Everything You Need to Know When Getting a New Puppy

Cost Considerations

• There are items essential to keeping a dog. Some of these items are a capital investment, which means they are bought once and seldom need to be replaced. The minimum amount of capital items needed are a collar and leash, which can range in price from $25to $35, depending on size and quality, and a crate, which can cost as much as $125 or more.

  Recurring costs include dog food, toys and treats and licensing. These costs may also include training if you are not able to devote the time or are unqualified to do so yourself; pet care, if you travel frequently; and grooming as necessary to maintain a healthy coat in your dog. Recurring costs range from $145 to $360 annually.

Medical Care

• Your puppy will need to be seen by a veterinarian on a regular basis to receive vaccinations and medication necessary to keep him healthy and happy. A puppy loses immunity granted by its mother's milk anywhere from the age of six weeks to 16 weeks. Initial vaccinations, as well as spaying or neutering your puppy, all add to the cost of owning a dog as well as the time commitment involved.

  Booster shots are given yearly after the initial vaccinations, and topical flea medications, heartworm preventatives, worming medicines and a yearly exam are necessary to keep a puppy healthy. Accidents also happen, so be prepared to cover the cost and time to take your dog to an emergency veterinarian clinic, if necessary.

  It is advisable to have the number and address of the nearest clinic on hand before an emergency ever occurs. You'll be thankful you have them on hand when they are needed the most.

Training

• Puppies will need to be house trained and taught to walk on a leash. They need to be taught basic commands, such as sit, stay, heel and lay down. Training involves consistency on the part of the owner. If you do not have prior experience dealing with dogs, it may be best to consult a professional trainer.

  If you have adopted a dog from a shelter or rescue organization, your dog may have pre-existing problems with socialization, aggression, fear or anxiety that can be solved through consistent training. These problems are considerably harder to deal with and take much more time to work through than basic obedience training.

Physical Activity

• Puppies have a lot of energy. You may find yourself sacrificing your favorite wardrobe item or piece of furniture to a bored puppy who has not been given an outlet for her energy. Frequent walking, trips to a dog park, supervised time in a fenced yard and an abundant amount of toys can divert destructive behaviors and tire out your dog. Your puppy will rely on you to assist with these activities. Consider carefully if you have the energy to tire out your puppy and exercise her properly.

Emotional Commitment

• You have your life, your work, your friends, schooling and a million other things to occupy your time. To your puppy, you are the only thing in the world. An emotional bond and establishment of authority with you as the leader of your dog's "pack" can go a long way in forming a life-long relationship with your pooch. This, above all else, is the largest commitment you will need to consider.