What impact will your environment have on your choice of pet?
Although it is possible to have puppies and dogs in apartments, some breeds may not be suitable for apartment life. If you rent, ask your landlord (1) if there is a weight, size or breed restriction, and (2) whether you need to pay a pet deposit. Do this BEFORE you get a dog! Whether you rent or own your home you need to think about your dog’s safety. If you have a yard, do you have a secure fence? Are there areas where your dog could jump over the fence? Are there places where a curious puppy could squeeze under the fence? Do you have wrought iron that is spaced far enough apart for a puppy to slip though it? If your neighborhood doesn’t allow fences what will you do? Is your home near a lake, pond or river that a curious puppy could fall into and drown or swim away and be lost? Do you have a swimming pool that a curious puppy could fall into? Even if you have a fence around a pool, can a puppy slip though it? Puppies need constant supervision during housetraining and it helps to have all these questions addressed before the pup comes to your home.
Next time two questions: What if your dog develops a behavior problem? And where will the puppy sleep?
