Where Do I Start?

So, you've been thinking about getting a puppy to add to your family but not quite sure where to start? Well, let us help you!!

First of all, we under no circumstance will ever try to pressure you into buying a puppy from us! We understand it is a long, tough journey trying to find that one special puppy and we DO think you should take your time finding the puppy you truly want! So we wanted to touch on some helpful tips that you may want to consider before welcoming your next bundle of joy to your family!

1). Make sure your entire family is on board with getting a puppy! There are going to be many duties that will require a team effort in welcoming a new puppy to the house. For example: everyone's worst nightmare....POTTY TRAINING! Potty training is never fun, but can be

- not so challenging - if everyone is helping pitch in during this crucial process. Next in line...crate training...another not so fun phase, but I promise, it does get easier with time and patience!

Having a puppy is like having a new baby in the house. Everyone needs to do their fair share in keeping anything and everything that you do not want your puppy to get into, chew on, or destroy picked up out of reach. Socks, cords, shoes, toilet paper, cushions, blankets, Barbie dolls, legos....the list goes on and on. All of these items look like the most amazing thing ever to chew on in the eyes of a puppy!

2.) Pick a breed that the entire family agrees on. There are many different types of dogs out there so make sure to do your research and find one that best suits the entire family, especially if anyone suffers from allergies!

3.) Boy or girl? I find that this question is really a matter of personal preference. Besides the obvious, there are a few things to consider when choosing. Let's start with the boys:

Boys: Usually get bigger than the females, may "hike" on furniture, may wander off looking for a female if not neutered, may embarrass the snot out of you and try to hump your leg when the neighbor comes over (hey just being honest!) HA!

Girls: If not spayed, females will have heat cycles (lets just say, this is never pleasant time unless you are able to put a doggie diaper on!), on top of the cycles, sometimes (not always) they can get a little grouchy (ladies, we understand), generally spaying does cost a bit more than neutering. Females tend to stay a bit smaller, and depending on the breed, may be a bit more active compared to the boys. (Just some of my experiences, each dog is different).

No matter which you decide, spaying/neutering is CRUCIAL to have done to avoid any unplanned litters.

4.) Once you have done all your homework, you need to make sure you can financially afford a pup. A puppy is a lifetime commitment and should be treated as such. There will always be vet bills, dog food, toys, treats, grooming expenses etc. Each and every dog is different and will require different things, so be sure not to forget to add that into your financial plan. The last thing you want to do is impulse buy a pup and then realize you can't afford to take care of it.

So, once you have considered the above information and feel that you are ready to move forward, this is where the real fun starts!! Time to search for your new puppy!! Have fun and always remember to do your homework before purchasing a puppy!

I have put together a "puppy list" to help you plan for your new puppy! Here are some things to keep in mind or have ready for when your puppy arrives!