Читать книгу Puppies - Amy Fernandez - Страница 18

Do you know what it’s really like to live with a dog? If your ideas about dog ownership consist mainly of childhood memories, update this with some current experience. Do more than visit dogs belonging to friends or relatives. Offer to dog sit for a week or two, and see whether you still feel enthusiastic about getting a dog (keep in mind that puppies will require more attention than adult dogs will). Or volunteer at a local animal shelter. Working with so many dogs will definitely tell you if you have the patience and stamina for a puppy.

This chow chow’s paws-on approach to mealtime will mean extra cleanup work for the owner. Be sure to consider these kinds of chores when deciding whether you have time for a puppy.

Do you have time for a puppy? Abundant leisure time or a flexible schedule does not automatically mean you want to devote this precious resource to puppy care. Do you want to spend your lunch hour going home to walk or feed a puppy? Or spend your weekends at puppy training classes? Or get up an hour early every day to tend to puppy chores?

Utilizing time at doggy day care, employing a dog walking service, and taking a trip to a dog park can supplement your daily attention, but they cannot replace it. And every puppy comes with his own set of quirks and charms; you may have a collie who develops an independent spirit, or you may end up with a golden retriever who never wants to leave your side. Unless you have the time to raise a puppy, you will not be able to manage the quirks or enjoy the charms.

This French bulldog looks tuckered out after a game of Frisbee. Playing with your puppy is critical to his development.

Does everyone in your household want a puppy? It is unrealistic to assume that only one person will be responsible for a puppy’s care. Everyone in your home will interact with him in some way, and the puppy will seek attention from everyone. Whoever spends the most time at home will be faced with a greater share of daily responsibilities—including dealing with messes and dog damage. This is bound to create resentment unless everyone wants a puppy.

Can you accommodate a puppy? Space requirements vary by breed and by temperament. Some big dogs are surprisingly sedate, and some very small ones are energetic. A large, fenced yard, once considered essential for a puppy, is helpful but not mandatory. Active dogs can live happily in small apartments—if you are prepared to devote the necessary time and effort to meeting their daily exercise requirements (see chapter 5).

Along with exercise needs, puppies come with lots of accessories—beds, crates, bins of dog food, pens, toys—all over the house. Do you have room for all this stuff in the middle of your kitchen, bedroom, or living room? Social interaction is critical to a puppy’s development. He cannot be relegated to some inconspicuous part of the house. Similarly, is your car large enough to safely transport your dog? If you don’t have a car, how will you get your puppy to the veterinary clinic and other necessary places?

Are you prepared for the financial outlay? A puppy can be more expensive than you bargained for. Dog food, for instance, will cost you $20 to $30 for a large bag; for the biggest breeds, you’ll be buying at least one bag per month. Other essentials, such as beds and crates, collars and leads, treats and toys, and grooming supplies, might add $200 to $300 annually. This still sounds manageable. Add in basic veterinary care: inoculations ($100 per year), heartworm test and preventive care ($50 to $100 per year), microchip ($50 to $75), spay or neuter ($100 to $400), and dental care ($100 to $300). Puppies may also need one or more professional services on a regular basis. Consider puppy training classes ($100 to $200), doggy day care or a dog sitter ($10 to $20 per day), a professional dog walker ($10 per day), and professional grooming ($20 to $50 per visit). Other expenses can include annual dog licensing, pet health insurance, and increased premiums for homeowners insurance or pet-related security deposits on rental units.

These figures are only general guidelines. They should, however, give you a realistic idea of the financial investment you will be making. The costs certainly are not meant to dissuade you from getting a puppy, only to prepare you.

A veterinarian examines three Pomeranian puppies. Good veterinary care is a crucial ongoing expense, so be prepared for it.