Are you ready for a new puppy? When deciding on a new puppy, there are more factors than how much is that doggie in the window. Puppies require commitment, patience, time and money. Each Christmas, doggie sales and adoptions soar! Even though your intentions are good, never surprise someone with a new puppy or dog unless you are positive they want one. Your gift not only brings cute unconditional love, but a commitment including training time and a good amount of money! Fido for Christmas sounds great, but after the holiday, far too many unwanted pets are returned or dumped. So, it’s always a good idea to go over Santa’s head and allow your loved one in on the ownership decision.

There are many other factors to getting a new puppy. How will your new dog affect your existing pets? It’s important to know if your pets have been socialized with other dogs. When choosing a puppy consider your job and other commitments. Dogs are pack animals and need attention as much as food and water. The easiest way to upset your dog and cause permanent damage is to habitually ignore it. The most important time in a puppy’s life is between 3 and 12 weeks. During this time a new puppy learns about you, the house rules and their surroundings. A new puppy that is neglected can become aggressive, so make sure you’re ready to fit them into your life. Make sure you factor in how much time you need to train your new puppy. This is crucial to your future relationship with the dog. Remember, owners that have an unruly pet have no one else to blame but themselves, and most behavior problems are caused by neglect. New Moms and Dads should also consider the cost of a new puppy. As mentioned before, the cost of owning a dog is nothing to ignore. Pet supplies, puppy toys, training, and veterinary care can cost hundreds of dollars each year.

The decision to get a new puppy needs to be well thought out, weighing both the pros and cons. If you choose to accept this mission you will be rewarded more than words could say. Finding the perfect companion is fun and exciting for the whole family. Your furry family member will surely bring you joy, unconditional love and companionship for many years to come.

Grant Carroll proud father of three dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters. Also visit Little Pampered Babies where you can find Baby Clothes and Baby T-Shirts

Choosing a vet for your dog is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for him, so it’s important to take your time and make an informed decision.

Referrals from other pet-owners is a good place to start when looking for a vet. Even though your friends may have different expectations than you, at least you’ll have a list of good prospects to check out.

The first thing to consider is how you feel once you’re in the examining room. It doesn’t matter how many diplomas the vet has, or how many credentials are framed and hanging on the walls of his office. What really matters is that your dog — and YOU — feel comfortable. Make sure you can communicate well with your veterinarian, and that you feel comfortable asking any questions at all regarding your dog’s health. If you feel that your veterinarian isn’t taking the time to answer your questions in terms you can understand, it’s probably time to look for a new vet.

Ask what types of services are available at his/her particular clinic. It’s also important that you have a number to call in case of after-hours emergencies. If you plan to purchase pet health insurance, make sure the clinic you’re at accepts it.

Some vets consider some vaccinations essential, while others don’t. And some vets have a particular schedule for vaccinations, while you may have strong feelings about the extent to which your dog should be vaccinated. Be sure you and your potential veterinarian agree (or agree to disagree) on this important topic.

Once you’ve decided on the veterinarian you want to work with, don’t be a stranger. Your puppy will be visiting the clinic often, since most vaccination programs start at about 6-8 weeks of age and continue every few weeks until your pup is 3-4 months old.

Basic vaccinations, like the one for rabies, are absolutely necessary; however, depending on where you live, others may be optional.

Here’s a short list of suggested vaccinations, but we recommend checking with your veterinarian for the best advice for your particular breed and age of dog:

* Rabies * Parvovirus * Distemper

* Canine Hepatitus * Coronavirus * Parainfluenza

* Leptospirosis * Canine Cough * Lyme Disease

It’s also extremely important to protect your pet from heartworm. This is a potentially fatal infection that is caused by a parasite spread by mosquitoes, so it is simple to prevent. Be sure to talk with your vet about protecting your pet from this dangerous, life-threatening infection.

Lisa Pallardy is the owner of http://www.BarkTalk.com an interactive site for dog lovers to find articles and information on dog training and care, post photos of their pets, and talk with other dog-lovers. She is also the mother of 6 children and lover of 3 dogs. In her spare time, she makes greeting cards from children’s artwork at http://www.MyLittleRembrandt.com

For more articles like this one on dog care and dog training, or for links to resources where you can purchase dog supplies, visit http://www.BarkTalk.com