About Puppies

If you are considering getting a puppy for a pet, you are in good company. In America alone, over 50 million dogs are kept as pets, and the vast majority of those animals entered their homes as puppies. Puppies make energetic, amusing companions, but you should make sure you are ready for a puppy before you purchase one, because bringing a puppy into your family is a long-term commitment.

History of

No one knows for certain when the first dog was domesticated, but scientists believe that today's domestic dog came from the wolf. Early evidence shows that man domesticated the dog to help with hunting and herding, which dogs are still used for today. Eventually humans began selective breeding processes to produce puppies with specific characteristics, such as a certain coat color or hunting ability. This has led to the tremendous variance we see today among domesticated dog breeds. Today there are at least 300 distinct dog breeds found across the world.

The Facts

Technically speaking, a puppy is a dog that has not yet reached adulthood. Most people consider a dog that is less than one year old and not yet sexually mature to be a puppy. Puppies vary in size based on their breed. Small breeds may have puppies that weigh just one or two pounds, while larger breed puppies may weigh close to 20 pounds. A healthy puppy will be playful and curious about the world around him, providing hours of entertainment to his new owners.

Time Frame

As you are considering bringing a puppy into your home, you need to carefully consider the age of the dog. The American Humane Society recommends that puppies remain in their litters until they are 12 weeks old, because this is the time when they learn important social skills from their mothers and litter mates. Puppies enter "adolescence" at about 6 months of age. If you can, try to adopt a dog that is younger than 6 months old because by this time a puppy has already learned his place within a pack, and you may find that establishing dominance over the dog is more difficult. Ideally, look to adopt a puppy that is between 3 and 6 months of age. Keep in mind that dogs live for an average of 15 years.

Benefits

Owning a puppy carries many benefits. Research has shown that owning a dog actually has health benefits. You will need to walk your puppy regularly, which will force you to get exercise as you care for your dog. Owning a dog can also lower your blood pressure and provide stress relief. Puppies also bring psychological benefits to their owners. Puppies are automatic mood-boosters. It is nearly impossible to stay upset or sad when playing with a pup, and owning a dog will help you to feel less lonely, even if your house is otherwise empty.

Risk Factors

In spite of the many benefits, there are some risks to owning a puppy. Puppies who are not properly trained can turn into aggressive adult dogs. Puppies also cost a lot to raise. Over a typical 15-year lifespan, you could spend over $20,000 on your dog after buying food, paying medical bills and taking care of other needs like grooming and boarding. Puppies can also cause damage to your home. They are natural-born chewers, and they do not know that they are not supposed to chew on your expensive curio cabinet unless you take the time to teach them.

Expert Insight

So is a puppy right for you? If you feel that the benefits of owning a dog outweigh the costs and risks and are ready to make a long-term commitment to an animal, then you should consider buying a puppy. Choose your dog carefully by researching different breeds and choosing one that matches your family's lifestyle well. Once you get your new puppy home, take the time to patiently train him. Consider attending training classes to help you teach your puppy what is appropriate behavior in your home. With the proper care and training, your puppy will become a loved member of your family.

Resources

• Is a Dog or Puppy Right for Me?
• Surprising Pet Statistics