Bringing a puppy into your home is a life-changing decision that comes with boundless joy—and a fair share of challenges. Before you fall for those adorable puppy eyes, take a step back and get real about your lifestyle, commitment, and readiness. Here’s how to set yourself up for success with your new furry friend.

Research the Right Breed/Personality Match

Choosing the right puppy starts with finding a breed or personality that aligns with your lifestyle. Sit down with your family and ask tough questions:

• How active are we on a daily basis?

• How much time can we dedicate to daily training?

• What’s our experience level with dog training?

• How much space do we have (e.g., yard size or apartment living)?

Be brutally honest. A first-time dog owner living in a small apartment with a demanding job might struggle with a high-energy, high-intelligence breed like an Australian Shepherd. On the other hand, a backcountry hiker may find a pug’s short legs and low stamina a poor match for long treks. Research breeds thoroughly to find the perfect fit. Check out resources like The American Kennel Club’s Breed Selector or Rover’s Breed Guide to match your lifestyle with the right dog.

Nesting: Prepare Your Home

Just like prepping for a baby, you need to puppy-proof your home before the big day. Our upcoming article on nesting dives deep into key considerations, including:

• Removing ground-level hazards (cords, small objects, etc.).

• Checking for toxic houseplants or garden plants.

• Handling “the puppy ate my shoes” moments with positive training techniques.

A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your puppy safe and your sanity intact. (Stay tuned - our future "nesting" article will be linked here.)

Where Will Your Puppy Sleep?

Will your puppy snuggle in your bed or snooze in a crate? Both options have pros and cons, and the early days with a puppy can test your patience. Plan ahead, but stay flexible—puppies have a way of rewriting your plans! Our upcoming article breaks down the benefits and challenges of shared spaces versus crate training to help you decide. (Stay tuned - our future "sleeping arrangements" article will be linked here.)

Budgeting for Your Puppy

Puppies bring joy, but they also come with a price tag. Before you commit, map out the costs to ensure you’re financially prepared. Initial expenses include adoption or breeder fees (ranging from $50-$2,000+ depending on the source), a crate, bedding, toys, and food bowls (roughly $100-$300). Don’t forget ongoing costs like:

• High-quality puppy food ($30-$60/month).

• Vet visits, including vaccinations and spay/neuter ($200-$500 in the first year).

• Training classes or supplies ($50-$200).

• Unexpected emergencies (consider pet insurance or a savings fund).

Budgeting wisely prevents stress down the road, so you can focus on bonding with your pup.

Puppies Don’t Fix Messes—They Create Them

Let’s be real: puppies are adorable, but they’re also chaos machines. If you’re hoping a puppy will fix a rocky relationship, think again. A puppy peeing in the house for the 10th time in an hour (yes, we keep a mop bucket on standby!) can push even the strongest bonds to the breaking point.

Thinking a puppy will teach your out-of-control kids some responsibility? Hold off. A living creature isn’t a classroom project. Start with a chore chart to build accountability, then consider a puppy when your family is ready. Puppies thrive in stable, prepared homes—prioritize that first.

Smooth Transitions Breed Success

Your puppy’s life will be full of transitions, from housebreaking to early training and beyond. Arm yourself with knowledge to navigate these stages. Check out books like The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete or The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller for expert guidance. My Grandfather gifted me both those books and they have been a complete blessing.

Stay tuned for our upcoming articles on:

• Welcoming your puppy home.

• Mastering housebreaking.

• Nailing early training.

• And more!

Learn from our journey with our sweet puppy Rusty as we share our successes, mistakes, and tips to help you raise a happy, well-adjusted dog.

Ready for more puppy adventures? Follow along as we share Rusty’s journey—from hilarious housebreaking mishaps to heartwarming milestones. Our upcoming articles will reveal the one trick that slashed accidents in half, the training toy we can’t live without, and how to survive the puppy teething phase. Subscribe now and don’t miss a single tip to make your puppy experience a tail-wagging success! Have questions or stories to share? Join our community on Instagram (@themuddydoe), TikTok (@themuddydoe), YouTube (@themuddydoe) and X (@themuddydoe)