Are you ready for a puppy?

Before you decide to get a puppy, ask yourself some tough questions. Can you afford it - the food, the toys, the visits to the veterinarian, the yearly exams, and all the rest? Do you have the time required - to potty train the pup, walk him, socialize and train him, and spend quality time with him? Are you ready for the responsibilities of ownership? A puppy is a high-maintenance pet.

Have you researched the type of dog that will fit best into your home and lifestyle? Is your energy level compatible with the adult dog your puppy will become? Are you prepared to be an assertive, patient, calm pack leader? If you’ve got the right answers and can offer a lifetime commitment, you are definitely ready for a puppy.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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