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There are many questions that influence not only if you should have a dog or a puppy, but also what type of dog to have and if you decide to go to a rescue center or a breeder. However, the main thing among all this is that you wonder if your current lifestyle is compatible with a dog and, in case you need to make any changes, if you are prepared to do so. Also read: best protection for dogs.

Questions to consider before having a dog:

• Have children? If so, how old are they? You may have to take the time to educate your young children about how they should behave with a dog. You may also need to consider where the dog will spend time if you are not around all the time, since young children should not be left alone with a dog.
• Do you have other pets? If so, how could they react to a new addition? Introducing a dog to current pets is something that should be done gradually.
• Do you have a garden? If so, is it safe? Do you need to check for holes in the fence or poisonous plants and other hazards? If you don't have a garden, how can the dog access the outside when he needs it?
• Do you work full time? If so, will you be out all day? Can someone else take care of the dog during the day, to help train him when he is young or to walk him and make sure he has water?
• How much do you travel? If you go on vacation a lot, will your dog go with you? What is your plan if it cannot accompany you?
• Can you finance your dog's needs, including pet insurance, food, vet bills and grooming?

Do you have the necessary time for a puppy?

One of the most important questions you should ask yourself is if you have time to care for and train a puppy. Puppies require a lot of care and attention to ensure they don't get hurt, train them and help them become well-adapted dogs.

For example:

• Puppies need a lot of support to train them and help them adapt to their new homes. As they grow, they will continue to need a lot of exercise regularly. If you are away from home all day, a puppy may not be right for you.
• The training and behavior program should begin as soon as possible, when your puppy naturally has an excellent learning ability. This can be a rewarding process, but it takes a lot of time and constant reinforcement.
• When you have just arrived at your home, you will have to be present during regular feeding hours and monitor your dog's training and conduct behaviors at home.
• Because it is full of energy and everything catches your eye, your puppy needs to play a little and often, which requires care, attention and planning. For example, you should share part of your playing time with other dogs, so that you learn to socialize.

Is your home environment safe for a dog?

There is no single type of environment suitable for a dog. You might have children and other pets, which you should consider. You may live in a city, in the countryside, in an apartment or in a house. Whatever the environment, the important thing is that it is safe for your pet.

Puppies, in particular, are very receptive to their surroundings and the effect of negative experiences endures for a long time. Today's habitat is usually urban and life in the city is accompanied by numerous frequent and often intense visual and auditory stimuli. It is extremely important that your puppy does not associate the environment where he lives with some fear or some unpleasant sensation.

Life in the city can be very stimulating for a puppy, but, at the same time, very overwhelming. You should take the time to gradually familiarize him with his surroundings, as well as with the various situations he will face: cars, escalators, elevators, trains, trams or buses, to name just a few.

The puppy should also learn to be home alone sometimes, for longer and longer periods, without getting scared or becoming destructive or loud.

What should be considered:

• Exposed electrical cables
• Any place where a puppy could get stuck or fall, such as windows, balconies or stairs
• Access to toxic substances, including cleaning products, electronic cigarette refills, medications, chemical fertilizers, sharp tools, herbicides and insecticides
• Holes and holes in the garden where a puppy could escape, and poisonous plants
• Poisonous plants, such as ficus, cyclamen, holly, mistletoe, philodendron, aloe, daffodil, hyacinth, iris, azalea, rhododendron, oleander and peas.

Getting a dog can lead to a rewarding and long-term relationship. If you make sure that your home and your lifestyle can meet the health and safety needs of your new dog, you can greatly guarantee a healthy and happy life together.

There are several things that affect the cost of having a dog and you have to take into account all your needs, such as grooming, veterinarian bills, insurance and, of course, food and protection like best dogs protection. However, although the cost of having a dog can vary depending on the breed, age, health and lifestyle of you and your pet, there are several things you should consider for the long-term benefit of your dog.

The cost of buying a dog

Having a dog carries legal responsibilities. The rules and duties of the owner will vary according to the legislation of the country, but there are some basic aspects.

• Purchase costs: The purchase of a dog is considered a commercial transaction, since the seller (breeder) and the buyer have legal obligations. The buyer must pay the agreed price for a "good" that is in good condition and working (neither sick nor disabled) and that meets all the expected characteristics (for example, breed standards). Usually, there is a contract and a fee at the point of purchase.
• Mandatory identification: To prevent fraud and possible demand, many countries have implemented specific rules such as mandatory identification, either by a tattoo or a microchip. Of course, this data must be registered, stored and managed by a central organization (usually national). Most of the time, the breeder will take over the identification process. This is usually done at the veterinarian during the first vaccination visit. When you take your dog home, you should not forget to register it with your name and make sure your data is updated if you change your address or phone number. This is the only way people can locate it if your dog is lost. It is also useful to prove that you own the dog.
• Registration: In many countries a property certificate or an official declaration of dog care is mandatory, and sometimes cities implement their own specific laws. Be sure to comply with all legal obligations. If you don't do it, the authorities may take it away.
• Compulsory vaccinations: Puppies have two series of vaccines in the first 12 weeks of life. It is likely that the breeder or rescue center has dealt with the first series; however, if you take the puppy home before 12 weeks of age, you may need to take care of the second vaccination yourself. This is not covered by pet insurance.

Insurance cost

Ensuring your pet has two elements. The first is to support the health and welfare of your pet in case of accidents or unforeseen health problems. The second is in case of damage caused by your pet.

• Third party insurance: It is advisable to obtain insurance to cover any damage or accident caused by your dog, as well as to help you in case of veterinary bills and unexpected health problems.
• Unforeseen costs: Cuddly puppies may bite valuables (glasses, furniture, etc.) from friends or visitors, although generally that insurance does not cover damage to your own belongings. Also, God forbid, you will be legally responsible if your dog causes a traffic accident (for example, someone who goes astray to avoid hitting it).
• Health insurance: In some countries, it is also possible to buy medical coverage for your dog. This practice is well developed in North America, Western Europe and Japan. You should find out if there is pet insurance available in your country before purchasing one.
• Pre-existing conditions: Most of the policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, so it is a good idea to get the contract for your puppy. Many chronic or debilitating diseases (for example, skin allergies or growth disorders) are diagnosed at an early age.
• Creating your own policy: If there is no insurance for pets in your country, or if you do not want to invest money in it, one way to prepare for any health problem is to make your own policy. Since your pet is a puppy, decide a monthly amount of money you will save. This will be a kind of "savings account" for your dog. It will accumulate gradually and can be very useful if something happens to your pet. Hopefully you do not need it, but the amount saved will be very useful for the care of when it is old or ... for a new belt or bed.

The cost of cleanliness and health

The permanent costs of having a dog depend largely on the dog's breed, age and lifestyle. 

• Nutrition: Food is a permanent and obvious cost, but if your pet does not have allergies or unusual food requirements, you may be able to predict them in advance. Just be sure to opt for a diet that meets all the pet's nutritional requirements.
• Toilet: Brushing, washing, nail control and tooth brushing will vary considerably depending on the breed of dog you have. However, it is likely that the cost of cleaning has more to do with time than with finances.
• Fleas, ticks and parasites: All parasites can be controlled and, to some extent, avoided with the use of continuous treatment. There are several options available, and your veterinarian can advise you on the right choice for you and your pet. However, this is likely to represent a regular cost when having a pet.

Lifestyle and travel

An area that can have a big impact on the costs of having a dog is the owner's lifestyle.

• Dog Walkers: If you are not home for long periods of time, or you cannot exercise your pet at some time, you will have to pay a dog walker or a caretaker on a regular basis.
• Dog residences: In case you decide to travel without your pet, you should also take into account the rates of the residences or the cost of a dog sitter.
• Passports and vaccinations: If you choose to travel with your pet, you must take into account the time and financial cost of investing in a pet passport and the consequences that this may have on your vacation, such as mandatory veterinary appointments in the country of destination.

Adopting a dog can be an emotional decision, and it is accompanied by great emotion. However, practical aspects, such as the costs of having a dog, must be taken into account to ensure that you can provide the best level of care for your pet throughout its life.