Puppies are cute and furry, but require a lot more time, attention, and money than you may think. It would not be fair to you or your puppy to bring him home when you are not truly ready for, or committed to, caring for him. Asking yourself a few questions—and answering them honestly—will help you determine if you are ready to take on the responsibility of buying a puppy.  Do I have the time groom, train, and exercise my puppy? Puppies are very time-intensive—although some breeds are more laid back than others, you will need to devote a lot of time to properly caring for your puppy. If you have a busy schedule or are out of town a lot, you may need to reconsider if you will be able to make time to take care of a puppy. Am I financially able to cover the costs of caring for a puppy? There’s no getting around the fact that puppies are expensive. Think about if you are ready to pay for all of the necessities (food, collar, toys, bedding, etc.) plus regular and unexpected veterinary visits.  Is anyone at my house allergic to dogs? If you do not live alone, you should consider whether anyone else who lives with you is allergic to dogs or pet dander in general. Research breeds with characteristics (e.g., small dog, calm temperament, etc.) that make them a good fit for your life situation. The AKC has a matching quiz that can help you choose a breed.  Dogs come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. Choosing the wrong breed can result in heartbreak for all if you realize that he is not a good fit for your home. A few examples of important factors to keep in mind include your living situation (apartment vs home) and work schedule (regular work hours vs constant travel).  Consider the energy level of the breed. For example, if you don't enjoy being outdoors much, getting a Siberian husky probably isn't the best idea. Huskies love to jump and run, and they need hours of daily exercise. It may be better to choose a puppy who will grow up to be a dog that likes napping and hanging out with you at home, such as a Cavalier King Charles. If you rent, your apartment may have breed and weight restrictions for dogs. In addition, a large dog who needs a lot of exercise, such as a Golden Retriever, may feel a bit stifled in an apartment. If your apartment complex allows larger dogs, you will need to make sure that you have easy access to a large fenced-in area or dog park where you dog will be able run and exercise. Talking to a reputable breeder could help you narrow down which breed would be an ideal fit for your life situation.  Other than doing Internet searches of dog breeds, consider purchasing a book on dog breeds.  Keep in mind that you do not have to pick a specific breed. A mutt will do just fine! Aside from the initial cost of purchasing the puppy, factor in how much you will need to spend on food, toys, cleaning and grooming supplies, and veterinary care. By creating a budget, you will have a more realistic expectation of the monthly costs associated with having a puppy at home.  Depending on the breed and size, buying a puppy could cost between $100 and $150 per month in the first year.  Do not forget to factor in costs of smaller items, such as collars, leashes, identification tags, and treats.  Purchasing a puppy from a breeder will likely be more expensive than adopting a puppy from a shelter. Chances are that your home is not ready for a puppy. Similar to making a home safe for children, you will need to make your home safe for your puppy. For example, keep your trash cans hidden or well out of reach. You may need to invest in child-proof latches if your puppy figures out how to open cupboards.  Place covers over electrical outlets so that your puppy cannot lick them.  Keep all medications, cleaning supplies, and antifreeze hidden and out of reach. These can all be toxic to your puppy.  If you have a garage, secure heavy tools to the wall. Make sure to pick up any loose screws that your puppy could easily eat off the garage floor. You will likely be taking to your puppy to the veterinarian  fairly regularly during his first year of life, and at least once a year after that. It will be important for you to find a veterinarian that you feel comfortable with. Rather than doing an online search of local veterinary offices, you may want to seek recommendations of good veterinarians from local breeders, other dog owners, or your local pet store.
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