Adding a dog to your family can be a truly enriching experience. But before you make that final decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think about these questions:

• Why do you want a pet?

It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy or kitten usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years. What role do you want this puppy to play in your life…companion, guardian, show dog? Keep in mind that Pet Pad puppies are only sold as companion pets and not as breeding stock or potential show dogs. Puppy-buying should never be a "spur of the moment" thing. A lot of thought, consideration and exploration should be undertaken before a new pup is brought into a home. Owning a dog is a lifestyle choice that needs thorough study with an eye towards the care, obligation and responsibility entailed for the life of that pet.

• Can you afford a pet?

The monetary costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, pet deposits, food and other expenses add up quickly. Are you prepared to deal with special problems that only a pet can cause? Flea infestations, chewing, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housebroken, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership. Your puppy will also require heart-worm prevention through-out its life, as well as other routine vaccinations and care.

• Is this a good time for you to adopt a puppy?

Having a dog is a wonderful experience-when the time is right.  Think carefully about how this possible new addition will affect your family and schedule.   If you're a student, in the military, or travel or move frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is a wise choice.

• Does anyone in the family have an allergy to this pet?

Dogs carry allergens that can cause bad reactions in some people. Make sure you have checked everyone who will interact with this pet for allergies before you bring the pet home. We do not return pets for allergy situations.

• Do you have time for a dog?

Dogs, cats and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to properly care for them.

A new puppy should not be kept in a crate or confined area more than 8 hours. Dogs are pack animals who need ongoing interaction with others. Some one should come home at least once during the day to socialize the pup and let it out to do its business. If you are unable to do this and are not willing to hire a dog-sitter to come in and attend to the puppy during the day, you should consider a different pet other than a dog.

• Can you have a dog where you live?

Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest require pet deposits and have other restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.

• Does everybody in the family want to have a new puppy?

Make sure all the people who share your home know about this new puppy and agree to accept it into the home before you bring it home. You should never surprise someone with a puppy. It may be a responsibility that they do not want.

The best time to get a puppy is after your child reaches the age of five.  It is not always pleasant caring for both a new puppy and a baby. Also, younger children do not have the understanding to be compassionate and gentle to a dog all of the time.  You should always supervise youngsters with the puppy.  

Generally, working dogs such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Boxers are good-natured, sturdy dogs that are well-suited for rough playing that children will prefer.  Some of the toy breeds and terriers may not enjoy the noise, rough play, sudden movements that go along with having young children around. 

Whichever breed you choose, keep in mind that children must be taught that a dog is a living creature requiring love, affection, respect and understanding.  Watch how your child interacts with friend's or neighbor's dogs to better determine how your child will respond to his or her own dog.  Consider getting the child a smaller pet first, such as a hamster, fish or small reptile.  They are generally easier to care for, take up less space and don't cost as much.  That way the child can learn about pet responsibility and see the direct results of their care.  This will prepare them for the responsibility of caring for a larger pet such as a cat or dog.

A fundamental decision you need to make is which sex you plan to buy. Males are typically larger than females. They can spray and mark areas as well as wander more than females. A female that has not been spayed will come into season approximately twice a year, at which time you must take measures to isolate her from males and prevent staining in your home. We recommend having your dog spayed or neutered at the earliest opportunity. These procedures do not change a dog's personality, and can help preserve its health and curb the pet population. Whether you purchase a male or a female is a personal decision: one may be more difficult to house-train than the other; one too quiet and demur. It depends on your time, activities and interests, as well as what pup you fall in love with. Sometimes you need to let intuition be your guide.

Something to decide before the puppy comes home is where it will stay. Will you have a plastic or metal kennel ready to provide a safe place for the puppy? Where will the puppy stay during the day? What about at night? Is your yard fenced in and made "dog-proof".

Even crate-training can take a month or more to properly house-break your puppy. Are you prepared for cleaning out the crate when accidents occur? There may even be a few accidents on the floor before the puppy learns how to hold it and where the proper bathroom spot is outside. New puppies that are acclimating to a new home can have accidents such as diarrhea, urine, & vomit. If you do not wish to go through the "new puppy experience", there are many fine older dogs available at the Wake County Humane Shelter that also need a home.

• Are you aware of the behavior traits of this particular breed?

Too often, prospective dog owners select a breed based upon its physical characteristics or "cuteness" factor, with the assumption that all dogs act alike.  There are 147 different breeds recognized by the AKC. Each pure-bred dog was created and developed to do a job for man. Thousands of generations have created breeds that have a genetic propensity to act in certain ways. Some dogs retrieve, some herd, some guard and protect, some dig and kill rodents, and some were bred just to be spoiled. Some breeds will test your training methods and patience more than others. When considering a certain breed, you need to know how big it will get, how easy it is to train, what is its temperament like. Please do not rely only on our employee’s limited knowledge of each breed. You need to do your homework and carefully investigate the breed you are interested in. Our Employees can give you the basics, but it is up to you do find out if this breed is the right one for you.

Pure-bred dogs are prone to different health problems for various reasons. Selection of particular traits may also inadvertently cause some health problems. This doesn’t mean that your puppy will have any of these problems, but you need to be aware of the potential specific health concerns of this breed before you make your decision.

Most dogs shed. Shedding may increase at certain times of the year. But there will probably be hair dropping on your floor from time to time. Consistent brushing and grooming will help but not erase the situation. Is the breed you are considering one that requires periodic professional grooming? This can add to the annual cost of upkeep.

• Do you know who will care for your pet while you are away on vacation?

You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors, or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.

• Should you breed this dog?

We recommend no. Breeding correctly is a very labor-intensive, time-consuming and expensive endeavor best left to those who have the experience and know what they are doing. Buying this puppy with the hopes of making your money back by breeding is an unwise and risky plan. Back-yard breeders are one of the largest causes of unwanted dogs languishing in the county pounds and human shelters.

• Will you be a responsible pet owner?

Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, keeping your dog vaccinated against rabies and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible pet owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet and regular veterinary care are other essentials.

• Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire life?

When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards. Dogs give us unconditional loyalty, love and acceptance. They provide constant companionship. No matter what kind of day you have had, there will always be someone who is glad to see you come home. But you must make the commitment to your dog that you will care for it and keep it healthy and happy through-out its whole life.

Thank you for reading this and taking the time to consider a Pet Pad puppy.