Puppies are affectionate and smart, making them perfect pets. However, picking the right puppy can be difficult. Once you find the right puppy, though, it is all worthwhile.
Step 1
Take a look at yourself. What kind of home do you have? Do you have a small apartment, or a home with a large yard? Do you want to have a daily walking companion? Someone to go running with you? Or would you rather have a someone to keep you company during your many hours slumped in front of the television? These are very important questions to ask before you even look for a dog.
Step 2
Do you want to brush your dog? Do you want to take it to the groomers? This will determine the kind of coat your new dog should have. Short haired dogs require much less (if any) grooming. Long haired dogs, and those with double coats, will require attention and grooming... not to mention much more vacuuming of the house when they moult.
Step 3
Do your research. Find out which dogs fit your activity level and grooming preferences. Think about what kind of puppy you might want (breed, size, etc.), and which one would do well in your living environment. Don't forget to consider costs. They will all require regular vet visits for checkups and immunizations. Also, dogs eat food... and large dogs eat more than small ones.
Step 4
One of the best places to start is your local shelters or breed rescue groups. Avoid pet shops and backyard breeders; pet shops get most of their animals from puppy/kitten mills and you can have many medical problems. Puppy mills overbreed or breed to death. They do NOT get health clearances or give shots. Backyard breeders also don't get genetic clearances and breed just to make extra money without concern as to the welfare of the breed.
Step 5
Most shelters/rescue groups will have neuter/spay contracts to reduce the massive overpopulation of dogs/cats.
Step 6
Spend some time with any dog you are interested in before you make a decision. Shelters should have a room where you can be alone with any animal you want. This way, you can see what their personality may be like. Do you want a dog that wants to play constantly? Do you want one that likes to cuddle, and lick your face? Find out what the dog may be like before you sign anything and take it home. Also, unless you have unlimited money and time, pick a puppy that doesn't have an obvious defect. Pick a puppy that warms up to you. Stay for a while and play with your choice of puppy.
Step 7
Hopefully, you can come home with a devoted new friend.
Step 8
For more information, go to www.mypetpages.webs.com. It's a fun site where you can learn all about pets. Dogs, cats, rodents, birds, fish, and more. Learn tons of interesting facts, play games, take quizzes, and more!
Tips
- Search shelters or rescue groups first. If you do buy from a breeder, be sure they test for any genetic defects and have proper medical clearances; e.g. test/certify for hip displasia, eye problems.
- Be sure to have all your supplies at home already (dog house/bed/crate, food, bowls, etc) This way, you don't have to go to the store with your new pup, or leave it at home alone right away to go shopping.
- Certain breeds of dog have traits that are inherent... some bark a lot, some very little. Some will repeatedly run away, dig holes, or try to jump fences. Find out the characteristics of the breed you are choosing before you get attached. Never select a breed because it is currently "in fashion" - rather, give it a lot of serious thought and do your research thoroughly.
- Always consider adoption first before to find the right puppy to bring into your home. Dog adoption centers and Shelter staff are trained in being able to match you with a dog to fit your lifestyle. They will also be able to give you some background on your particular chosen dog which will help you know how to deal with any issues which arise in due course.
- For more information, go to www.mypetpages.webs.com. It's a fun site where you can learn all about pets. Dogs, cats, rodents, birds, fish, and more. Learn tons of interesting facts, play games, take quizzes, and more!
Warnings
- Please, please, please do not buy a puppy in a pet store. These animals are bred in impersonal, factory-like puppy-mills. These dogs are the result of irresponsible breeding practices and often are not socialized well because they've only lived in cages until they get to your house. They also have a very high incidence of orthopedic and genetic disease issues because the breeders mate the sires and dams indiscriminately. If you want a puppy, buy from a responsible breeder. If you are interested in a purebred dog, you'll find leads to responsible breeders through regional breed associations which you'll find easily by "Googling" your breed. If you are interested in a mixed breed dog, then, at the very least, find a puppy in a litter that is being raised lovingly in someone's home instead of in a cage.
- Wherever you find your perfect pup, be sure they are healthy and the environment is clean.
- If you are a work-a-holic, take numerous trips and vacations, and don't generally spend much time at home, perhaps you should reconsider your decision to adopt a dog. Dogs need love and attention, and leaving them alone is an invitation for bad behavior. Dogs act out when they feel abandoned. Maybe something else may suit your life more... like a fish.
- Getting a dog is a 15-year commitment, if you're lucky. Don't adopt one unless you have put some serious thought into the decision, and are sure you would like a new family member. Be prepared to deal with whatever your new dog requires; don't just decide that it's too much work and give it up, or send it away. It would be better to never bring it home in the first place.
Things You'll Need
- Basket or doggy bed
- Collar
- Lead (retractable ones are good, but puppes often chew through them until trained not to)
- Bowls (1 food, 1 water)
- Puppy food
- Toys (e.g. ball, chewy bone, rope knot)
- Pooper scooper & bags
- Newspaper - plenty of
