This past August, I decided to make the life-changing decision to adopt a puppy. My roommate helped me find the perfect little puppy to adopt and I fell in love with him right away. I was so excited to bring him home and introduce him to his new life. Before I brought this 3-month-old little boxer pit bull home, I knew I had to prepare. I had to buy him food, a bed, toys and a crate. Little did I know, nothing would prepare me enough for this big responsibility. Here are a few things that I have learned in these past four months.

Potty training is more difficult when you live in an apartment. I'm not saying that potty training in a house is not hard but in an apartment, you can't just open your door and let your puppy do it's thing. You sort of have to be on a schedule. Wake up: take your puppy out, get home: take your puppy out, in an hour: take your puppy out and before you go to bed: take your puppy out. It's a lot of work at first but once you get on a fixed schedule, it becomes easier and once they get a bit older they start to learn when it is time to go potty.

You learn to not get so attached to material things because your puppy will most likely eat them. New pair of shoes? Nope, now it's a new chew toy. That teddy bear you've had for years? Say goodbye, it's the puppy's now. It's hard to accept the fact that that is just what puppies do- chew things and tear up stuff that isn't meant for them, but it's true. Eventually this phase will be over but for now you have to learn to live with it. What I've learned from this problem is that if I don't want my puppy chewing up something then I have to lock away or put it somewhere where he can't get it.

Another thing I've learned from this grand experience is that you are all your little pupper knows. The love and affection you give him/her means the world to them.