Buying a puppy: what to look for?

Puppies are incredibly cute. They touch our hearts with their clumsy waggling and large eyes, but…pups grow up and require a lot of love, attention and care. This takes time and money. Not necessarily a problem, but something to take into account when considering purchasing a puppy. Are you thinking about it? Consider the various possibilities beforehand and prepare yourself as much as possible.

Purchasing a puppy: pedigree or not?

One of the most important questions you should be asking yourself is whether you want to get a pure-bred dog, a mongrel or a mix. The benefit of opting for a pure-bred dog is that a lot is known about the character of the breed. With over three hundred breeds to choose from, there are plenty of options. The downside of a pure-bred dog is that certain genetic health problems may occur. You can find more information online about how healthy-unhealthy a certain breed is. You can find out what dog is best for you by informing yourself properly about the various breeds.

If you prefer a mixed breed, it is more difficult to make an estimation of the animal’s character beforehand. Check out the websites of animal shelters and various foundations that shelter dogs until a new home is found. They often have a good picture of how a specific dog will behave and what its character is like. Of course, puppies are also offered online, but it is very difficult to determine whether it involves puppies from professional breeders or dog traders. These should be avoided at all times. It is important to inform yourself properly about the various places where pups are on offer and what to look for.

Preparing your home for a pup

You will need to make some preparations in terms of accommodation before you are ready to take in a pup. For example, make sure that your home is dog-friendly and free of hazards. Got a garden? You will likely need to make some modifications there as well; this may involve removing poisonous plants or placing a fence.

The costs of a puppy

The costs associated with owning a pup are often underestimated. This begins with the purchase itself. A pedigree pup can set you back hundreds of euros. And a pup from the shelter will also cost you a fixed amount. Before taking in a pup, you will need to make a number of purchases. Don’t forget that your little ball of fluff won’t stay small forever and an average dog will live for ten to twelve years. It needs to be fed every day and if illness strikes, veterinary costs tend to amount rapidly. Then there’s vaccinations, defleaing, deworming and you may be living in a municipality that charges dog ownership tax. Brace yourself, because owning a dog may cost around 800 to a 1000 Euro per year. Of course, you get a lot of love and enjoyment in return.

Good food for your pup

As mentioned earlier, a sick animal can become quite costly. If you want to prevent having to take your dog to the vet too often it is recommended to feed your pup pure and healthy food from the get-go. Healthy food is very important to keep your dog healthy. That is why we recommend food without chemical preservatives, without artificial scents, colouring and flavouring and only based on high-grade organic ingredients. Research shows that 87% of dog owners see a positive result after switching to organic food: a better-looking coat, less itching, improved digestion and more energy. Yarrah’s food for puppies contains an extra large amount of proteins and offers everything a pup needs to grow into a healthy mature dog.

How to care for your pup

Food is an important part of caring for your dog, but it doesn’t end there. It goes without saying that you want your dog to be as healthy as possible. This is why you take it to the vet for vaccinations and to prevent flea and worm infestation. But there’s more. You also need to make sure your dog gets enough exercise so it can get rid of its energy. In addition, certain breeds require additional care for their coats. Every dog needs it, but those with long hair will have to be brushed or trimmed more often.

How to train your pup

A young dog still has a lot to learn and it is your job as the owner to help. For example, your pup needs to be potty-trained. Because you don’t want your dog doing its business all over your home. It is also very important to socialise your dog, which means getting it used to other people, situations and other dogs. A puppy doesn’t yet know what behaviour is appreciated and what behaviour is not. Dog owners do not appreciate things like scratching, biting and begging. The right tips and tricks and especially a great deal of patience will help you get rid of undesired behaviour. Finally, you can opt to take your pup to puppy school. The topics mentioned above are all addressed there. Your dog learns to obey and socialisation plays an important part in these courses as well.

Purchasing a puppy isn’t something one should take lightly. Now that you know a bit more about what it means to add a puppy to your family, you are better positioned to make a well-considered decision. Remember: a puppy takes a lot of time and attention, but it also gives back a great deal!