Living With Your Puppy

Living With Your Puppy

You say you can take care of it and that it's not a big deal but really think about these situations. They could make or break your puppy experience.

Theoretically there is no such thing as a dog being in a kennel for too long. I'm just going to point out the word dog here is different than the word puppy. Puppies have small bladders and need to eat more often than dogs. Puppies should NEVER be able to go potty in their kennel and it isn't reccommended that they eat in it either because, sooner rather than later, they will have to go potty. Think about that before you schedule 4 classes back to back.

A good excuse for missing work or leaving early is NOT that your puppy needs to go outside. No one except maybe a vet will feel sorry for you on that one so be sure you have someone to help you out when you'll be gone for a long time

Will your parents like your new puppy or will they think its a terrible idea? Having your parents support could save your dog's life if he ever got in trouble and you don't have enough money. Also, parents are good babysitters if you simply can't find anyone else to watch your dog for a weekend.

If your roommates don't like your puppy you are in for some hard times. First of all they won't take your puppy out to use the bathroom which gets tough when you live in an apartment. Then they won't be ok with those long, whiny nights when your puppy misses its mommy. This may also cause enough tension that your relationship could never be the same again.

What if your puppy gets an upset tummy and is up all night. It happens. What if you have an 8am the next morning? Be sure you understand that a puppy is a miniature infant. The only difference is that you can go away and put the puppy in a kennel for a little while.

Perhaps this one should be up near the top. Spring Break! Everyone loves it and almost everyone does something for it. Most of the time that doesn't include your puppy though. So what are you going to do for one whole week with your puppy? Not to mention christmas and thanksgiving breaks Be sure you have a friend or boarding facility that you trust to watch and care for your dog but remember, boarding facilities have been known to make dogs sick so set aside extra money in the event that they need to take your dog to the vet.

Back to the new puppy page >>>

If dogs could talk, perhaps we’d find it just as hard to get along with them as we do people.
--Karel Capek 1890-1938 Czech Journalist