Someone may of already said this but I recently had it refreshed in my life. Bringing home a puppy,especially a tiny puppy, is not really any different than bringing home a people baby. You are pretty much bringing home a child. If a young dog isn't loved,cared for and trained as you would a child,you end up with attitude issues and a dog that you not only may not be able to take out in public,but one that has to be locked up when people come to visit you. This makes for misery for everyone for a very long time. Owning a dog can be a 15 +yr commitment and that means not only caring for a baby but at some time down the road caring for an aging friend,I am living this as well.
I brought home Mina,Monday night. Nothing got done around here yesterday,there are baby toys EVERYWHERE in my den,I am having to help the other dogs (5) get used to a new baby sister,dinner did not get cooked by me last night and I wont see the gym this week. On the flip side,she is the cutest,sweetest and one of the smartes furbabies that I have ever owned. The joy that I feel with her can only be matched by the other dogs and my people children.
Ask yourself what changes you would need to make if you were bringing home a people baby. |