4 min read (Articles narrated by Mabel)
Now, I know the title of this post might sound harsh, but hear me out. Almost every family wants a puppy. And who can blame them? Puppies are cute, tiny, and it’s fun to see them grow into their big puppy paws. But as I’ve said before, don’t bring home a new animal just because they’re cute. Even if you think puppies are the cutest things in the world, they might not be right for you. Here are some reasons that most people aren’t ready for a puppy.
Puppies Can’t Be Left Alone for Long
If you have a full-time job outside of your home, then a puppy isn’t for you. While adult dogs can hold their bladder for most of the day, puppies cannot. Young puppies shouldn’t be alone for more than an hour or two. Puppies can only hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age. And if you force them to hold it longer, potty training might only become harder. While older dogs also shouldn’t be alone more than they have to, puppies are more of a full-time commitment.
Puppies Need Lots of Training
Since young puppies haven’t lived in a forever home before, they have a lot to learn. Puppies need training, including potty training, household manners, and basic commands. Adult dogs might already have knowledge in these areas, but getting a puppy is like starting from scratch. So, you need to be able to set aside time to train your puppy. And most importantly, you need to be willing to be patient with them.
Puppies Have Accidents
Even if your puppy is doing well with potty training, accidents can still happen. Not only potty accidents, but also chewing and destroying things. Puppies are young and inexperienced, so they really don’t know any better. So, you need to be able to stay calm and not lose your temper when they misbehave. If they get into trouble, it just means that you need to focus on training even more.
Puppies Love Attention
Most dogs love attention, but puppies especially crave it. After all, younger dogs are often full of energy, so they want to run around and play with you every chance they get. This might sound fun in theory, but it can be exhausting after a while. A puppy might take all your attention away from your usual hobbies for a while. So, you need to be willing to spend lots of time with your new family member. And if they’re becoming too clingy, don’t feel bad giving them a little alone time so you can focus on you.
Puppies Are Expensive
All pets are expensive. After all, you’re welcoming another living thing into your home. But puppies are especially expensive because they might have more medical needs, they might rip through more toys and other objects, they will eat a lot of food to match their growth spurts, and they’ll need all the basic supplies that all dogs need. Plus, you should have lots of money set aside in case your puppy needs emergency vet care. So, if you’re not financially stable, you’re not ready for a pet, especially not a puppy.
Puppies Are Best for Experienced Dog Lovers
Many new dog parents make the mistake of getting a puppy as a first-time pet. But puppies are better suited for someone who has had a dog before. With an adult dog, what you see is what you’ll get. You’ll still have to do some training and spend a lot of money, but they won’t be as demanding as a puppy. So, if you’re dying to bring home a puppy, consider all the difficulties that come with a younger dog. Perhaps an older dog is better for you. After all, dogs never stop being cute, no matter how old they are. (I mean, look at me! I’m 7 and still adorable.)
So, am I saying you should never get a puppy? Of course not! Rescues and shelters get puppies in often, so it’s great that people are adopting them. But the point of this post was to get humans to really consider the decision. Many people are distracted by a cute puppy face without thinking about the extra work that puppies bring. Adult dogs can be just as cute and lovable as puppies, so don’t overlook a dog just because they’re not young anymore.
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Mabel the Rescue Dog 