articles

So You're Getting a Puppy This Holiday Season?

Really? Why? Let's Talk About It Please!

By Robin Crawford, President, Dogma Dog Care November 26, 2014
I know, it’s hard to resist a precious new puppy (I’ve had several) and it’s hard to imagine ever regretting the decision, but let’s take just a minute to talk about it. Are the holidays really the best time to get a dog? If so, what kind of puppy? Should it really be a “puppy” or maybe just a sweet dog? What about the kids? if you don’t have kids, then what about you? How much exercise will the puppy require? Do they need a fenced in yard? Are you going to get it from a breeder, a pet store or a rescue? How much does it cost to care for a dog or a puppy? There is so much to talk about and so little time. Let’s get started…..

Q: When is the best time to get a new puppy or dog?
A: When you are fully prepared and have plenty of time! Getting a new pet acclimated to the family and his/her new routine is a lot of work and should not be taken lightly. The household should be as normal and calm as possible so that the new pet gets all the attention they need. If that’s during the holidays for you, then so be it. Since the holidays rarely are calm for most of us, I would have to suggest that you wait. Animals are creatures of habit and setting a routine early on, and keeping to it, may be the difference between success and failure. Additionally, helping your new pet get familiar with the immediate family first and foremost is crucial. Tons of friends and guests in and out of your home will not only confuse the new pet, but may also frighten them. And as always, never ever leave your dog unattended with small children (for both their sakes).

Q: Should I get a puppy or an adult dog?
A: Well the truth is, there are pros and cons to both, but the answer lies within you. I find the older I get, the more inclined I am to want to skip the “puppy stage” which honestly can last for up to TWO years depending on the breed. Having a puppy is almost as demanding as having a new baby. There can be sleepless nights, lots of potty accidents, unexpected illnesses, and tons of training required to break the little one of typical puppy behavior not to mention biting, chewing, running away etc. - I’m exhausted just thinking about it. Nonetheless raising a young dog from start to finish can also be a joy. They are so much fun…but then again so is an adult dog. The truth is there are so many great adult dogs available that have already gone through the tough stuff. Often times they are much less expensive than a puppy (possibly already spayed or neutered) and can easily found at the breeder or no kill shelter. Some may have even received training which is a big plus in my book. Check places like pure breed rescue groups and petfinder.com. My experience with adult rescue dogs has been just as rewarding, if not more so, than buying a puppy. They tend to be exceptionally loyal, loving and grateful.

Q: What do I need to do in order to get prepared for my new dog?
A: This will depend slightly on what kind of dog and what age the dog is. However, here are just a few of the basic things you’ll want to do. 1) Choose a good vet. You can do this by asking friends and family. Keep in mind the proximity to your home. That will be important. Also know where the night emergency hospital is and how to get there fast should the need arise. Regardless of what the breeder, pet store etc. says, bring your new pet to your veterinarian within a few days of purchase for a “well puppy/dog visit”. 2) Purchase your crate, bed, blankets, bowls, toys etc in advance.  You will need to know what the pet has been being fed prior to bringing them home. Do a little research on line regarding the quality of the current dog food. I like www.dogfoodadvisor.com. You may want to change your new pet’s diet, but if you do, do it very, very slowly, mixing the old food with the new food over a period of at least a week or more. There are lots of dog food choices nowadays including raw, wet food, dry food, low carb / no carbs or a combination of all of the above. It can cost a small fortune depending on what you choose so choose wisely, ask your breeder and your vet for advice. 3) Choose a quiet corner in your home to set up the crate. Preferably somewhere where the new pet can see the family, but still get some peace and quiet. 4) If you are going to use the services of a day care/boarding facility, go check them out now. Understand their requirements, tour the facility, and become familiar with their hours of operations. May I suggest dogmadogcare.com in Smyrna?! Keep in mind that while your pet is being house broken they are going to need a strict schedule in order to help train their bladder. You may want to consider having a dog walker or pet sitter come buy regularly to help if you cannot be home. In the long run, it will be well worth it.

Q: What about dog training?
A: Yes by all means! Choose a good dog trainer. Interview several. I can’t stress this enough. This is another one of those areas that can lead to great success with you and your new pet or complete failure. The pound is full of wonderful dogs that never had a chance due to a lack of proper training. While there are plenty of trainers in and around the Atlanta area, the truth of the matter is, one training style does not fit all pets and pet parents. There are more training philosophies out there then we have the time and space to discuss, but let me share a few simple thoughts based on many many years of experience. Most dogs respond well to training that is done with treats. Personally, I don’t carry treats with me 24/7, do you? I need my dog to respond to me whether my pockets aflush with hot dogs or just full of lint. So don’t be too impressed with treat training.  In real life and for the long haul, it just doesn’t work. Other trainers claim to fame is something called “positive only training”. I guess that means you sit and talk to your pet after they’ve dashed in front of a tractor trailer or you take away their X box. Well, this might work if you’re training a hamster, but again, in my opinion, most dogs need gentle but firm correction from time to time. Look for a well-balanced trainer who can adjust their style to fit you and your dog’s needs…and please don’t be fooled by treat training. The only thing you’ll be left with is ants in your pants and a dog that still won’t behave!   My personal favorite is Tenasity Dog Training at www.tenasity.com. Or just call Gabe Reinlieb at 404-441-5701. These guys are fantastic, very flexible and highly effective.


Q: How much is this new pet going to cost me?
A: According to petfinder.com a conservative estimate is between $780 and $1500 in the first year alone That doesn’t even include the initial cost of purchasing the animal. I would have to say that’s a conservative estimate. Keep in mind there can be many unforeseen expenses as well. I recently purchased pet care insurance for my three pups. You may want to consider doing the same. Just one accident like... "Mom, I ate your panty hose!” can double, even triple that conservative estimate mentioned above.

So there you have it, the joys and the sorrows of getting a new pet, and we’ve only skimmed the surface here. If you’d like to know more, just give me a call. I love talking dogs! Good luck, and happy pet hunting!

Robin Crawford
President
Dogma Dog Care
info@dogmadogcare.com
770-436-4346

4790 Wright Drive SE
Smyrna, GA 30082