New pet - What can i expect.

Discussion in 'Pets and Animal Lovers' started by padma0604, Jan 6, 2013.

  1. padma0604

    padma0604 Silver IL'ite

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    Hi all !

    We are thinking of bringing a pet - a pup (probably in April12). As i am a working mom, i am apprehensive about managing it - but cannot say no my child's dream of having a pet. In order to prepare myself i wanted to know what i can expect with this new addition. Practical work and time to be catered. We are not used to having a pet at all, and i am pretty concerned about having one. Can we manage to take proper care and train it properly....etc. I want to take care properly, so i am doing some ground work before we really can go for the pup. Please do give me inputs....It's nice to imagine cuddling a dog, but one has to do lot of work to keep it healthy, and well trained and treat it with kindness and firmness...wish i can do it !
     
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  2. namrathamorab

    namrathamorab Gold IL'ite

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    Well.. Be sure that you are ready to have another child at home!! Not to scare you but initially you will have to devote a lot of time attention the the new member in the family. Primary checks
    1. Plz check you are allegic to pet hair
    2. check for a trainer around your area
    3. Keep a vet very handy
    4. Be sure to get loads of love from your new pet!!
    Try bringing in a LAb they are more children friendly and homely.
     
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  3. Mommyagain

    Mommyagain Silver IL'ite

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    They are just like babies, but they grow up so fast! First, do good research on what breed suits you best.
    Factors to consider -
    how much space you have for the pet. Example, big dogs and one bedroom apartments- not a great idea.
    How much time and energy you have for the pet- if you work 12 hrs a day and like to relax and hang out with the kids in the living room in the evenings, having a hound might not be a good idea.
    How much time you have for grooming. Some breeds are more high maintenance than others. If you want a dog that does not require mch grooming, look for a breed with shorter hair that sheds less.
    How well they do with kids.
    Their health in general. Purebreds tend to have more congenital issues than mutts.
    I would personally adopt from a local shelter...
    Talk to a vet for more info. Get educated on vaccinations and other steps you can take to ensure a healthy pet. They are not too hard to potty train,but expect accidents in the beginning. Find a professional trainer and you'll be glad you did because the results are for life. Prepare your home for you pet and give your child the best friend they are looking for!
     
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  4. Absum

    Absum Silver IL'ite

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    Padma, you have received excellent suggestions from others posters. Since I like cats, I can't really help with the dog advice. But I did want to urge you to involve your child in the care of your new pet. Taking care of a pet is an excellent opportunity for children to learn to be responsible and conscientious in carrying out household duties. It teaches them to nurture other living creatures and creates situations where empathy, consideration, kindness and other positive caring traits can develop. It is very generous of you to take on the extra work of having a pet for the sake of your child. But don't feel you have to do it all. Even small children can help with re-filling food and water dishes, brushing coats, and teaching basic commands. I think having a pet can greatly enhance family life - make sure you also take full advantage of all the teachable moments your pet will provide. Good luck!
     
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  5. padma0604

    padma0604 Silver IL'ite

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    Thank you so much for the prompt reply. How about a Golden retriever??
     
  6. padma0604

    padma0604 Silver IL'ite

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    Thank you for the inputs. Yes my daughter promised to take care of the pet...and i agree with you in whatever you said.
     
  7. padma0604

    padma0604 Silver IL'ite

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    Wow so many things discussed here ! Yes lot of research work is being done by my daughter and we are equipped with the info alright. Taking the plunge is what is needed now. We discussed all the pros and cons ...
     
  8. padma0604

    padma0604 Silver IL'ite

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    Hello,
    Namratha, Absum and Mommyagain for your fantastic posts. I thought i was sending a reply to each one of you, when i clicked on the reply button adjacent to your post. But i don't know if you got them and so i am thanking you once again here !
     
  9. Paulina

    Paulina Moderator Staff Member Platinum IL'ite

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    Hi Padma,

    All our friends have given you valuable info on pet rearing ....all aspects have been covered and you have been alerted on all the likely hurdles that are bound to crop up.Wonderful reading all the FB's here.

    You have mentioned about your preference for a Golden Retriever.If you live in a home with enough garen space it will be fine .For apartments, smaller breeds like Daschunds, Poms, Pugs or Basset hounds will be easier to handle.Golden Retrievers shed a lot of hair...our neighbour has one and she is always moaning about this problem! They are adorable otherwise.
    If you like to you can get good mixed breeds from Blue Cross etc., which will be hardier and less susceptible to illnesses unlike Pedigreed ones .All of them require vaccinations and Vet care regularly ofcourse.
    We have a 6year old Lab and a two year old Basset Hound who keep us senior citizens entertained all the time.Dogs are definitely the best pets all dog lovers will swear by their doggies!
    Wishing you all the best to get your favourite breed who will soon become the VIP in your family...do keep posting about your pet with photos too.:cheers
     
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  10. padma0604

    padma0604 Silver IL'ite

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    Paulina,

    thanks for the post. We are looking at various breeds...not yet finalised that part. My 20 year old daughter (sorry when i said "my child" in the post it came out spontaneously.I did not think that it gives the impression of a small kid ) is very keen to have a pet and did all the research possible. She also said that there could be shedding of hair with this breed. So keeping in mind all the suggestions given i will go ahead !
    Have a wonderful day !
     

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