Buying a Dog:
So you've decided to purchase a dog. You will need to consider the following things in order to determine the breed for you. Owning a dog is hard work and if you’re not prepared to take on some serious responsibilities then owning a dog may not be for you. A dog is a joy and a wonderful companion; keep these things in mind when purchasing your pet.
1. What breed will best fit my current and future lifestyle?
2. Can you handle the responsibility of training, grooming and exercising your dog?
3. Do you have the money to give your pet adequate care?
The Breed For You
When selecting a certain breed you must do plenty of homework. You must identify with a dogs characteristics and your lifestyle to see if they match. You can’t have a Saint Bernard in an apartment building or a Husky in south Florida. It will be impossible for your dog to be happy or adequately trained under those circumstances. You must also be realistic with the amount of time you can spend with your dog. Some dogs require a ton of exercise while others require a lot of grooming. Do you want a lap dog? Do you want a shorthaired dog that is easy to clean up after? Is your dog going to be outside primarily or inside most of the time? There are many questions to ask so think long and hard before choosing one.
After you have ruled out the breeds that don't fit your lifestyle or local, you can start to think about things like; do I want a pure breed or should I rescue a dog from the pound? That is a personal choice and you’ll have to figure that part out on your own. Pure breeds are typically more predictable when it comes to size, health, temperament and a variety of characteristics that can be derived specifically from how they were bred. Some breeds are good with kids and some may be very protective, where as other dogs may be aloof and not interested in your family. Do you want your dog to hunt? Do you want it to fetch, swim, play ball?
Selecting A Breeder
Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for their breed. An AKC breeder referral contact will direct you to a breeder who is concerned with the future of the puppy. Once you select a breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your puppy. See how the dogs in your breeder's home interact with your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away? The responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for each puppy.
Can you take care of your pet?
A dog is a lot of work and requires many hours of work especially if you buy a puppy. You must ensure your dogs have proper exercise, diet and grooming. They will also require regular trips to the vet. Do you have the time to provide these essentials for your pet? Are you willing to spend the time to train your pet? Every pet needs obedience training and it is your responsibility to ensure this gets done. You don’t want a dog that barks all night or that is aggressive towards kids. Obviously, you can’t have a dog that isn’t potty trained or house broken. It takes time to teach your pet these nuances and you will either have to provide the time or the cash to do this.
Can You Afford A Puppy?
The purchase price of your puppy is not the only cost you have to consider. Be aware that the puppy you bring home will need proper care: food, health care. Your puppy will also need little things like a collar with identification, a bowl, and a leash. Food and treats are a monthly expense and you can expect to bring your dog to a vet at least once a year and even more for puppies. Do you want your dog neutered or spade? Will you need to build a fence so it can exercise? There are many questions and expenses to consider before you purchase your pet. Being an informed owner is being a smart owner and if you ask yourself these questions before you buy a pet, you and your pet will be happier for it.