Great idea for a thread. And great tips. The only one that I disagree with is the need to be home all day with a pup. Both my partner and I work 9-5 jobs, but we are great pet/puppy owners. So I think it's important to mention that there are alternatives (since many people work most of the day), such as hiring a dog walker to come by 1-2 times during the day, or just asking your neighbor to help out through the "puppy years". And if you are not home with the puppy all day, CRATE TRAINING is so important.

Okay...I'll add another tip in addition to what Elly posted. If you are new to pet owning (or even old to it), puppy obedience classes are so helpful - both in teaching basic obedience and also in helping to socialize the pup.

Also, learn about how to housebreak your pup - you'll be pulling your hair out if you are not prepared prior to getting him/her. There are lots of threads on here about that, but the key is to use a crate (they won't pee/poop where they sleep...just make sure they only have just enough room to turn completely around and lay down) and take them outside the second you remove them from the crate....then praise praise praise when they poop/pee outside. If they have an accident, do not stick their nose in it...it's cruel and they will have no recollection of what they did anyway (take the pup straight outside after it had an accident).

Having a pup is a HUGE responsibility. But if you are up to it, then it is SO rewarding!

Walk your dog everyday.

Crate train your dog.

Don't treat your dog like a person.

Teach your dog sit, stay, down and how to walk properly on a leash.

and for god sake, if your lifestyle changes and you cannot keep a dog, TAKE THEM TO TEH SHELTER OR GIVE THEM TO SOMEONE WHO CAN! i get so tired of finding new dogs at my house since the street corner where i live must be labeled as abandone dogs here or something. i am just far enough out in teh country that folks think my area is great for dumping unwanted pets. i don't want them either. i have my dog and that is all i want at this point in time. i don't believe in having an animal and not taking care of it, and this one has enough vet bills for me as it is.

If you are set on a finding a purebred, do your research into breeds and breeders. Know the negative and positive qualities of the breed, and be prepared to deal with each and every one of them. Certain breeds require a lot more work than others. Be sure they fit into your life style.

Puppyproof your home. For your sanity and the pup's safety.

I personally think Elly was shooting low with the $500 for a medical emergency - that is bare minimum, if you can't fathom spending that in an emergency, not a good idea.

Be sure you are prepared to take care of an animal who possibly may need medical care through out it's whole life. Are you prepared and willing to pill a dog or cat every day, or give injections at specific times and days?

And there is almost ALWAYS a solution to the problem, that comes before giving the dog away.

And, enjoy the hectic puppy days!! It won't be long before your dog is 10+ and you have to drag them out of bed in the morning!

Take some time every day to just play with and enjoy being with your dog or cat. Make it a priority! Your pet will love it and you will find you crave that time as much as they do -- 20 minutes giving my dog and cat a mini-massage is almost as good as a day at the spa for my own relaxation (and cheaper).

If something changes - behavior, vomiting, constant diarrhea, inappropriate elimination, limping, appetite - check with the vet to see what is wrong. Don't just hope it will "go away."

FWIW, here are my thoughts after 40 years of owning cats and dogs:

Get your pet microchipped. Good way to protect them and up the chances of your getting them back if they get away from you.

NEVER leave an animal alone with a young child or children. Children must be taught how to approach pets, care for them, and handle them. When you can trust a child to be alone with an animal and act responsibly depends on the child and on your educating them. Parents, this will take lots of work and time - if you are not able to do it, or think you don't have to, please don't bring a pet into your house.

I have seen and or heard too many cases of animals being killed or severely injured through children's ignorance and rough handling. And when the pet defends itself by biting or snapping, it is then put down.

Also, as obvious as it seems, NEVER leave your pet alone/ unsupervised in your yard. This is how so many either get into trouble or hurt themselves, or or stolen or seriously injured by passing people (too many sick souls will tease/torture an animal if noone is watching). Also, given this rotten economy, the money people make selling animals to research labs and dogfighting rings is an easy way to make a living or pick up some extra cash. Please, protect your pets!

Hope this helps.

Treat your dog like a dog---not a human. If you want a buddy, join a club with people who have similar interests.

Dogs need structure---dog structure, not human structure. Learn how to be the pack leader. Learn how dogs treat other dogs. Learn how to stop unwanted behavior before it starts---that is a much more effective way to train. Be consistant.

You can love/cuddle/whatever after the dog understands you are the pack leader. The way it need to be done varies with the dog/breed/personality. Pekes do not need the same type structure as bulldogs.

Please remember that there are literally thousands of ways to train your dog. Positive reinforcement, lots of leash walking and socialization is a must (PS - I am not 100% on board with crate training - it is not for every owner or every dog)
Oh yeah and dont feed your dog crappy food. Avoid corn, meat by products and lots of fillers. Dont feed your dog avocado, almonds, chocolate, grapes or lots of people food. Bananas and carrots are good treats.
Just my 2 cents worth

If you decide to get a "purebred" dog, research the breed to make sure it will "work' with your family. Don't get a chihuahua if you have small children. Don't get a pointer or weimeraner if you don't have lots of time to let it run and exercise it.

Research breeders, too, and make sure they can trace and document the line back 4 generations. Get recommendations from other owners.

Do not buy or adopt on impulse or from a pet shop.

Also, if your liftstyle does not allow for a puppy, remember that there are lots of good dogs at the animal shelters who require a smaller initial investment of time.

My neighbor and I both got our dogs last August - mine is a puppy from a breeder, hers is a two-year old from a local animal shelter. While I struggle through puppy issues, my neighbor has a fully housetrained and socialized dog - no accidents, shredded shoes or chewed fingers. I am envious!

Before you get an animal, make sure that you can afford it. The cost of vet care and good, nutritious food has skyrocketed. Your pet will need annual routine care such as shots, teeth cleaning, etc, as well as emergency costs, so know what you are in for, and budget accordingly.

Also, there is a FAQs link at the top of this page. You are welcome to email me if you have a topic that you want to add. I like the posts on this thread, I will add some of them this week.

-Michelle

Research your veterinarian prior to needing him or her.
A typical puppy will cost well over $500 in veterinary care in the first 6 months for vaccinations, deworming, heartworm prevention, flea/tick control, and spay/neuter. Do you have $500 for this basic care? Are you comfortable giving your veterinarian $500 or more? Better be sure!

Things you will need to know:

What are their hours?

Where do you go in case of emergency? If your vet is not 24/7/365, research their emergency clinic as well. Your pet can live or die in their care.

What are their vaccination policies for your pet's lifestyle? Are they in line with current recommendations (link below)? What vaccines are required for boarding, hospitalization, etc?

How are the receptionists? Are you put on hold forever? Do the receptionists sound competent, frazzled, bored, like you're interrupting their busy day?

You need to feel comfortable with the person who is helping you care for your pet. You need to be OK with their advice and be OK to question it.

I forgot to put in the website for current vaccine protocols. Oops.

Here is a link that might be useful: DVMvac by Dr. Rich Ford