buying a dog or puppy

[jw01]

So my gfs bday is coming up in a month and she's been wanting a puppy for a really long time...she stresses out about school and work so she's like may be a puppy will do me good.

She likes the yorkies or small really cute dogs. Can anyone recommend a breeder or a place to purchase the puppy from?

Thanks

 

[demien2k5]

A puppy is a LOT of work (more than many people realize), and adds yet another layer of responsibility in a family's life for years. If she 'stresses' over school and work already, is adding yet another responsibility for duty of care to her life at this juncture really the right way to go? Food for thought....

 

[GameBoy27]

So my gfs bday is coming up in a month and she's been wanting a puppy for a really long time...she stresses out about school and work so she's like may be a puppy will do me good.

She likes the yorkies or small really cute dogs. Can anyone recommend a breeder or a place to purchase the puppy from?

Thanks

So she has a job, goes to school and you want to get her a dog which will take up more of her time? Dogs need feeding, walking a few times a day. Don't forget you have to pick up their poop every day as well. It's also not fair to leave the dog alone for long periods of time. Like demien said, they're a lot of work.

Say to yourself...

So my gfs bday is coming up in a month and she's been wanting a baby for a really long time...she stresses out about school and work so she's like may be a baby will do me good.

Still sound like a good idea?

 

[Ms.FemmeFatale]

I wouldn't do it. Puppies are EXACTLY like babies. Everything said is 100% bang on. Feeding, bathroom, teaching/training, the teething, the up all hours of the night. It is a huge responsibility that should only be undertaken at the right time in one's life.

I haven't slept properly in 4 weeks. So I know what I am talking about. Don't get me wrong, I knew that going into this. I was prepared. It was the right time for me. Doesn't not sound like it is the right time for your GF

 

[Catherine St.Claire]

I'm a big believer that a pet does improve quality of life for some people. Having a pet is an intimately personal decision and you know your girlfriend better. I don't buy into the "purebred" nonsense tho. This is a fun yet very factually accurate take on what a purebred dog is...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCv10_WvGxo

smiles, cat

 

[one.of.a.kind]

 

[thumper18474]

Vet bills..
increase expenses. ..food (it ain't cheap)
Added responsibilities. ..it will cramp your travelling style if it isn't car trained quickly...some dogs just plain simply don't travel well..
plus initial cost of the dog... (a good reputable breeder won't sell a purebred cheap)..

 

[pulltoy2]

Dogs are social critters. They don't like being alone, and most prefer to be with their human buddies. Unless you either work at home or you can take the pooch to work with you, don't buy a dog. It's that simple.

Now back to the entertainment portion of our program...

 

[babyfinsta]

lots of responsibilities as per above and not to be entered into lightly. however, the rewards of companionship from a dog outweighs the cost.

If you do decide to do it anyways, go find a dog at the SPCA. They need a home more badly than some puppy mill. Buying from a puppy mill propogates an industry that should be put out of business.

 

[one.of.a.kind]

On the subject of vet bills. Watch out. There are a lot of revenue generating vets out there. Overkill big time.

Shots are a big one. Most shots are only needed every two to there years but they'll try to get you to update them yearly.

Dogs need heart-worm medication yearly but not the exam. That can be done every two years.

The vets know you love your pet and pray on that.

 

[Aardvark154]

Buying from a puppy mill propogates an industry that should be put out of business.

Never purchase a puppy from a puppy mill or a pet store, always patronize a reputable breeder (you can get a list from the breed association though the Canadian Kennel Club). Another option is the breeds rescue association which attempts to place dogs who have had to be given up with responsible good new owners.

 

[Titalian]

lots of responsibilities as per above and not to be entered into lightly. however, the rewards of companionship from a dog outweighs the cost.

If you do decide to do it anyways, go find a dog at the SPCA. They need a home more badly than some puppy mill. Buying from a puppy mill propogates an industry that should be put out of business.

Never purchase a puppy from a puppy mill or a pet store, always patronize a reputable breeder (you can get a list from the breed association though the Canadian Kennel Club. Another option is the breeds rescue association which attempts to place dogs who have had to be given up with responsible good new owners.

I agree with both these statements, even though my 13yr old schnauzer was purchased at a breeder.
I don't regret it, he's been a good family pet. But next time I will search out and rescue!

 

[Dorinda Bloom]

Your local SPCA has many furry 4-legged companions just waiting for a loving home!! But as others have said, there will be ongoing costs, and they won't be "cheap" so think long and hard about this one...

Good Luck!
"D"

 

[IM469]

..she stresses out about school and work so she's like may be a puppy will do me good.

or maybe not ! If not you have a 7/8 year daily commitment to weasel out of.

It's nice to hold and play with a puppy but there is 22 hours that you must now take care of the dog including the additional cleanup until it's toilet trained.

I think puppies & the dogs they grow into are great for married people. You spend your evenings at home and spontaneity soon disappears. A dog can be a great companion then.

When you are single ... taking a vacation trip .. you need someone to take care of the dog. With some friends and decide to stay over .. oops - the dog. The dog can be a huge anchor on any fun activities outside the home. I'd give it some serious thought.