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Buying a New Puppy, New Dog
People considering bringing a new canine companion into their home do well to educate themselves about dogs before making a purchase.
All puppies are seemingly adorable, but they grow into dogs of different sizes with different temperaments. When you bring a new pet into your home, you are making a commitment. It is not fair to the pet or to family members and children, to go into pet ownership with the idea that you can get rid of the pet if it doesn't work out.
Take some time to analyze what type of dog fits into your lifestyle, rather then making an impulse decision. Once you bring the dog into your home it will be with you for many years, so take the time to educate yourself about different breeds. The American Kennel Club, known as the AKC, is a terrific resource to educate yourself about breeds and their characteristics.
When considering what kind of dog to purchase, think about what kind of dog will fit into your lifestyle. A large or very active dog will need a place to run and exercise. If you live in a city apartment, a big breed may not be right for you. Dogs with long, thick coats are beautiful, but they do require more maintenance. Consider whether you have to time to brush the dog regularly.
A responsible breeder is the best place to purchase a dog. Once you have decided which breed is best for you, find some breeders in your area. The local veterinary hospital is a good resource to find reliable breeders. Call the veterinarians in your area and ask whether they have any recommendations. Veterinarians often have relationships with area breeders, because breeders bring their dogs and puppies to the vet for shots and medical care.
Breeders usually favor one breed and have expertise in the characteristics of the breed. Breeders will usually welcome your questions, as it shows that you will be a responsible pet owner. Breeders usually sell purebred dogs that have AKC registration papers that verify that they have a purebred lineage. Some breeders have a kennel of dogs that produce puppies. Visit the breeder in advance and ask to see the living conditions of the dogs. The breeders should provide a clean, loving environment for dogs.
Private owners sometimes will breed their pet dogs. Purchasing a pet dog from a private party is an excellent way to buy a dog. Private owners usually have a love of their pet and love the breed they have chosen. Private owners may or may not offer AKC Registration Papers for their puppies. Private owners can be found by referral through a local veterinarian or through advertising in the local paper.
When purchasing from a breeder or private party, you can usually get a chance to see the mother of the puppies. It is a good idea to meet the mother, as that will give you an idea of how the puppy will look when it grows up. The father of the puppies may or may not be on the premises. If the father is available it is a good idea to see him as well. The father may live elsewhere, so this is not always possible.
Private parties may or may not offer AKC papers. If registration papers are important to you, ask about this in advance. Not all purebred dogs have the registration papers. This can happen if the parentage is not verified, or if someone did not bother to register their dogs.
AKC Registration details the genealogy of the dog. Registration papers detail the parentage and family lines of the dog. Registration papers are nice to have, but if you are not planning to show or breed the dog, they are not necessary.
When considering the purchase of a canine companion, consider whether you can afford the expense. The expense of a dog goes beyond the purchase price. A healthy dog of strong lineage may cost more upfront, but end up costing less then a less healthy dog. Veterinarian expenses, shots, dog food, leashes and collars all cost money. The cost of maintaining a dog can easily exceed the initial investment of purchasing the dog.
Avoid purchasing a puppy mill puppy. Puppy mills often treat their dogs inhumanely, in poor and unclean conditions. The puppies sold at pet stores may or may not be from a puppy mill. It is difficult to find out whether a pet store gets their puppies from a puppy mill, so it is best to avoid the stores and deal directly with breeders and owners. Unfortunately, puppies from a puppy mill are not bred with the strongest of bloodlines. Puppy mill puppies can come with health problems that can cause heartache and cost money in the future.
Mixed breed dogs are not registered with the AKC, but they can make marvelous pets. If parentage of the mixed breed dog is not documented, try to see the parents or at least the mother, of mixed breed puppies to get an idea of what they will look like and how big they will be when they grow up. Some people say they prefer mixed breeds.
Adoption of an adult dog is a great way to get a new dog. Animal shelters are full of devoted pets that have been given up by their owners for a variety of reasons. It is very rewarding to rescue a dog from a shelter. An adult dog is probably trained and housebroken. Bringing an adult dog into the home can be easier than training a puppy.
Once you have brought a dog into the home, you will need to spend time with it to train it and teach it to go outside when necessary. Obedience training can help you to teach your dog what is expected. Whether you train your dog yourself, or take them to obedience training, you will need to make a time commitment to train the dog to be a good house pet.
Pet ownership can be fun and rewarding for the whole family. A dog can bring years of happy companionship and delight into your life. Take your time during the buying process to make sure you are selecting the right companion for you and your family.