Are you ready for a French Bulldog?

Puppies can be adorable, irresistible bundles of fun. However, growing puppies also need a lot of attention and a structured routine, which can be especially tough if your life is a busy one!  

It's important to consider not only how a dog would impact your own life, but also whether your lifestyle is suitable for owning a dog. No matter how much you may want a dog, it won't be fair on them if you're unable to fully commit and cater to their needs.   

Can you give a dog a happy life?   Before buying a puppy ask yourself the following questions to ensure that you are capable of giving them the best home possible.  

Can you commit to this long term?  Puppies require commitment and dedication not only in the short term but for the duration of their entire life which in some cases could be up to 12 to 15 years. Your dog must always be exercised, fed and given attention daily.  

Can you afford to maintain a dog?  Looking after a dog can be expensive. Here are some of the things you will need to buy or pay for:  daily food and treats, water bowls, a lead and collar, toys, a bed and bedding, poo bags, a dog crate, yearly vaccinations, regular worming tablets, veterinary consultation, medication, surgery for unexpected incidents or illnesses, monthly pet insurance, grooming salons or grooming equipment, obedience or training classes, boarding kennels/pet sitting services. Please make sure you can afford to look after your dog long term.  

Do you have enough space?  When considering whether to get a puppy you must first ask yourself if your home has the space needed for a fully grown dog. The size of home you live in will determine the size of dog you are able to get. French bulldogs are medium sized structure so do not require a lot of space as long as you take them out for daily walks and a park to play in would be ideal. 

Do you have enough time?  If your life is already busy, will you have the time to bath, groom, feed, train, exercise and care for your dog? Dogs are time intensive and require a lot of attention, play, devotion and training, especially while they are young.  

Can you commit to exercising your dog?  All types of dogs need to be walked every day. Even when it’s raining and cold, you will still need to take your dog for a walk. If you do not take your dog for regular walks, they may become bored and overweight; this can impact both their physical and mental health.  

Can you keep your dog company?  As pack animals, dogs do not like to be left on their own for too long and need a routine they can rely on. If you are consistently working full time and can’t guarantee that your dog will have company during the day, you should ask yourself if getting a dog is a good idea. Dogs, like humans, can get lonely and will need someone at home to look after them, whether that is you, a friend, family member or dog sitter.   

Have you talked about it with your family? Getting a new puppy is a big decision that will certainly have an impact on your life. It’s vital that your family, or anyone that you live with, is involved in this decision. Given the size of the commitment, it would not be fair to force them into this without first seeking their consent.  

Will you be able to comfort your puppy while they adjust? Living with a new owner and moving away from the familiarity of their mother and siblings can be a very anxious and stressful time for a puppy. During this period, your puppy will need a significant amount of comfort and reassurance. Regularly leaving a puppy alone for a long period of time can cause behavioural problems, such as separation anxiety.  

Will a new puppy get along with other pets?  If you already have a dog, cat or any other pets, you should consider how they may react to another animal in the house. If you are considering buying another dog, then you could invite friends with dogs over to your house to see how your pet reacts.  

If you have answered yes to the questions above then you are ready. That's Great