At some point in your child’s life, he or she is going to ask you for a puppy. The fascination children have with dogs and pets is bizarre, but you can be sure that the time will come when they decide they want a dog. The first thing you, as a parent, have to do is not make any promises. Saying yes immediately leaves your child open to disappointment should you change your mind. Instead, tell your child that you will think about getting a puppy. By telling your child this, you give yourself the time to mull over the idea. A dog is a huge commitment on your part, so making the decision to get one should take you a little time.
If you have thought about getting a pet before you will know that it takes a long time to decide whether you want one. By ensuring that your children don’t expect you to get them a puppy you can have some space to think about the decision at hand.
Decide What You Want
You should never let your children pressure you into something you don’t want. Many parents make the mistake of always saying yes to their children. Children who have never heard the word no will end up spoilt and bratty, that is the last thing you want.
Before you agree to getting a puppy, ask yourself whether you want one. If you are just getting a pet because your children want it then you will have zero enthusiasm when it comes to looking after it. If you are going to get a puppy make sure, it’s what you want. Talk it over with your partner and decide whether it is a good idea. Remember your children don’t need a puppy, so if you decide not to get one they will be fine.
Weigh Up The Costs Of A Puppy
Animals are not cheap. If your finances are already tight then it may not be viable to get a puppy. However, that does not mean that you shouldn’t try to budget for a new pup. With your partner, spend some time weighing up the cost of getting a puppy. Take everything into account from food to vet bills. Make sure you have budgeted to buy your puppy from a reputable seller, such as Cherished Dream Canine, as this will ensure your puppy is healthy and will result in lower vet costs in the future. You also need to make sure that having an extra mouth to feed around the house isn’t going to mean everyone else suffers.
There are ways in which you can cut the cost of having a puppy. So you should consider these too before deciding not to get one. Saving money on pet prescriptions at sites like www.365vet.co.uk is one way to save money. Shopping around for pet food and finding good deals is another way. Buying your pet food in bulk will also save you lots of money. Ensure that you can afford a pet before you go out and buy one.
Choose A Puppy That Suits Your Family
If you decide that getting a puppy is right for your family, then you need to decide what breed you want.
Different breeds offer different attributes. If you are an active family, who goes on adventure holidays, then consider an energetic and excitable dog. If you are a more relaxed family, who would prefer just to go for a walk in the park then go for an altogether slower and calmer animal. Look into what attributes are common in which breeds, as this will help you decide on what dog to get.
In recent years, designer breeds have become quite popular, offering a mix of traits from two distinct breeds, combining the best of both worlds. For example, a Cavapoo, mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle (you can click here to learn more), is known for its friendly personality and low-shedding coat, making it an excellent choice for families with allergies. Similarly, a Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, has gained popularity for its intelligence, affectionate nature, and hypoallergenic coat, making it a fantastic choice for active families or those looking for a friendly, easy-to-train companion.
Designer breeds can also give you a better idea of how your puppy will look and behave, thanks to the predictable traits from both parent breeds. However, it’s important to research the specific needs of these mixes, as each designer breed has its own set of health considerations, grooming requirements, and activity levels. This can help ensure you’re choosing the right fit for your lifestyle.
Consider The Responsibilities
When you choose to raise a puppy, it might become important to be accountable for its needs such as feeding or training. Oftentimes, you may go on long vacations and it might not be possible to accompany the pooch everywhere. In such cases, understanding the role of Dog Boarding services nearby can ensure that you prepare for welcoming the family a new furry member. These places usually provide temporary support and training services for dogs, allowing you to transition better into the pet ownership phase.
If you have told your children that you will consider getting a puppy then why not surprise them with one? Pick up your new pet whilst they are at school and give them a huge surprise when then come back.
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