When you’re getting ready for marriage, few gifts both underscore your commitment to one another and celebrate your upcoming wedding like a puppy. While purchasing a puppy for your bride-to-be can take some planning and work, this is a gift that has the potential to get your marriage off to a great start. Before you take the plunge and get a pup, there are a few things to consider.
Plan Pet Care Procedures
A puppy can be a lot of fun to raise, but having one is a commitment. When you raise a puppy together, it’s a good idea to clearly outline care schedules. Otherwise, one partner may end up doing most of the care, which can lead to resentment. Care schedules are most important when puppies are young. If they are left alone for more than six hours at a time, they may develop anxiety disorders. Puppies also have smaller bladders, so they will need to be let out more often than adult dogs.
If you and your fiancée have work schedules that keep you out of the house most days, you may need to hire a dog walker. This is usually surprisingly affordable, and it has the added benefit of helping your puppy socialize.
Part of puppy care is getting all the required vaccinations. On your first visit to the vet with your new puppy, your veterinarian will likely give you a vaccination schedule. Vaccinations protect your puppy’s health, and they’re essential if you want to take your puppy to group training classes.
Training is also essential if you want your puppy to grow up to be a well-behaved dog. In some cases, you may be able to train your puppy yourself. However, if group obedience classes are held near you, this can be a great way to teach your puppy how to listen to you even when distracted by other dogs. Socialization is an important facet of training, and group obedience classes let your puppy socialize with both dogs and people.
Ask Her Family About Allergies
There are many factors to consider for raising a healthy puppy. One of these elements has to do with allergies. Even if your fiancée loves dogs, caring for one when she has an allergy may prove to be difficult or impossible.
Of course, if the puppy is not going to be a surprise, you can simply ask your fiancée if she has any known allergies to dogs. But if you intend to surprise your bride-to-be, then you’ll want to talk to her family to ask about any allergies she has. Make sure you take her living situation into account as well. If she lives with roommates or family members, you’ll need to check and make sure none of them have allergies. Shedding is an issue with most dogs, and this can aggravate allergies.
In some cases, people with milder allergies to animals may opt to take a daily antihistamine in order to keep a pet. This isn’t a solution that works for everyone, though. If your bride-to-be has allergies, don’t assume she’ll be willing to take daily allergy medication. This medication can have several side effects, and not everyone is willing to take it daily.
Choose Your Supplies Early
Raising a puppy can become fairly expensive. And while you can save some money by purchasing supplies that are used, it’s a good idea to have all your supplies on hand before the puppy arrives.
Not everyone is sure exactly what’s needed when you buy a puppy. At a minimum, you’ll want a crate, collar and leash, food and water bowls, and appropriate food and treats. Most puppies chew almost constantly, so make sure you have several good-quality chew toys. You might also want a deodorizer/stain remover for when your puppy starts potty training. If you’re on a budget, take your time when shopping. You can find pet care products at just about every price point, and you can find affordable, well-made products if you look carefully.
There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to raising a puppy. As you choose your supplies, be sure to consult reputable guides. Some of them even make specific product recommendations. If you plan on buying a puppy from a breeder, he or she also may have specific recommendations. You can always buy additional supplies down the line, but it will be less stressful for you to have the bare essentials ready before the puppy arrives.
While a puppy can be an excellent pre-wedding gift for your fiancée, purchasing one shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Before you buy or adopt a pet, make sure that you do your research and have a plan for the puppy’s care. With some preparation, a new puppy can smoothly transition to be a part of your family.
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