What usually starts off a dog ownership dream for most families is one little voice at the dinner table begging for a dog. Then another. Then another. It quickly becomes a family project.
Bringing a puppy home is one of the best things you can do for your kids. But before you bring the pup home there are a few steps involved that most families don’t think about until they’re in the midst of the process of puppy ownership. Here are a few things that will happen after you decide to get a puppy for your family.
Make sure you ask these questions before you even start deciding on a puppy.
A puppy is a 10 to 15 year commitment, so it's important to have a good sit down on responsibilities so that you can avoid issues and frustrations later on.
Not every dog breed is suitable for every household. For instance, a high-energy breed like a Border Collie may be perfect for a family with a large yard but may not be the best fit for an apartment setting. Similarly, a short flight of stairs may rule out certain breeds for those with an older dog to add to the family.
Think about:
Talking to a vet or an experienced, responsible breeder about your family's lifestyle is one of the best ways to land on the right match.
This is the step that most step families rush to - and the one that matters most. A good breeder will happily answer any questions that you have regarding the health of the dog, its parents, its socialisation and how it was raised. They will also want to know a bit about your family as well.
Breeder directories that verify breeders can show you whether or not a breeder is legitimate before you have to commit to purchasing the dog from them. Avoid those that will not allow you to meet the mother of the puppy, do not have health and records for the dog or do not allow you to wait to make your purchase as they may be breeding dogs that are not following the protocols and regulations regarding breeding dogs properly.
Once you've found your puppy, there's a bit of preparation needed before the big day:
Puppy-proof your home by hiding shoes, securing bins and tucking away loose cords.
Set up a cosy sleeping space.
Stock up on food, a collar, lead and a few sturdy chew toys.
Book your first vet visit to get your pet a health check, vaccinations and microchipping.
A washable bed, pet-safe cleaning supplies and an easy-to-clean feeding area are also a must have for a clean pet household, especially during the messy first few weeks of toilet training.
It’s also important to talk to the kids about how to handle dogs gently. Puppies are curious and a little clumsy, and young children need guidance on how to play with them calmly.
This is often the step that catches new puppy owners off guard. In most of Australia, puppies must be registered with the local council, as well as must be desexed by a certain age (unless exempt from such requirements). The fees for registration, as well as the requirements to exempt a puppy from being desexed, can range from local council to local council. Additionally, breeders may require additional steps to be taken in the registration of puppies in certain cases.
If you are a Frankston family, it's worth reading up on the details of dog registration and desexing requirements ahead of pickup day with your local puppy supplier. Responsible Pet Breeders Australia has a clear rundown of the requirements of Frankston Council regarding dog registration. This is a useful read for all Frankston families with a new furry member of the household - you'll want to avoid any surprises (or fines) down the track.
Once the paperwork is sorted out, the fun really begins. Taking the puppy for walks in the neighborhood, and teaching the kids to be gentle with the puppy when they interact with it, are all part of the fun of having a puppy in the home. There will be challenges along the way (chewed shoes are guaranteed!), but having prepared the family and the puppy will make the journey much easier.
A new puppy is a big milestone for any family. Getting the groundwork right with the breed, breeder and registration will ensure that the family and the new best friend enjoy a happy life together.
