Choosing The Right Puppy

Bringing a puppy into your home can be an extremelyhuman-to-puppy bond. Find out if the puppies have
rewarding experience, but is something that shouldhad some contact and interaction with people.
not be done on the spur of the moment. ChoosingWhen examining the puppy(ies), check to see if they
the appropriate puppy will best be accomplished byare healthy looking and energetic, or shy and afraid.
taking your time to research your breed of interestLook for any sign of discharge coming from the
as well as the breeder or individual of whom you arepuppy(ies) nose or eyes. Make sure that they are up
considering a purchase. Before making a decision, beto date on all vaccinations and have been
certain that you are committed to the lifetime carede-wormed.
and ownership of the puppy.If possible, ask to look at the parent dogs as well,
During the research phase, some of your questionsmaking sure they appear healthy, move freely, and
can be answered as you consult with other ownershave sound temperaments. Sometimes, in the
of your breed of choice. Their experience andinterest of producing an exceptional litter of puppies,
knowledge of the breed will help you in making aa breeder will go outside of his own kennel in search
more informed decision. Most dog breeds wereof a suitable stud. If that's the case, you might want
developed for specific functions, and as a result,to request pictures of the male and obtain the
have their own defining characteristics. Consider aowner's contact information for future reference or
breed's personality and traits, level of activity, andquestions.
space requirements in determining how easily (orConsider your comfort level with the breeder as you
difficult) it will be for them to adapt to yourcommunicate with them. You should be able to
environment and lifestyle.express your thoughts and ask questions easily. And
Once you have made a decision on your breedthey should be able to answer all questions, including
choice, you should begin looking for a responsiblethose related to training, grooming, and general health
breeder. Since they can be found in both small andcare.
large kennel settings, you should look for someoneA good breeder will be just as curious about you as
who consistently produces healthy dogs. One way toyou are of them, asking questions about your
find out more about a breeder is by asking forinterests as a prospective owner of one of their
references from their customers. Most individuals arepuppies. Find out if they are active in a breed club or
happy to share their positive or negative experiencesif they participate in dog shows or any type of
concerning the selection and purchase of their canine,canine sporting events. If so, it would be a good
especially with someone of like interest. Anotherindication that they are keeping up with changing
source of reference would be the breeder'sviews on health concerns and staying informed about
veterinarian. They might be able to offer some goodtheir specific breeds.
information about the history and practices of theLast, but not least, a good breeder should provide
breeder. Remember, a responsible breeder isyou with all of the appropriate documentation,
someone who cares about each of their puppiesincluding a contract, registration application, vet health
(even after they are placed into new homes) andcertificate, and a health guarantee.
should be willing to offer advice and supportChoosing the right breed of dog and finding a good,
throughout the lifetime of the dog.reputable breeder may seem like a lot of
Another important factor to evaluate is the breeder'sunnecessary work, but if you take the time to make
kennel (or home if that's where the puppies arecautious, informed choices before you purchase a
kept). If the environment is not clean, go no further.puppy, you will have a more satisfying experience in
Also, human contact is very important in the firstyour search for a new canine companion.
few weeks of a puppy's life, as it establishes the