, where a helpless animal's needs are not at stake.

Consider Lifetime Expenses

The purchase price or adoption fee for a pet is a nothing compared to the cost of veterinary care for routine and emergency treatment over the dog's life, as well as licensing fees and damages to personal property which are bound to occur.

Additional Work Around the House

Dogs can neither groom themselves nor clean up after themselves (accidents, shedding) and, therefore, impose additional workload in a household.

Having neither the physical nor the mental abilities of an adult dog, a puppy cannot wait long periods of time before relieving himself nor differentiate between what is a toy and what isn't nor distinguish between digestible and dangerous objects. They require patience, understanding, and supervision just as with human infants and young children. A puppy doesn't mature into an adult dog for at least 2 years. If you work and don't have time for training and play, get an older dog.

Commitment to Your Puppy's Lifetime

But they need your love and care forever. Be sure that you understand the long-term and lifetime commitment involved before succumbing to the charms of a cute little puppy.

Related links:

• Do's + Don'ts
• 10 Dog Commandments