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1330 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver V6K 1N7
British Columbia
Canada
Tel 604.736.0557
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Thinking about adding a new puppy or dog to your family?

Congratulations! Dog ownership is truly one of life's most rewarding experiences. Offering unconditional love and affection, dogs can make wonderful companions - and add many hours of joy and pleasure to your life, and that of your family.

Before beginning the search for a new puppy or dog, however, it is very important to do your homework.  The decision to get a dog requires careful thought and consideration.  It is critical that you determine:

  • your readiness to get a dog
  • the right breed for your personality and lifestyle
  • your ability to make the financial investment
  • your preparedness to focus upon training, supervision and care of your dog

The responsibilities of dog ownership must not be taken lightly.  Prospective dog owners must recognize the significant investment of time, energy, and money that is required.  Making an impulsive decision to get a dog will only lead to frustration, disappointment, and eventually, the unfortunate surrender of your dog to a shelter or rescue.  

REMEMBER...
Dog ownership is a lifelong commitment.
All puppies are cute, but this is not the reason to buy a dog!
The decision to purchase a puppy should be made responsibly.

Your readiness to get a dog...

"A dog is a living thing."  Choosing to bring a dog into your life, or that of your family, is a significant commitment of time, energy and money.  While the return on your investment is great, you must remember that this is a lifetime commitment.  The Urban Puppy Shop is here to help you assess your readiness for dog ownership.

  • If you want a dog because "it's cool," think again!  This is by far the worst reason to ever choose to buy a dog.  Just because you have seen a particular breed on television or in a movie does not in anyway make that particular breed the right one for your lifestyle. Educate yourself and be honest in choosing the correct breed.
  • If you want a dog "for protection," forget it...simple as that!  Unless you are prepared to spend hundreds of hours in training yourself and your dog, you will only be putting yourself and your family and friends at risk - not to mention putting the dog at risk of having to be euthanized because you are unable to control their behavior.  Remember that a small breed dog will bark and alert you as quick as a large breed dog.
  • If you want a dog to "give away as a gift" to a son, daughter, or girlfriend, remember, dogs don't make good gifts!  This has to be your dog.  After the honeymoon period with the new puppy or dog is over, you will have to be the primary caregiver who is committed to responsibly caring for the dog long-term.
  • If you want a dog to "breed puppies," recognize that breeding is serious work that requires extensive research into the breed, temperament and health!  You might think it is "romantic" to have a litter of puppies, but it takes a serious commitment of time and knowledge that most people do not have. There will be no financial gain to be had, and by the time it is over, you will have put your furry four-legged companion at risk.

The right breed for your personality and lifestyle...

All too often, dogs and dog owners are not compatible in their personalities or lifestyle preferences.   It is important to evaluate:

  • your living space - no matter how well your personality fits a particular breed, you have to make sure that your living arrangements match it too
  • your schedule - how available are you to provide your dog with the attention he/she needs?
  • your activity level - imagine your idea of a good time and be sure that your breed of choice fits within it
  • future lifestyle-altering events - events such as a  geographical move, change in employment or work schedule, relationship change, decision to have children, health concerns, etc., can significantly impact your capacity for responsible dog ownership

Over 500 dog breeds exist in the world today, each varying in shape and size and exhibiting unique habits and personalities.  Whether a small, large, or mixed dog breed, each breed type possesses distinctive characteristics.  If you are in the market for a dog, The Urban Puppy Shop is available to assist you in making the breed choice best suited to your lifestyle and personality.  We will spend the time asking the questions that will ensure you make the right decision as to the appropriate breed for you, your  family and lifestyle.   

The Urban Puppy Shop specializes in small pure and mixed breeds - dogs that are well suited for urban living.  Should you decide on a breed that we do not currently carry, The Urban Puppy Shop would be pleased to assist you in researching the appropriate dog breed information, in choosing a responsible breeder and in providing all of the information you will need for responsible pet ownership.  The Urban Puppy Shop is committed to supporting you in developing a positive healthy relationship with your new puppy or dog.

Your ability to make the financial investment...

Are you financially able to care for your dog? Having a dog is not hugely expensive, but nevertheless, it is a financial investment.  Over the course of a dog's life, you can expect to spend about $50 to $100 a month on food and essential supplies, as well as vet care and  insurance.  

Your preparedness to focus upon training, supervision, and care of your dog...

All dogs require a safe and comfortable living environment, socialization, training, grooming and health maintenance, professional veterinarian care, a quality diet, companionship, attention and love.  Are you, your family or those you live with committed to spending 10 to 15 years providing such care and and attention to a dog?  If you really love dogs, you will be truly motivated to do so.  

Once you have welcomed a new puppy or dog into your home, The Urban Puppy Shop is here to assist you in the ongoing care of your special companion.  We know and understand the importance of responsible pet ownership - and are available 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide consultation with regard to your dog's needs or concerns.  We provide daycare and boarding as well as professional grooming services and offer a full spectrum of retail product, including collars and leashes, clothing and accessories, beds, kennels, designer bags and airline carriers, toys, dishes, dog food, treats, grooming products, and more...

Come visit us soon...!

 


He is your friend, your defender, your dog.

You are his life, his love, his leader.

He will be yours, faithful and true,

to the last beat of his heart.

You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

-Author Unknown