| So you are about to purchase a new puppy or | | | | room for exercise? |
| got one as a gift. Maybe you are rescuing a | | | | Step 1 in getting a new dog I believe is to do a |
| homeless puppy. There are--as with every | | | | little research on dog breeds. Read up on their |
| decision--some things to remember and | | | | history look at pictures and become familiar with |
| understand. Especially if it's your first dog. | | | | what you think will be the best type for you and |
| First thing is how will the rest of the family's | | | | your family. There are tons of resources for |
| receptiveness to having a dog around be. This | | | | training, feeding and caring for dogs on the |
| must be established. How the rest of the family | | | | Internet and at the library. Go to a dog show and |
| responds to this new member must be taken into | | | | look at different breeds. Talk to people who are |
| account. What are their attitudes and disposition | | | | seasoned dog owners. I can't emphasize how |
| to this new member of the family? New puppies | | | | important it is to take you and your dog to a |
| are like new babies they are all cute and a delight | | | | training class. You will need as much if not more |
| to have around but there is a need for | | | | training than your dog. |
| housebreaking,training on a leash, obeying of | | | | A well trained human and dog will make your |
| commands and the daily basic needs such as | | | | experience in the future well worth the time and |
| food, exercise, and social attention. From the first | | | | effort. Visit a reputable kennel if possible and get |
| day you bring your new dog home its health and | | | | their opinion cause every breeder as two cents |
| happiness are determined by the mutual | | | | worth of information. Do not buy a puppy under |
| understanding and bonding with its master or | | | | 6 weeks old, 8 weeks is best. Your new puppy |
| masters. | | | | must be fully weaned from its mother and be |
| A dog's temperament and behavior will become a | | | | ready to be on its own. A puppy must be |
| pleasing part of your new pet if it understands | | | | healthy,normal and alert. Never select from a litter |
| whats right and wrong. This stems more from | | | | where the puppies have runny nose, watery eyes |
| the master than from the dog. Common sense is | | | | or fever. A cowed, trembling, snappy or bad |
| important when selecting and caring for your new | | | | tempered puppy should be avoided. |
| puppy. All puppies are cuddly balls of fur but what | | | | Follow some common sense rules, do some |
| is it going to be as an adult. How large will it be | | | | research and I guarantee your experience as a |
| when fully grown? Do you live in an apartment ? | | | | dog owner will be rewarded. Some of my fondest |
| what kind of grooming will they need? Is there | | | | memories have been shared with my dogs. |