do i got what it takes to be a responsible pet owner?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kati
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Kati

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Hi!
I'm Kati..I'm 21, I live in a condo-ish place, w/ a pretty large yard, and a fenced in backyard. I am planning on getting a 6 wk old German Shepherd puppy. I know a lot about the breed, and plan to begin crate-training immediately. I plan to have him on a home-made diet of chicken, beef, and brown rice, with a bit of kibble - Canidae - thrown in. He will get about 4 15 minute walks per day. He will live indoors. He will be neutered at about 6 months(no earlier because it's unhealthy). I plan on interaction with other puppies at the park, and our local puppy program, where he is allowed to interact with several other German Shepherds, and other breeds. I work from my home, so I will have a lot of time to donate to potty-training and attention. If I decide to, I'll be getting him this week - as soon as I want.
I have enough spare cash to get him at least the needed toys, and a few extra. I refuse to have him microchipped, but he'll be either leashed/supervised when..
...when outside. I think I've covered all the bases - anything else I should know?
This is my first pet ever (besides the family rat we had growing up) and I want to do it right. Oh, and I don't plan on any other animals for a few years.
What do you think..do I got what it takes to be a *responsible* pet owner?
 
Sounds like you're on the right track.....but wait until the pup is at least 8 weeks old (it's illegal in some places to rehome a pup before that age) before you take him away from his litter mates & momma (12 weeks is even better).
 
Sounds like you have a pretty good plan. Much more than most when they get a dog. I do wonder why you won't get him microchipped. It's not cruel or painful or anything, and it's an added safety factor. GSD's are very large and powerful dogs, with a pretty strong prey drive. You never know if he might catch you off guard and manage to get away.
 
Yes it seems like you'd be a very responsible pet owner. The only thing I really have to suggest is that since your going to have a big dog inside most of the time is that you walk him alot. He'll need a tremendous amount of exercise..
 
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