Getting a Puppy
Do's and Don'ts
Don't buy a puppy "for the children."
Young children are not capable of taking on the complete responsibility
of dog care and ownership. It will inevitably fall to you
to take over.
Don't buy a puppy at holiday time.
The Norman Rockwell painting of the happy family gathered around
the tree greeting the new arrival is pure fantasy. Most family holidays
resemble more a scene from the Addams Family. A new puppy will only
add to the chaos. If you must have a "Holiday Puppy" ask the breeder
to hold it for you until things are back to normal. A good
breeder will do this for you.
Do your research!
Find a good breeder. Contact local kennel or breed clubs for references.
Check out your local shelters and rescue groups. They have an abundance
of little ones looking for good homes.
Don't buy
a puppy at a flea market. This should be obvious but I'm
compelled to say it anyway.
Don't buy a puppy at a pet store.
Most of these poor little ones have come from a "puppy mill."
They have been poorly bred and raised in horrific conditions. Many
have congenital health problems. This will cost lots of money and
heartache later on. You may have the noble intention of "rescuing"
the poor thing but stop and think. Your money enables the puppy mill
owner slime to continue with this odious enterprise. In all fairness,
there are some pet stores who do have good stock. Be smart!
If they can't or won't tell you where the puppy comes from, use your
head. Also, beware of "designer dogs." The first generation
of breed mixing generally shows "hybrid vigor." It tends to
go down hill after that. See information on the Puppy Mill Awareness Day.
About breeders...
- A
good breeder will not give you a free puppy on the condition
that you "breed it back" and give the breeder pick of the litter.
(This is sometimes done with high quality show animals, but not
pets!)
- A
good breeder will provide you with a multi-generation pedigree of
your puppy.
- A
good breeder will reveal any potential problems or breed defects.
- A
good breeder will not place a puppy with you before it is eight
weeks old, though of course the arrangements are usually made before then.
- A
good breeder will provide an immunization record and health certificate.
They will require that you take your puppy to your vet within two
weeks for a health evaluation.
- A
good breeder will encourage you to call them with any concerns or
problems you might have.
- A
good breeder will provide a guarantee!
Remember
-- you are taking on the responsibility for another life. It's
not a toy to be used and thrown away.
Think and choose wisely!
Your new Puppy
You
have made your choice and the new little one is home.
Now what?
First thing is to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
This is very important. You want to make sure your
new friend is in good health.
Should you let your puppy "settle
in" and run amok? No! Puppies understand the concept
of a healthy pack structure. It is important to begin the 4-step
process right away.
I can help you with all of your puppy
needs!
