| In this article, I will discuss the pros and cons to | | | | Consider the following issues to weight in you lists: |
| the dilemma that dog buyers find themselves. | | | | Price |
| Where should I buy my new pet? After you have | | | | Shipping costs |
| decided that you can properly take the | | | | Purity of Breed |
| responsibility to care for another life, and the | | | | Experience in breeding and controls |
| breed you would like. There comes the issue | | | | Socialization of puppy |
| where do I get my new pet? | | | | Health |
| There are options: | | | | Immunizations and worming |
| From relatives or friends | | | | Puppy happiness or physic |
| Street corners | | | | Certificates (AKC, CKC, Veterinary examines, |
| Newspaper ads | | | | etc) |
| Internet sites | | | | Guarantees |
| Local pet stores | | | | Consider, intuitive issues; |
| Corporate pet stores (caution beware of puppy | | | | Is this a puppy mill? |
| mills) | | | | Is the owner or business in this for purely profit |
| Dog rescues | | | | or providing a good service and a healthy and |
| Veterinaries | | | | happy puppy? |
| Small Family Breeders | | | | How did the breeder or representative come |
| Big Time Breeders | | | | across to you personally? |
| There are many issues with each of the above | | | | Ask for references, to call about previous sales |
| choices; you will need to make a logical decision | | | | and puppies. |
| from those sources and choice the best for your | | | | I know this may seem like a lot of work and you |
| particular needs. | | | | may feel that you do these things mentally and |
| What you need to do if you are serious about | | | | you really don't need a physical list. But your mind |
| making the best choice for you is to list pros and | | | | does two things it sorts good and bad according |
| cons for each and determine which you can live | | | | to your wants. While a physical list makes you |
| with. Let's take each one and make a list. Now | | | | analyze the data. You still may make the |
| remember, I suggest that you make your own | | | | emotional decision, but in the long run isn't your |
| lists based on your experiences, location and cost | | | | new dog, companion, and friend worth the extra |
| factors. | | | | effort up front? |