How To Choose A Puppy
So you want to buy a puppy.
Okay, but have you thought about what breed you want? If you have thought about it, are you sure that you have chosen a breed that is compatible with your family and environment? Buying a dog is a big commitment and it is for the long term so you need to put a bit of thought into it.
It might be worthwhile visiting your local pound or rescue shelters to look for mixed-breed pups who have been brought in off the street.
Mixed-breed dogs can make some of the most intelligent and well-behaved pets you'll ever find.
If, on the other hand, you decide to go for a purebred, you will still need to figure out which breed is going to be the best breed for you.
It is no use getting a high-energy puppy if you live in an apartment and you won't be able to take it for more than three walks a day.
It just wouldn't be fair on the dog.
If you are not sure which breeds are high-energy do a little research at your library, or check out some relevant website next time you go online.
Talking to other dog owners is a good idea too.
Especially if they happen to own the breed that you are considering buying.
It all might sound like a bit of a chore, but it will be worth it in the end.
Once you have done the research and have decided which dog is right for you the next step is to choose whether to go through a breeder or through a local rescue group who can help you find homeless or rescued puppies of the breed that you want.
If you decide to go through a rescue group you will probably have a longer waiting period, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped an animal in need (pat yourself on the back, you deserve it).
If you decide that you really don't want to wait that long for your puppy you will need to do a little more research I'm afraid.
Yeah, I know it's a pain, but you do want a healthy puppy, don't you?Yeah, I thought so, so you will need to find a good breeder.
The best way to find one is to search for groups of enthusiasts, or owners, of the breed you have decided on.
These are probably the best people to go to for a list of preferred breeders or kennels in your area.
These breeders will usually be very meticulous about making sure none of their dogs carry the negative traits, disorders, or diseases that are associated with the breed.
This means that your puppy stands a much better chance of remaining healthy throughout its life.
Be warned, their prices might run a little higher than some of the other breeders, but the extra cost will be worthwhile.
When you have selected a breed and found a breeder, the next step will be visiting the litter and deciding which pup is the pup for you.
You probably don't want the most rambunctious one in the litter, but neither will you want a dog that is too submissive and has trouble socializing with other dogs.
The best way to tell which is which is to pick up each puppy and cradle it in your arms.
The puppy that squirms about the most is the dominant one of the litter so cross it off the list.
The puppy that struggles least of all is the most submissive of the litter so cross that one off too.
Submissiveness might seem like a positive trait for a dog, but it can actually end up resurfacing in many negative behavior patterns that can be more detrimental than dominance.
If it's possible to do so, take each puppy away from the litter to a quiet secluded spot and interact with them on a one-to-one basis.
This should give you a feel for the different personality of each pup.
It will also give you the opportunity for a closer inspection of them.
Pay close attention to the following aspects: Eyes: The eyes should be bright and clear with no weepy discharge from the corners.
Ears:Floppy-eared puppies should still have very clean, shiny inner ears with no excess wax or black material in them.
Nose:The nose should be cool and wet when you touch it.
If the puppy has just woken up from a nap, the nose might be dry though.
If there are no other signs of illness apart from the dry nose and the pup interacts well with you then it is probably okay.
Coat: The puppy's fur should be silky, shiny, and well-maintained.
No puppy available from a breeder should have a matted or tangled coat.
If it does it indicates a lack of proper care on the breeder's part and you should be very cautious.
When you have found the right pup for you, you will need to schedule a pick-up date with the breeder.
In the meantime, ask for the puppy's shot records along with the records of any other health treatment it has been given.
Once you have the information you need to take it to your vet so they can start assembling a chart for your new pet.
You should also try to take the puppy to your vet as soon as possible after bringing him home.
A general check-up and exam will help detect any illness or conditions that you might have missed and, if necessary, you will still have time to return it to the breeder.
Okay, but have you thought about what breed you want? If you have thought about it, are you sure that you have chosen a breed that is compatible with your family and environment? Buying a dog is a big commitment and it is for the long term so you need to put a bit of thought into it.
It might be worthwhile visiting your local pound or rescue shelters to look for mixed-breed pups who have been brought in off the street.
Mixed-breed dogs can make some of the most intelligent and well-behaved pets you'll ever find.
If, on the other hand, you decide to go for a purebred, you will still need to figure out which breed is going to be the best breed for you.
It is no use getting a high-energy puppy if you live in an apartment and you won't be able to take it for more than three walks a day.
It just wouldn't be fair on the dog.
If you are not sure which breeds are high-energy do a little research at your library, or check out some relevant website next time you go online.
Talking to other dog owners is a good idea too.
Especially if they happen to own the breed that you are considering buying.
It all might sound like a bit of a chore, but it will be worth it in the end.
Once you have done the research and have decided which dog is right for you the next step is to choose whether to go through a breeder or through a local rescue group who can help you find homeless or rescued puppies of the breed that you want.
If you decide to go through a rescue group you will probably have a longer waiting period, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped an animal in need (pat yourself on the back, you deserve it).
If you decide that you really don't want to wait that long for your puppy you will need to do a little more research I'm afraid.
Yeah, I know it's a pain, but you do want a healthy puppy, don't you?Yeah, I thought so, so you will need to find a good breeder.
The best way to find one is to search for groups of enthusiasts, or owners, of the breed you have decided on.
These are probably the best people to go to for a list of preferred breeders or kennels in your area.
These breeders will usually be very meticulous about making sure none of their dogs carry the negative traits, disorders, or diseases that are associated with the breed.
This means that your puppy stands a much better chance of remaining healthy throughout its life.
Be warned, their prices might run a little higher than some of the other breeders, but the extra cost will be worthwhile.
When you have selected a breed and found a breeder, the next step will be visiting the litter and deciding which pup is the pup for you.
You probably don't want the most rambunctious one in the litter, but neither will you want a dog that is too submissive and has trouble socializing with other dogs.
The best way to tell which is which is to pick up each puppy and cradle it in your arms.
The puppy that squirms about the most is the dominant one of the litter so cross it off the list.
The puppy that struggles least of all is the most submissive of the litter so cross that one off too.
Submissiveness might seem like a positive trait for a dog, but it can actually end up resurfacing in many negative behavior patterns that can be more detrimental than dominance.
If it's possible to do so, take each puppy away from the litter to a quiet secluded spot and interact with them on a one-to-one basis.
This should give you a feel for the different personality of each pup.
It will also give you the opportunity for a closer inspection of them.
Pay close attention to the following aspects: Eyes: The eyes should be bright and clear with no weepy discharge from the corners.
Ears:Floppy-eared puppies should still have very clean, shiny inner ears with no excess wax or black material in them.
Nose:The nose should be cool and wet when you touch it.
If the puppy has just woken up from a nap, the nose might be dry though.
If there are no other signs of illness apart from the dry nose and the pup interacts well with you then it is probably okay.
Coat: The puppy's fur should be silky, shiny, and well-maintained.
No puppy available from a breeder should have a matted or tangled coat.
If it does it indicates a lack of proper care on the breeder's part and you should be very cautious.
When you have found the right pup for you, you will need to schedule a pick-up date with the breeder.
In the meantime, ask for the puppy's shot records along with the records of any other health treatment it has been given.
Once you have the information you need to take it to your vet so they can start assembling a chart for your new pet.
You should also try to take the puppy to your vet as soon as possible after bringing him home.
A general check-up and exam will help detect any illness or conditions that you might have missed and, if necessary, you will still have time to return it to the breeder.
