Bringing a puppy into your home isn’t a decision to take lightly. Dogs tend to live for years on end – and they might not be quite so cute after the first few weeks and months. They need care, attention, and patience along the way. For best results, it’s worth doing the right preparation ahead of time. Let’s take a look at what that preparation might consist of.

Things to Consider

So, is a puppy a good decision for you? There are a few factors worth weighing

Food

You’re going to be spending money each week on food. Try to get an idea of this cost ahead of time, and reflect on whether it’s truly viable for you. Bear in mind that bigger dogs will eat more than smaller ones.

Lifestyle

Is your lifestyle a good match for dog ownership? If you’re going to be out of the house working for most of the week, then you might end up paying dog walkers rather than doing the job yourself. That being the case, is there any point in you owning a dog?

Vet Bills

There’s no NHS for dogs. If your dog needs medical attention, then you’ll need to put your hand in your pocket.

Insurance

To cover unexpected costs, including medical ones, it’s a good idea to invest in pet insurance. This is another expense to add to the list.

House

Certain properties aren’t a good match for a dog. If you’re in a small high-rise apartment, then there’s a risk of them going stir-crazy. The other occupants of your house will also need to be considered. If you’ve got small children, then pets might not be a good idea immediately.

Breed

Different breeds have different qualities and characteristics. You’ll want to pick one that’s appropriate for your circumstances and personality. This way, you’re likelier to get a match that works in the long-term.

Essentials

Let’s run through a few of the essential supplies you’ll need.

Food and Water

This is an ongoing expense. You’ll also need the dishes in which these things are served – one for food, one for water.

Dog Bed

Your dog will need a clearly defined bed – that way, it won’t decide to sleep anywhere else in the home.

Collar

Your dog will need a collar, and a microchip so that it can be easily identified.

Lead

Look for a lead that spreads the force across the torso – that way, you aren’t going to be pulling on your dog’s throat.

Toys

To keep itself occupied, your dog will need toys. Be prepared to replace these; the cheaper ones will end up shredded in a matter of minutes.

Grooming

Grooming means investing in brushes and other equipment. Hairier breeds of dog will demand more stringent grooming. You can pay to get this done professionally.

Poop Bags

You’ll need a means of cleaning up after your dog. That means a supply of bags. Make sure you have spares. You don’t want to be caught without them.

Cleaning Items

Similarly, you’ll want a means of cleaning up after your dog in the home. This might mean a handheld vacuum cleaner.

Crate

There are times when you’ll want to restrict your dog’s movements, or to transport it from one place to another. For this, you’ll need a crate.