CHOOSING YOUR NEW PUPPY

A puppy can bring you years of enjoyment and companionship, but you need to find a dog with a personality that is similar to your own. Be sure and think about the puppy's needs and the expense of your dog before you finally decide on becoming a pet owner. Be sure you will have time to feed, groom, exercise and train your dog. Also look into the cost for shots and veterinary care, good quality food and other supplies. Can you afford this new family member? Do your research because some breeds will take more grooming than others, larger dogs will eat more and be sure if you have children, that the breed you choose is child friendly.

Don't forget to make sure you can own a puppy if you rent. If you own your home, do you have a fenced in area so your pet can run and play outside? Dogs with heavy fur coats feel best in colder weather and shed more than short haired dogs. Dogs with short hair require less grooming but don't take to cold weather well. Female dogs are easier to train and are normally calmer than male dogs. Certain breeds can also be easier to train. Smaller breeds of dogs can be more active than larger ones. Some breeds of dogs require more exercise than others and might become frustrated if they don't get it.

The veterinarian, internet, library and book store will have all the information you need on different breeds. Any number of books will be available for training, grooming and caring for your puppy. When you are choosing a puppy from a litter, look at the dogs personality as well as the looks. You might not want the most aggressive or the shyest puppy. Handle all the dogs and see if one seems to relax in your arms or wants to lick you, this might be the right one. See if the puppy will readily come to you.

Individual puppies are available from pet owners, animal shelters and pet stores. These usually already have shots and also need good homes. If you choose a dog shelter, ask if the animal has any behavioral problems. Some animals in the shelter were brought in for behavioral problems and some because their owners abandoned them. Find out which pertains to your choice. Your local ASPCA might also have good animals to choose from and these are usually nice aniamals who need a good home and loving care.

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Mixed-breed puppy (part German Shepherd,
part Yellow Labrador
Photo by Patrick Edwin Moran
from Wikipedia

At 7-9 weeks your puppy should be fully weaned and able to leave its mother and go to a new family. From 8-16 weeks puppies are learning new experiences and able to start learning rules and behaviors. It is time to expose the new puppy to different people, places, situations and other animals, if any. This is a good time for learning to socialize with animals and people. Now is the time to expose the pup to as much as possible. You don't have to get a purebred dog to get a good dog. Purebreds will have more of a history but will also cost a lot more. Be sure the place where you get your dog is clean and does not have a lot of waste around. Your dog should be clean and healthy looking. If possible look and interact with the parents of the pup. Usually the pup will have a similar personality. When choosing from a litter get the puppies attention and back away slowly. A good pup will be curious and readily come to people. A good natured dog will wiggle when picked up at first but will settle down soon. Pay particular attention to the pup that readily comes to you and is easy to restrain. This will surely be a joy to own.

If you have children be sure and handle the animal all over - ears,mouth, feet, belly, tail and head. If the pup tolerates this, this is good. If it snaps or doesn't seem to like it, think twice about that puppy. Children like to touch, pull and carry pets so the animal needs to allow this. Good research and carefully planning will mean you and your new puppy will be a really good match.

see article 2

Articles List

Article 2: What You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Article 3: Selecting Dog Crates Isn't Difficult When You Ask The Right Questions

Article 4: Here's A Way To Make Your Dog Love It's Dog Crate

Article 5: Time For A Dog Bath? Dog Bathing Tips For You And Your Dog

Article 6: Flea Control For Pets

Article 7: The Gifts We Give our Dogs

Article 8: The Basics of Caring For Your Puppy

Article 9: Training Your Dog

Article 10: 8 Tips for a Better Walk with Your Dog

Article 11: Choosing The Best Pets For Kids

Article 12: Tips For Traveling with Rover

Article 13: Teaching the Down Command

Article 14: Top 5 Reasons to Get a Dog

Article 15: Hints on Carsickness