5 things to remember when getting a puppy

Everyone remembers all the obvious things when considering adding a puppy to their household; the breed that’s right for you, the time you have to spend with it, what name you want to give it, but here are 5 important things that many people forget about…

Training

You have probably already considered the basic training required when you first get a puppy but in truth dogs usually need much more work than people think. You may be able to house train your pup no problem but to get a happy, well-behaved dog you will need to consider training classes. A quick Google search will throw up plenty of options near you but for reliable puppy training you can often find something through your veterinary clinic – this ensures you are getting the best service from highly-trained specialists, such as the Vets of Geelong veterinary clinic. They have multiple clinics across Geelong and offer comprehensive training at their puppy schools.

To neuter, or not to neuter?

Many people will automatically assume that neutering their pet is the best option but it’s important to do your research and make sure you are fully informed on the benefits of both. It’s also important to consider whether you would ever want to breed your dogs, as the procedure is irreversible. For the most part, I would recommend castration for your pets but be sure to educate yourself on exactly what the surgery entails, especially as it can be quite an intensive procedure for female dogs.

A dog is for life

Depending on the breed of dog, some canines can live up to 15-18 years so when getting a puppy you must remember that this animal could be in your life for almost 20 years. Getting a dog is not just for the sake of a puppy, nor is it just for a few years, it is a huge commitment – aside from having children, it’s probably one of the biggest commitments you can make.

Insurance

Another aspect of your commitment to your new dog is the regular payments you will need to make towards their pet insurance. Life is unpredictable and should anything happen to your dog, you need assurances that money will not be an issue in getting them the best care they need. Everyday dog owners are forced to surrender their pets at shelters or vets because they can’t afford the expensive medical bills that pile up after an accident or the diagnosis of a long-term illness – do not put yourself and your pet in this position! A small monthly fee is worth it for the peace of mind.

Puppy proofing

House training will most likely be the first thing on your list for puppy training but you need to make sure your home is puppy proofed before you bring your new friend home. Even the best-behaved puppies will try to chew things they shouldn’t and you don’t want to deal with damage to your furniture or property. What’s more, you don’t want an expensive vet bill on your hands should your puppy swallow something that could harm them. Once your puppy is trained you can slowly and safely introduce things back into the environment.