The cost of puppy love

PROSPECTIVE owners should anticipate two kinds of expenses.

The first being equipment and veterinary expenses. The second consists of unknown expenses based on your puppy’s destructiveness in the first year.

I recall so clearly my Sasher, a female Rottweiler, chewing through the cables of my Satellite system, causing a short to the system and dish. I had to have a complete new system fitted. Every elbow and leg on our garden furniture was chewed plus any item we left lying around when she was not supervised. Today, I recommend all dogs be left in a crate when one is not able to supervise them. Young dogs must be watched like a human baby.

Some folk do not like the look of crates, they think of them as prisons, but this is a myth, Some owners keep their pups out of trouble by keeping the dog on a leash and attaching it to themselves. Baby gates are another excellent idea.
Wherever you live, your success as a dog owner depends on your ability to accept the frustrations of puppy raising with a smile on your face and the willingness to give your puppy time. If you are able to commit to this, you will receive this back tenfold.
It is vital to be aware that all puppies need training, not only in the home but also in a puppy class. If you do not have the time, then a puppy is not for you.

Forget the old gypsy story that you must wait one year to train a dog. I have dogs at four or five months that walk to heel without a leash, sit, stay and come when called. I also know of owners that have dogs of one or two years that jump up on them and tug them along the street. Never feel sorry for them, this is due to the fact that they have not attended a school.

Puppy planning
You can expect to pay many expenses during the first year of your puppy’s life. Variances within geographical areas should be expected. Some are one time purchases such as a sturdy crate. Others have annual expenses including general veterinary expenses and heartworm prevention.

Here’s a quick list:Folding crate, Kennel, Dog Bed, Baby gates, Collars and Leads. Microchipping, Grooming Brushes, Poop Scoop, Anti Chewing Spray, Pet Stain Remover, Fencing, Spay/Neuter, Vaccines, Heartworm preventative, Flea and Tick control, Obedience Classes, Toys, Chewies, Dog Shampoo, Boarding Kennels, Premium dog food.

Enjoy your puppy for he is only a puppy for a few months, I consider a dog at six months to be a dog.

Don’t miss David on Talk Radio Europe: Costa del Sol East (Calahonda to Nerja) 88.9fm Costa del Sol West (Calahonda to Algeciras) 91.9fm Jávea, Benidorm, Alicante 88.2fm Elche, Torrevieja, Orihuela 105.1fm Denia 95.3fm Costa Calida La Manga, Murcia, Mazarrón 92.7fm Mallorca 103.9fm or listen live worldwide on the web www.talkradioeurope.com <http://www.talkradioeurope.com> You can also tune in anywhere on the iPhone app Tunein Radio