Want to Buy a Puppy? Think Before You Purchase that Pup!

Looking to buy a puppy? You'll find it hard to resist that cute, fluffy pup--especially when they look at you with those big appealing eyes!

But before you rush out and buy that lovely new puppy, it's a good idea to ask yourself if you are really ready buy a dog.

What does being 'ready' to buy a puppy mean? Well, it's not just about having the money in your pocket to make the purchase (after all, you might be lucky enough to get a dog for free).

It's about buying a dog for the right reasons, having the money and resources to feed and care for the puppy as it grows, having the time to exercise it, training it to be a good companion, and making a commitment to care for it for its whole life.

There are many reasons to get a dog: to guard the house, as a sporting companion or working dog, as a breeder, or simply for company or as a playmate for the children.

All of these can be good reasons for buying a puppy. But each can have its pitfalls too.

If you are looking for a dog to guard the house, you need to remember that dogs need exercise, training and veterinary care, and they should have company and human bonding if they are not to become vicious and uncontrollable. You might find you are better off buying an alarm system--it will probably be cheaper in the long run, won't need feeding and you don't have to clean up after it!

Sporting dogs and working dogs also need a lot of training and human bonding to bring out their best performance.

Dog breeding can be an emotionally rewarding but challenging activity, and it's really best left to professional breeders. Before you buy a puppy as a breeder, remember that vet bills for pregnant dogs can be expensive and if anything goes wrong during the birth you can lose the mother or the puppies or both--a very emotionally draining experience, as any dog breeder can tell you.

Unfortunately, some people buy puppies thinking it will be easy to produce a few litters of pups and make a little money. But they don't realise what the cost can be in terms of vet bills and puppy worming and vaccinations. Many of the puppies they produce end up in pet shelters or dog pounds, hoping they can find a home or be put down. Also, far too many people who buy dogs don't get their dogs spayed or neutered (desexed) and end up with an accidental litter of puppies. These puppies also often find themselves in need of rescue.

Buying a puppy as a companion or playmate is probably the most common reason for buying a dog. As long as you understand the importance of the commitment you are about to make and have a realistic idea of the costs and effort involved in owning a dog, go right ahead--you will be welcoming a new family member and be looking forward to years of doggy companionship!

So remember to ask yourself if you're ready to buy a puppy before you give in to the temptation in those big eyes!