Deciding to add a dog to your family can be a fantastic decision to make. They can quickly become a much-loved member of your household, and someone that you, your partner, and your children love deeply. However, there are certain steps that need to be taken to ensure that your dogs are brought into the house in just the right way. Here are some of the things you need to think about.
Adopt vs Shop
There are many arguments for both sides of the adopt vs shop debate. It is up to you to decide which you want to do, and which will be best for your household.
If you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder, you need to do your research. Don’t just buy a puppy from anyone. Find a reputable breeder who is registered with the Kennel Club, ideally, and has the paperwork needed to back up their claims about their reputation. They should always be happy to let you see the mom with her puppies, and ideally you might even be able to meet the sire and see what his temperament is like too.
If you do decide to adopt, don’t think that you can’t be specific about the breed you get. Many people decide to choose a certain dog breed for its characteristics. There are many rescues that specialise in a certain breed, so going to them could provide you with the perfect pup. If you want to adopt a mixed dog, you will also find plenty out there to love!
Establish Rules and Discipline
You need to make sure that you are consistent when it comes to rules and discipline so that you do not confuse the dog. They need to know who is boss in the house, and you need to make sure that everyone knows what the rules are.
For example, you might not want the dog on beds. While you might be fine for them to climb onto the couch with you for a cuddle, the beds are a step too far and should be off-limits. You need to make sure that everyone in the household agrees to these rules. If you want a well-behaved dog, no one can break the rules – no matter how big those puppy eyes get!
Get Insurance!
Pet insurance is a vital part of owning any animal. Take a look at a policy like Lemonade pet insurance for example to see if it is right for you. There are so many things that can go wrong with the health and fitness of a dog, and they can quickly add up to a high cost at the vet’s.
Of course, this can also be incredibly expensive. Puppies and even fully grown dogs can be expensive enough as it is, and you do not want extra costs on top of this. For this reason, it is often better for you to have an insurance policy in place. It will help you to get your dog the treatment it needs no matter what might happen in the future.
Agree Responsibilities
This is a pet for the family, and so the family must take an equal share in looking after them. Your children can’t be there just for playtime or when the dog is acting cute, they need to be able to step up if the animal is sick or has an accident somewhere that they shouldn’t.
Likewise, it should not be entirely on you to ensure that the dog gets walked enough. Though you might want to take the morning walk, there is no reason why your children can’t take the dog out in the evening or weekends if the dog walks well on the leash and has good recall. This should be a group effort to raise the dog, and everyone needs to take their share of the difficult responsibilities along with the good.
Adding a dog to your household can be a great decision for your family but it must be done in just the right way. This is not a decision that should be taken lightly, or on the spur of the moment. Do the work needed to find the right dog for your family, and make sure everyone helps to take care of them. If you are able to do so, you will hopefully have a happy home that adores your four-legged friend. Speak to your family about what needs to be done to bring a dog home now!