Time
Walks, training, play and company, every single day. Puppies need frequent meals, toilet training and lots of attention, and most dogs are unhappy if they are alone for long hours. Think about how many hours a day someone is truly at home, including on weekends and holidays.
Space and housing society rules
Choose a breed that suits your home and routine, not just your taste. Large and giant breeds need room to move and a cool place to rest, while small breeds can do well in flats if they get daily walks. Check your housing society's rules about dogs, lifts and common areas before you bring a puppy home.
Cost
The price of the puppy is only the beginning. Plan for good food, vaccines and deworming, regular vet visits, tick and flea control, grooming, toys, a bed or crate, training, boarding or a sitter when you travel, and the unexpected medical bill. Larger breeds usually cost more to feed and treat.
Delhi NCR's climate
Summers are long and very hot, monsoon is humid and winters are mild. That matters for dogs:
- Heavily coated breeds (for example Samoyed, Husky, Chow Chow, Tibetan Mastiff) need a cool room with AC or a good cooler through summer, plenty of water and walks only in early morning or late evening.
- Flat-faced breeds (for example Pug, French Bulldog, English Bulldog) can struggle to cool down. Keep them cool, avoid hard exercise in heat and watch their breathing.
- All dogs should never be left in a parked car, need shade and fresh water, and need checks for ticks and fleas in the monsoon.
Training and socialising
Start early and be consistent. Reward-based training, meeting different people and sounds, and short daily sessions build a confident dog. Some strong or protective breeds need an experienced owner and professional training support. We will tell you honestly which breeds those are.
Vet care
Find a vet you trust before your puppy arrives and book a first check soon after. Your vet will set the vaccination and deworming schedule, and can advise on diet, growth, tick and flea control and when to think about neutering or spaying.
Breed rules and restrictions
Rules about certain large or powerful breeds can differ by city, municipality and housing society, and can change over time. Check your society and local rules before you choose, and ask us if you are unsure. We will tell you what we know.
When it is okay to wait
If you travel a lot, work long hours away, are moving soon or cannot keep a dog cool in summer, waiting is a kind choice. We are always happy to talk it through, even if the answer is "not yet".