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Before You Buy the Big Puppy: Important Considerations for Prospective Pet Owners

Acquiring a new puppy of any size is a big commitment, and the decision to bring home one that will eventually grow to over 100 pounds requires even greater consideration. There's a lot more that goes into raising a well-adjusted and well-mannered big dog than just providing the obvious needs of your new addition—food, water, and shelter. So before you fall hopelessly for that adorable bundle of fur, take the time to ask yourself the following pertinent questions.

Do I have time for a puppy?

If you work 15 hours a day and then go out to party afterwards, you should not get a puppy. Dogs are pack animals. They need companionship and, if regularly left by themselves for long periods of time, can develop a number of behavioral problems: chewing, barking, and resistance to housebreaking, to name a few. They will soon learn that this bad behavior gets results and, as far as they are concerned, negative attention is better than no attention at all.

Do I have a lot of patience?

Sooner or later, even the best puppy will do something wrong. After all, it is just a baby who still has a lot of learning to do. Will you raise your hand in anger when it uses your priceless oriental rug for a toilet? If so, you definitely should not get a puppy. Dogs need love and more understanding than you thought you would ever have, especially when they make mistakes. And they deserve lots of praise when they do something right.

What kind of dog should I get?

Basically, you should get a dog that fits your lifestyle. If you are a couch potato, you don't want a dog that requires a lot of exercise. If you have children, you want to get a breed that has a reputation for getting along well with them. You would hate to have your family get attached to its newest member, only to later find yourself in a position where you had to choose between keeping the puppy or your child because they don't get along. Make sure you research the various breeds carefully.

Do I have the room for a large dog?

Remember, that little fur-ball you fell in love with may easily grow to be 150 pounds or more. Unless you enjoy going for long walks two or three times a day, it would be cruel to own a Saint Bernard and live in a studio apartment. A Chihuahua, on the other hand, would probably do quite nicely in that environment.

Should I get purebred or a mixed breed?

Everyone seems to have an opinion on this subject but, ultimately, the choice is up to you. With a purebred from a reputable breeder, you pretty much know what you're getting in terms of size, appearance, and temperament. Mixed breeds, on the other hand, have the reputation for being more intelligent and healthier as a result of the crossbreeding. In reality, you odds of getting a good mix are basically fifty-fifty; a dog can inherit bad traits from its parents just as easily as good ones.

Does everyone in my family want a dog?

This is very important because everyone in your household should take an active role in raising your puppy. This is because dogs, by nature, are used to living in packs where there is a clear hierarchy of dominance and submission. Everyone in your "pack" must be willing to take the time to establish a position of authority over the puppy early on in the relationship. If not, there may be standoffs for the role of pack leader (also known as the "alpha" position) from your dog. Dominant behavior that may have been cute when your puppy weighed only 20 pounds can become a real nuisance and a potential danger when he or she is fully-grown.

Conclusion

The decision to acquire a potentially huge dog is an equally huge decision. Take your time and do not treat the matter lightly. Ask questions of owners, breeders, and trainers, and do as much research as possible before deciding which breed is right for you and your lifestyle. The more you know, the more likely you will be able to find a loyal, loving, and compatible companion.

– Moe Schober