Everyone loves puppies. They are small, cute, fluffy and playful. But behind that cuteness, there is a lot of responsibility that most people don’t think about. Getting a puppy is not just about having a cute companion, it’s about work, patience and commitment as well.
The hard part
When you bring a puppy home, your life changes right away. They need your attention. You have to feed them by schedule and take them out for a walk from time to time.They chew on your shoes, furniture and also the things you didn’t think they’d be able to reach. You might lose sleep because they might cry at night or need to go outside. Honestly, it might feel like you are taking care of a baby.
Nancy Tucker, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Certified Dog Trainer said,
“Maintaining and training a young puppy can be exhausting, even for highly experienced dog trainers,” in an article from Whole Dog Journal.
It’s not only about time, but also money as well. Puppies need shots, check-ups, food, toys and training. If you’re not ready, it could be stressful and overwhelming.
The good part
For all that hard work, there is a huge payoff. Puppies grow into loyal, loving dogs who will always be there for you. They make you laugh with their silly habits, cuddle with you which can make you feel happy and not lonely, and maybe push you to be outside or be more active.
A professional trainer Hannah Antrobus from The Spaniel Guru explained it well,
“The truth is having a puppy is hard, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, and in turn for your love and patience they give you back heaps of enjoyment, loyalty and a lifetime of memories and fun together,” said Antrobus.
Taking care of puppies teaches you a lot of things.You learn patience when they don’t listen, responsibility when you need to put their needs first, and even time management because their schedule becomes part of your day. Honestly speaking, nothing feels better than coming home and seeing your puppy running to greet you like you’re the best person in the world.
So…is it worth it?
Yes, if you are ready for it. If your life is already super busy or you don’t have time or the energy, it might not be fair for you or the puppy. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, you’ll gain more than a pet; you’ll gain a best friend.
The truth is raising puppies isn’t easy. There will be moments when you feel tired, frustrated or even regretful, but those moments won’t last forever. What lasts is the bond you build with your puppy and the love you share. And that makes all the hard work worth it in the end.
