Getting a puppy is probably one of the most exciting things in the world. They’re adorable, cuddly, and full of energy – but, as any dog lover will tell you, they’re also a lot of work.
On the one hand, you have a tiny ball of fluff running around your house, looking at you with big bright eyes and those adorable head tilts. On the other, you have a chewing machine and a furry little escape artist.
Yup, a pup can bring you much joy and laughter, as well as sleepless nights and skyrocketing stress levels. Here are five challenges you may encounter with a new furry bundle of joy.
1. A pup can bleed your wallet (or purse) dry
Like newborn babies, a puppy can be really expensive. One visit to the nearby pet store will tell you that.
Here are some essentials you’d need to get: collar, leash, dog bowls, chew toys, snacks, playpen, pee pads, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, more chew toys and, of course, puppy food.
These are enough to burn a hole in your pocket. Factor in veterinary clinic visits, vaccinations, and a separate set of cleaning supplies for your home, and you may cry yourself to sleep. Oh, and did we mention chew toys?
2. You now have an extroverted, overzealous housemate
A puppy is a ball of energy – or a force of chaos. While they do sleep most of the time (appreciate and cherish these moments of peace and quiet), they are constantly on the move when they are awake.
Be prepared for a housemate who follows you around wherever you go (which can be endearing… sometimes), has random bursts of energy that results in zoomies, jumps on the couch or bed uninvited, and wants to explore the outside world – constantly!
3. Your time no longer belongs to you
Until your puppy can be independent, most of your time will be spent taking care of him or her. Be prepared to wake up really early to feed your furbaby; if you’re not a morning person, good luck!
Then there’s the constant trip to your puppy’s regular “toilet spots” lest you want a house with pee puddles and poo mountains.
Let’s not forget playtime, walks, pats and head scratches, which are all important for the health and development of your furry one.
Also, in case you didn’t know, having a puppy means constantly cleaning your home to avoid it being messy and/or stinky. Sayonara to Netflix binges or late-night mamak sessions with your mates!
4. Leaving your pup at home alone
If you can get a dogsitter – another expense – or a family member to take care of your puppy, count yourself lucky. But if you have a full-time job, then leaving your puppy unattended for nearly half a day is not only ill-advised, it’s irresponsible.
Puppies need constant care and attention, and leaving them alone for long hours can make them depressed and anxious. If you really have no choice but to leave your pup, you might be the one who ends up feeling depressed, anxious, and hit with guilt.
This is why training your puppy to be comfortable in a playpen is important, so you can at least place him or her in a safe, enclosed space and prevent them from unleashing their mischief.
5. Be vigilant or prepare to lose your wires
Like most growing things, puppies go through a teething stage. Watch out, shoes, furniture, wires, or any part of your body – your pup will want to sink his teeth into them and chew until the cows come home!
It’s important to keep an eye on your little furkid at all times to prevent damage to your belongings or property; otherwise, you’d end up having to pay for a new laptop cable.
More importantly, you’d want your pup to be safe at all times and not sink its little teef into something it ought not be sinking its teef into!
All in all, if you’re thinking about getting yourself a little baby doggo, prepare yourself for some huge challenges… but also get ready for a lifetime of joy, laughter and loyal companionship.