A New Puppy in Your Home By Samantha Padilla

Are you thinking of getting a puppy?  If you decide to take a new puppy into your home it would require commitment, responsibility and alterations to your life.  You must consider several factors such as the type of dog, your current lifestyle, the presence of children, and most importantly the requirements of the puppy. To make the adjustment easier, it is important
that you understand the “cost of owning a dog”. Here are some tips which will help you choose the best dog for you and your family.

Let us consider the type of dog.

If your mind is set on a particular puppy, think of its adult size and your ability to handle a large or small dog. Remember larger dogs need more space and food. In Trinidad and Tobago a “pompek”, or small “mix breed” would serve much better as a lap dog than a large Rottweiler. In the heat of the tropics long hair dogs have special grooming needs, before getting that fabulous Lasa Apso make sure that you are ready for regular trips to the groomer.

What about your lifestyle and personality

Are you resident at home or does your lifestyle demand that you spend days away from your dog. If you will not be able to spend quality time with your dog, then you will need a low maintenance dog. If you are the outdoor time, then choose a puppy that is inquisitive. On the other hand if you are the more sedate type then the hyperactive border collie type dog is not for you. So you are still interested in getting a puppy but need more info before your mind’s made up. Then let's read on.

How will my puppy interact with children?

Most will agree that in general most children and puppies complement each other, under proper supervision. In most cases puppies which grow up with a child will always “love”, protect and obey that child. Dogs are hierarchal animals and will obey
the child once taught. Dogs grow faster than humans, that 9-month rott or mastiff can easily tumble your 9-month toddler. On the other hand, some children can cause serious injury to your pup.

At what age should the puppy be taken home?

No pup should be bought before 6 weeks of age since before this time the pup is unable to mount any significant immune defence of its own. Instead it depends on the antibodies supplied by its mother’s milk to defend it from disease.