The 7 worst reasons to get a puppy

The best time to get a puppy is when you are stable in your life and have thought the decision out.  You’ve done your research.  You’ve talked to other pet owners and consulted with a dog trainer for expert advice.  Look for a reputable breeder or check out local shelters and rescues.  Sometimes it takes a while to find the perfect dog, but considering a dog can live 10-18 years, it’s not a decision to take lightly.  Remember, when you get a puppy, there is only 10 months of puppy-hood, they grow up fast.  In fact, you may not know how a puppy will turn out as an adult.  Also check out: The 10 best LARGE breed dogs for kids

Here are some of the worst reasons to get a puppy:

1.  As a gift
Happy Anniversary Honey, now here’s a cute present that poops every 3 hours, chews up your shoes, and lives 15 years but never grows up!

2.  As a boyfriend replacement
When you are overly-emotional, it’s a bad time to make any major decisions.  Plus, when you’re feeling blue, are you going to want to deal with a puppy?  Are you going to be able to provide the constant care a puppy needs?  A dog is a living creature, not a toy or stuffed animal.  Coddle your dog, sleep in bed with it, and treat it like a little baby… and see the monster it may grow up to be!  

3.  I feel sorry for the puppy in the pet shop
Feel sorry for them because they are usually poor quality dogs from puppy mills.  Don’t get suckered in.  You are not “saving” the pup by buying from a pet store, you are simply making room for another new puppy to fill its place, while lining the pockets of the pet store and supporting the puppy mill industry.

4.  Lost my job, so I have free time now
Hopefully you have money saved up- dogs are not cheap.  Veterinary care, food, supplies, and training are all necessary expenses.  If your dog had an accident and broke its leg you would have no way to pay for treatment.  What about when you get a new job?  Your dog will not suddenly need less.  Now you’ll have a dog who is accustomed to having round-the-clock attention and will now experience a tough change.

5.  We want a “practice baby”
This is not so bad as long as the couple has a commitment to their dog even when the new baby comes.  If you plan to say “Now that the baby’s here, we’re gonna get rid of the dog,” you shouldn’t have gotten a dog.

6.  I want a puppy for my child or children
As long as you don’t expect them to take care of it!  A minor is not legally responsible for an animal.  You can bet the novelty will wear off, and you will be the one waking up early in the morning to walk the dog and feed him.  Dogs are not babysitters or toys, they are animals.  Children are the #1 victims of dog bites.  Therefore, dogs that live with children need training for safety reasons, so be prepared to do formal obedience training.

7.  This puppy is a cheap price, or a bargain

Once again, dogs are not cheap.  The dog that was a bargain today may develop health issues that cost a fortune in the future.  A surgical procedure for hip dysplasia may cost $3,000 or more, and it is a very common hereditary problem that can cause pain and inability to walk properly.  Good breeders screen for this and have OFA or Penn Hip certifications on both dogs before they breed them, so if it's a breeder, look for these health clearances, and if they don't have it, don't buy.  Don't just price shop, find a dog that fits you lifestyle. 

You might see a puppy for sale for $200, sounds like a bargain?  Average cost of a spay/neuter surgery is $200, plus vaccines, fecal test, wormer, and exam $75+, so add that on.  Animals in rescues or shelters are less than that, and are already completely vetted (fixed, vaccines).   Dogs at Chicago Animal Care and Control are just $65 for any dog or puppy.

Also read: Understanding Newspaper Classified Ads for Puppies

Read the best way to HOUSEBREAK your PUPPY!!!!!