The Puppy Challenge: All the Things Nobody Tells You
The Puppy Challenge: All the Things Nobody Tells You
Puppies bring an incredible amount of joy into the lives of their new owners, but they can also bring challenges.
Puppies are adorable, but they are also a lot of work. Owning a puppy means you're not just providing for their needs as a pet owner, but you're also responsible for ensuring their safety and wellbeing when they're outside your home. Many families decide to adopt a puppy only to realize too late that it's not the right decision for them. You don't want to abandon a dog. So, these few considerations below will help you understand what you need to plan for and how to keep your dog and family happy.
Allergies and puppies
If you or anyone in your family suffers from allergies, it can be difficult to find a good dog for your home. However, there are a few things you can do to make this process easier.
First off, find out what kind of allergy triggers an individual person is most allergic to, and then look for a dog that will be less likely to trigger these allergies. For example, if someone is allergic to dust mites and also has asthma, they should look for a dog that sheds less fur because this would reduce the amount of dust being kicked up around the house.
Secondly, it's worth investing in a quality vacuum cleaner. You will need to vacuum regularly to reduce the presence of allergens inside your home when you have a dog.
Finally, not all breeds will trigger allergies. Depending on your allergy, you can adopt a hypoallergenic dog. It is important to understand that allergies can come in different forms and shapes. A hypoallergenic dog can be the perfect option for one person, but it could not work for someone else. Therefore, if you are concerned about allergies, you should experiment first to measure the extent of your condition before you decide to adopt a pet.
Finding the right breeder
Finding a good breeder is really important to make sure you have a healthy and well-socialized puppy. It's best to start with referrals from friends or family who have had good experiences with their puppies, especially if they are close by. If you can't find any referrals in your area, try going through vets or rescue organizations in your area. Many of them maintain databases of reputable breeders, such as the Ausmate Australian Cobberdogs, that they work with, which might help you narrow down your search.
Sharing responsibilities
If you have children, it's important that they take on some of the responsibilities. They should be given a set of tasks to do every day. These might include feeding, walking, or playing with their dog. Your kids will love taking care of their new pet, and it will teach them responsibility. If you don't have children, talk to your partner about how you can split up these tasks. The only time you don't want shared responsibilities is when you are training the puppy, as you don't want to confuse your dog with contradictory approaches.
Adopting a dog can be a fantastic addition to the family as long as you are fully prepared for it. Many families end up having to bring their puppy to a shelter because they didn't consider allergies, the breeder's reputation, and their responsibilities as dog owners.
