| Many factors need to be considered by a family, | | | | especially, young children, will need to be 'trained' in |
| before bringing home a new pet. | | | | how to behave with the dog and will need to be |
| Some are as followed: | | | | supervised when with the dog.b) Protection |
| GENDER - SIZE - HAIR: | | | | I know some may disagree but, it is my opinion, |
| What about the gender of the dog? Are you | | | | that the only time is it a good idea to get a dog |
| interested in a male or female? Will you breed the | | | | for the purpose of protection is in professional or |
| dog once it is grown? If a breeding program is | | | | agricultural situations and only when the owner |
| not in its future, consider neutering the dog. Are | | | | trainer is humane and knowledgeable of dog |
| you interested in a large or a small dog? Often, | | | | behavior and dominant dog training/handling. In all |
| potential owners don't consider the frame size | | | | other situations - probably 99.9% - an alarm |
| and weight of the puppy when it becomes an | | | | system, security fence, or other measures are |
| adult. Also think about the grooming needs of a | | | | much more appropriate and effective.c) To breed |
| long-haired dog versus a short-haired one. | | | | puppies |
| VETERINARY CARE: | | | | If you've read the third paragraph of this piece |
| The dog will also need regular veterinary care. All | | | | and still feel this way, there is probably little I can |
| these costs can add up, especially if you're on a | | | | offer to change your mind. But, just in case, let |
| limited budget. What type of dog do you want? | | | | me restate the case a little more thoroughly. The |
| Purebred or mixed breed? Research the traits of | | | | breeding of dogs is a responsibility not to be |
| the breed that interests you. Be aware that some | | | | taken lightly. If it is not your intention to remain |
| breeds have specific benefits or problems. In | | | | responsible for all of your puppies for their entire |
| addition, some purebreds can be very expensive. | | | | lives, including being willing to take back and care |
| Perhaps adopting from your local animal shelter is | | | | for those who may find themselves homeless, do |
| an option. | | | | not enter into this endeavor. If you are planning |
| TIME: | | | | on breeding for profit, understand that there are |
| Another important factor is your family's lifestyle. | | | | much easier, more profitable and ethical ways to |
| Do you work all day? How much free time do | | | | make a buck. Dogs are living beings and dog |
| you have? Remember, a new puppy will require | | | | breeding requires a significant investment of time, |
| four or more feedings a day and will need to go | | | | money, labor, knowledge, both academic and |
| out just as often. Do you spend a lot of time | | | | practical, patience, and emotional fortitude, to be |
| traveling or entertaining? Do you have small | | | | done responsibly and humanely. Please visit a few |
| children or other animals at home? Are you | | | | of the shelter and rescue websites, or your local |
| physically able to handle a dog? What about your | | | | shelter, and witness the problem yourself. View |
| location? Do you own a home or rent an | | | | the faces of the homeless dogs and talk to the |
| apartment? Will your landlord allow pets? Do you | | | | volunteers and staff who, all too often, must take |
| live in the city or in a rural area? Is there enough | | | | that 'final walk' with them. |
| fenced-in yard space for the dog to properly | | | | BUYING STRATEGY: |
| exercise? | | | | Once you've decided on the type of dog you |
| DOG ROLE IN YOUR FAMILY: | | | | want and where you will purchase it, do not buy a |
| Think about the role your new dog will play in | | | | puppy on the first visit. Instead, potential owners |
| your family. Will it be used as for:a) My son | | | | leave, think about the decision, and then go back. |
| daughter/children | | | | Avoid the temptation of buying two or more |
| Trust me; this will be YOUR dog! After the | | | | puppies. A single puppy will bond to its owner |
| 'honeymoon period', the kids may only play with | | | | better and will be easier to train. |
| the dog, occasionally. They may groan and | | | | Depending on the breed, the best time to |
| grumble about any dog-related responsibilities, | | | | purchase a puppy is between 7-9 weeks of age. |
| doing them, begrudgingly, only after significant | | | | As soon as possible have the puppy examined by |
| prodding from you. As children's interests and | | | | a veterinarian. If possible, ask the seller if you can |
| activities change, over the years, their level of | | | | have the puppy checked by a veterinarian before |
| involvement with the dog will most likely be, | | | | you purchase it. |
| inconsistent, at best. Additionally, your children, | | | | |