Top three things to do before you purchase your dog

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Whether you have your heart set on a Shollie (a German Shepherd and Collie mix bred at StirlingCollies) or something else unique, you still need to do due diligence before you purchase your pet. You need to sit down and think it over, before you opt to purchase a puppy for a pet, because it is a lifelong commitment and not something that should be taken lightly. You need to understand that a dog, of any breed, will require adequate care and a lot of maintenance, not to mention, commitment on your part. This is why you may want to review the checklist below, before you opt to purchase a dog.

The breed matters: The breed does matter, or rather the size of the dog matters too. So, if you are residing in a studio apartment, then going for a Great Dane might not be a good idea. You need to check out the various breeds online, find out what sizes they usually grow into, their temperaments, requirements, etc., and determine if you have the space to house your pet. There are various online sites that you can check for more information on various dog breeds, their peculiarities as well as their requirements. You need to carefully consider this, as well as the fact that you will have to house and feed your pet regularly, make sure he gets a good workout, and be able to take him to the vet often. If you think that you can deliver on all of these, then yes, please go ahead and get your companion.

Vet visits: You need to consider this seriously as vet visits can indeed be quite expensive. At times, it can cost you anywhere from $500 to a whopping $2000; even a general visit can cost you quite a bit. Most Vets will recommend that you schedule regular vet visits each year. If you feel that you cannot afford regular vet visits, then you may want to reconsider the idea of purchasing a puppy. So think carefully and weigh all the factors before you do so.

Training: It always pays to train your dog. You can handle this on your own provided you know what you’re doing, or opt to send your dog to puppy school. If indoors, he will need to be potty trained. It is important for your dog to be trained on other aspects as well, from obeying your commands to keeping your loved ones safe. And yes, dog trainers are expensive as well, and usually, charge by the hour. So, you may want to take that into consideration, and keep in mind that when you head out on a business trip, you may have to park your guy at a kennel which is going to be an additional cost to consider.

This is why, you need to carefully consider the checklist above before you purchase that Shollie, or Great Dane, or whatever type dog you’ve researched that will fit your family. You need to weigh in all the factors, from giving him the love and affection he requires, to regular maintenance and good care, then decide if you have the capacity to provide for the dog before you adopt.