[TrishB]

People seem to have idealistic views when it comes to getting a puppy. How much fun it will be. How cute it will be. But there are changes that will occur that you might not have thought of. Please read this if you're a first time / first time in a long time prospective owner:

1. Your schedule will have to change. You cannot go for drinks after work because you have a puppy / dog waiting for you at home. You cannot go out late and spend the night somewhere else - you have a puppy / dog waiting for you at home.

2. Puppies are inconsistent. Just because they slept through the night last night doesn't mean that they will tonight. Just because they behaved yesterday doesn't mean that they will today.

3. Yes, your puppy is very cute. No, that's not enough of a reason for all of your friends and family to expect your puppy / dog to come with you whenever you visit. No, they don't have to accommodate your puppy / dog.

4. You are the primary giver of care for your puppy / dog. Don't expect anyone else to do it for you. Unless you're prepared to do it 24/7, 365 days a year, don't get a dog.

5. Chewing is a life long persuit for some dogs. Accept it.

6. Not everyone will want to hear about the cute thing your puppy / dog did yesterday.

7. Training is a life long persuit for all dogs. Accept it.

8. No, you can't leave your dog in your car in the summer. No, not even for a minute. Either leave your dog at home or get to your destination and then go back for what you needed without the dog in your car.

9. Dogs are expensive. Food, training, veterinary care, medications, grooming, supplies, competitions, books, memberships, etc. are constant and should be considered in your monthly budget.

10. Regardless of how well you train your dog, someone will not like it. It is up to you to do your best to change their mind, and then to agree to disagree - they don't HAVE to like your dog. Accept it.

11. Your dog will age. Just because they are older doesn't mean their needs are any less. In fact, they'll go up. Prepare for it - both financially, time and emotionally.

12. Doggy messes happen. Poop, urine, vomit and slimy goobers. Plan to deal with it for the life of your pet.