Choosing The Right Puppy

If you’re going to get a dog there are several things you need to think about first. Buying the wrong dog could be a bad decision that you’ll regret for a long time to come. Just keep these things in mind and you’re sure to find the best dog at the best breeder.

The first thing to consider is the breed and size of dog you’d prefer. These things will be dependant on the type of dog that has the look you want. Also, remember that your family needs to have some input, and that certain dogs have health problems that you might not want to take a risk on.

Many dogs that are larger (like Golden Retrievers) are more prone to getting things like hip-dysplasia. This is a disease that negatively affects the hip joints of the dog. As the dog gets older their hips won’t be able to sustain their weight. This is a sad thing, but it will affect their ability to walk and stand. Surgery is one option that you may or may not want to consider down the road.

You might be thinking that if large dogs have these problems you might just opt to get a small dog instead. Unfortunately, they come with their own problems. If you get a dog that is in the ‘toy breed’ category then you may find breathing problems. These are dogs like the Pug, Pekinese, and Lassa Apso. The reason for these problems is because of their small muzzle and lack of sinus and nasal development.

If all dogs have their problems then where are you to turn? The best thing you can do is gather information to make an informed decision. One idea is to ask a friend or family member who has experience with the type of dog you are considering. Whenever you get into a conversation with someone ask them if they have any dog experience. You’ll find that people love to talk about their pets.

Another amazing resource for dog information is researching on the Internet. You can search by dog breed and find a wealth of information that you never thought possible. Print out and highlight key information that you’ll use in making your decision.

Additionally, you can buy books on the breed to learn all you can about them. These books are often a fascinating read and can uncover a lot of information you didn’t know before. If you fill yourself with information before heading off to the breeder you’ll be a lot more likely to make the right decision.

When you are ready to go to the breeder be sure to come with a list of questions in hand. These breeders should be very excited and willing to answer your questions. There are some things you should examine about the environment as well.

• Are the dogs clean?
• Are the kennels clean?
• Are they well cared for?
• Are the mother and father well cared for?
• What type of food are they eating?
• Have the puppies had their shots?

You’ll find that a good breeder will go above and beyond to make sure that their animals are top notch and well loved. If you can find a good kennel that meets all of these criteria you’re a lot more likely to find the perfect dog.

Do be careful! There are breeders out there who are just in it for the money. They do not pay close attention to what the dogs need, so long as they bring in money at the end of the day. Avoid these breeders because you will just find ill dogs. Many breeders will sell puppies as early as 5 or 6 weeks old, don’t buy from them. A good breeder will not remove the puppy from the litter until 8 weeks.

If you want to make sure you’re well protected you should find a breeder that has a 72-hour return policy. This is enough time to take the dog to the vet to make sure everything is in order. You should also get a 2 year OFA guarantee with breeds that are prone to hip problems.

Researching your dog and finding the right breeder are surefire ways to make sure that the dog you come home with is the right one.

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