Picking the Perfect Puppy

So you have decided to get a puppy! After looking at any potential problems you have chosen the breed of dog that will suit you and your lifestyle. The only difficulty now is where to get the dog from. You would like to know that it has been well taken care of in its first weeks, so you need to find a breeder who is reputable. But finding your ideal dog takes time and research. Good Dogs come from Good Breeders It is essential that these first weeks of a dog's life are safe, stable and healthy and that he and his mother are well cared for. This will give the finest possible start for your puppy and make your relationship with him and his forthcoming training a lot easier. The top dog breeders do not need to advertise, their puppies are in such demand that there is more often than not a waiting list. Ask about - your vet, acquaintances and neighbours - as word of mouth is the best way to get in touch with the good dog breeders. Although dog breeders are frequently pretty 'quirky' and entirely focussed on their breed and the dog world, they are usually very dedicated to the care of their animals. When you have a source for a breeder, then call them and set up a visit. This is the first test of a good breeder. If they are not happy for you to go to see their business, then walk away. What is it that they don't want you to see? When you go to call on a breeder there are things you should check out. Clearly, clean sanitized conditions are a must, but if you have come from a dog -free home, be prepared for 'doggy' smells! This is not due to a lack of cleanliness but just a lot of dogs and puppies about the place. You can expect a good breeder to start checking you out as soon as you arrive to choose your puppy. They will want to be certain that their puppies are going to good homes so be prepared to answer lots of questions - they will expect questions from you too so don't hold back. The type of questions you should ask are: - How long have you been breeding dogs? The best breeders will be well established over many years. Are there any unique problems with this breed? They should be frank with you and tell you about any issues. Could I see the father of the puppy? This may be a stud dog, but they should be able to show a photograph and tell you the name of the stud/owner. Where does the mother live when not breeding, and how frequently do you breed from her? In the home is the best reply as this produces happier more socialized dogs. Respectable breeders restrict the breeding to the recommended 4 litters in a life span. Can I return the puppy if there is a problem? The majority breeders would actually demand this and you may find it is a requirement of sale with good breeders. Can I talk to others who have your puppies? The breeder should be happy and confident about his breeding success and this should not be a problem. Breeders who are really 'into' their dogs generally have a number of tell-tale signs about the place - look for ornaments of their breed on a shelf, blankets on top of sofas for their dogs to get cozy, show certificates, ribbons and photos on the walls. These show the kind of commitment and dog obsession, which creates a good breeder - doing it for love, not profit. If you are thinking of buying a pedigree, then verify with your vet in advance which sorts of screening for inherited diseases should be done - then ask the breeder about it. They should be happy to supply all the information you require and be ready to give you support and guidance. Of course you should have a good look at the pups and their mothers. Are the puppies happy, inquisitive and fascinated in their surroundings? If they are dull and quiet and reserved, then you should be wary. The mother should look healthy and well cared for if she looks worn-down and is not interested in the puppies take this as a warning. Breeders to Avoid Always steer clear of dogs from commercial 'puppy farms' or 'mills' where the pups are raised in terrible emotional and physical surroundings. These places are run solely as a profitable venture to make money and the welfare of the puppies and their mother are a low priority. Also keep away from pet shops as these overwhelmingly obtain their supply from puppy farms. Avoid the internet too, while invaluable for general information it is very easy for 'farms' to dress up their operations on these web sites to seem like caring, conscientious breeders. Be specially suspicious if a breeders offers to convey a puppy to you so you don't go to their location - these are almost certainly puppy farmers. Newspaper ads or notices in shop windows are also questionable. Good breeders as a rule have homes for their pups even before they are born so would on no account sell them in this way. If they did want a home for a puppy it would always be done through the vet not in a shop window! Taking on an Adult Dog If you are happy to take on an adult dog, rather than a puppy, then be sure you choose carefully. Adult dogs could have behavior issues and you have to investigate carefully to make sure you understand what you are taking on. However, the dog may need re-homing just because of changes of circumstance - a death, illness or house moves are the most common causes. Well run dog shelters are a good source of adult dogs, as well as puppies, and you can find a whole range of pure breeds and cross-breeds. These places often have excellent websites describing the dogs at present in their care and any issues associated with them for example barking. A few may suit specific homes - with or without children, quiet, active - so look sensitively at the dogs requirements. Make sure you have a clear impression of what you are looking for before you set foot in a dog shelter - and stick to it. All those appealing eyes watching between the bars can stir the strongest will! Make sure your head rules your heart when you go to find your perfect dog. The personnel at the shelter will quiz you closely before they permit you to home a dog. Often there are questionnaires to complete and a visit to your house, before they will even consider you. They have to guantee that the dogs go to the appropriate home for them, so be honest and sincere with them about your way of life and requirements. Bear in mind, these dogs have previously lost one owner so the team do not mean the dogs to go through the distress over again. So, when you try to find your perfect dog - either a new puppy or an adult dog for re-housing - make certain you take the time and investigate thoroughly before you make your choice. Get it right and your dog will be your friend and companion for life.