| While choosing the perfect puppy, it is important | | | | Many even have their own websites. You can also |
| to do your research and think about what you | | | | ask friends for recommendations or inquire |
| are looking for in a dog and how practical a dog | | | | through local vets, shelters, and humane societies |
| will be in your family's lifestyle. A dog may live 10 | | | | to see if they know of any. A good breeder is |
| years or more and becomes part of your family, | | | | someone who has experience with the breed and |
| so anticipate any changes you may have over | | | | breeding of a certain pedigree. They have waited |
| that time and plan for it. It is also critical to do | | | | until a dog is old enough to breed so they can |
| some breed research and have an idea of what | | | | guarantee certain health issues. A good breeder |
| breeds you are most attracted too. Once you | | | | will usually always be willing to take a dog back if |
| get an idea of breeds that you are most | | | | for any reason you decide the dog will not work |
| interested in, do your research! While a breed isn't | | | | out for you. Don't expect a refund, but it certainly |
| a total determination of what the dog will be, it | | | | is a better option than sending the dog off to the |
| certainly will give you an idea on characteristics, | | | | shelter if you are unable to keep it. A good |
| temperament, grooming, and energy | | | | breeder will be able to give you advice on raising |
| requirements you might anticipate meeting. | | | | the dog, health and upkeep, and feeding. |
| The next thing to consider when choosing the | | | | If you are less particular about a specific breed, |
| perfect puppy, is where to get it. Be very careful | | | | visit your local shelter. Good shelters will have |
| of pet stores that sell puppies and "backyard" | | | | evaluated dogs and can give you an idea of what |
| breeders. These operations often support puppy | | | | breed or mix the dog is, possible history of the |
| mills and breeding dogs for the wrong reasons. In | | | | dog, and if its shown to be of good temperament |
| many puppy mills, dogs are treated like livestock. | | | | with other pets or children. A shelter dog is a |
| They often spend their life in cages and are over | | | | richly rewarding experience in that you are saving |
| bred. Although that doggie in the window at the | | | | a dog's life and this may also be a much less |
| pet store may look cute, you may be dealing with | | | | expensive method of obtaining a dog. Often times |
| a dog that is preconditioned to health problems, | | | | the shelter or rescue will provide a spaying or |
| temperament issues, and a shortened life span. | | | | neutering service as part of your adoption fee. |
| Please do not support puppy mills! These are | | | | Make sure you factor in the financial obligation of |
| awful places. | | | | adding a dog into your home. You will need to |
| The two best ways to get a dog are to buy it | | | | have selected a vet and be prepared for |
| from a reputable breeder or rescue a dog. If you | | | | vaccinations, spaying/neutering/ and any other |
| want a pure breed, most breed organizations | | | | health issues that may come up. You should also |
| have rescues available. You can research them | | | | consider the cost of dog training and at least |
| online or inquire about them from a reputable | | | | commit to taking a basic obedience or puppy |
| breeder. A reputable breeder can often be found | | | | manners program. |
| by internet searches within a breed organization. | | | | |