Step 2: Making a commitment
- Now that you know about your breed's natural instincts, ACCEPT THEM!
For example, if your dog likes to dig, say good-bye to the grass in your yard
before you bring the dog home.
- Talk with your family members about:
- Who will feed the dog
- Who will walk/exercise the dog
- Who will groom the dog
- Who will be responsible for taking the dog to the vet and making
sure he/she gets his medications.
- The rules of the house and how to enforce them
- Consider if the expenses fit in your bugdet. Expenses include:
- Food
- Initial cost of supplies: bowl, leashes, colar, cage/crate, brushes, clippers, run, toys etc ...
- Annual vet visits and extra vet visits for puppies
- Hearworm prevention, Flea control, and other medications as needed
- Spay or neuter
- Boarding costs when you leave for vacation
- Obedience classes
- Toys and treats
- If you are adopting a puppy, the cost of replacing all your shoes.
- Think about how to will meet the needs of their natural instincts.
For example, if your dog likes to dig, pick an area in the lawn that the
dog is allowed to dig. When he starts diggings some where else show him his
place to dig.
- Make some rules and commit to enforcing them. Consistency is import!
Remember that puppies grow up. If you don't want your 80 pound lab on the
bed, don't let the cute little lab puppy on the bed.
- Commit to doing the above for the next 10 to 15 years!