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- What do I have to offer this dog?
- What does this dog requires of me?
- What do I want from this dog? (pet, companion, guard dog, show dog, working dog, etc.)
- How much time do I have to devote? (to caring, training, playing, etc.)
- What kind of exercise and how much exercise can I give this dog? (walking, running, hiking, cycling, playing fetch, etc.)
- Do you work outside the home? How long will you be gone? Do you sometimes work overtime?
- Can you come home sometime during the day? or Do you have someone that can?
- Do you travel? Who will take care of the dog? (dog sitter or boarding kennel)
- Have you found a good veterinary clinic?
- Have you found a reputable training facility?
Have you consider the cost of owning a dog? The initial purchasing price is actually low when you take into consideration all the other expenses.
- cost of the dog
- yearly vaccinations and health examination
- spaying / neutering
- dental care
- food
- suitable sized crate
- bed
- training classes
- equipment (collar, leash, comb & brush, toys, bowls, etc.)
- grooming
- licensing
- boarding/dog-sitters
- unpredictable injuries / illnesses.
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Equipment you need to have:
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- collar
- leash/retractable leash (flexi)
- ID tag (optional)
- bed
- suitable sized crate
- food
- bowls
- comb & brush
- toys
- a good breed-specific book.
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Preparations / dog proofing your house:
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- move all valuables and breakables out of reach
- move all cleaners, pesticides, poisonous plants, etc. out of reach
- have a fenced yard or a dog run
- find a good area in the house where you can see and supervise the puppy at all times
- find a good veterinary clinic.
You are now ready to take home your new companion.
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