Finding the right puppy and taking it home is a fantastic and energizing occasion! My goal is to aid you in choosing the right dog for you. Believe it; there are many potential pitfalls when selecting a dog. While this article is centered around helping you choose the little dog appropriate for you, some of the information is also applicable to older dogs.
Finding The Right Puppy -Choosing a Breed
To start your search, assess what you want out of a canine. Do you want a watchful dog that will help guard the house? Are you looking for a hiking buddy? Or do you prefer a couch potato or one that is good with kids? Picking a breed is generally based upon these types of questions.
Previous dog experience should also impact your decision. Certain canines do not make great pets for first-time dog owners. If it’s your first go-around, you may want to avoid breeds like Border Collies, Siberian Huskies, Akitas, and Chow Chows. Should you choose one of these dogs, it is not the end of the world. You will need to expect that you will have more work on your hands than if you choose a more accessible breed.
Additionally, please remember that you do not have to select a purebred dog. If you consider mixed breed dogs, research each breed to see if the species is appropriate for you and your lifestyle. By doing the research, you can make an informed guess of that dog’s future tendencies. My most important piece of advice when picking a breed is to do your research and not like a breed solely based upon looks or how they act on T.V.
Purchase or adopt?
After you have settled on a breed, it is time to choose where to get the canine. Should you adopt or purchase the dog?? Both breeders and rescue groups can be great places to find a puppy. If you’re determined to get a purebred dog, it is still good to check local shelters and rescues. There are often breed-specific rescues that specialize in certain breeds and help you find the pup you have always dreamed you would have.
Whether you choose to purchase a doggy or select one, you should do your examination. Meet with the owners/proprietors and discuss what you are looking for in a dog. A good rescue group or breeder will help you determine if you are looking at the right breed. If you don’t like a specific facility’s vibe, continue your search until you find one you want. Don’t feel like you should buy a dog simply because of championship pedigree or dog bloodlines etc. For the average canine owner, this may not be essential information.
The little pup at the shelter looks with anticipation. Take me. I’m the one!
If you decide to get a canine from a breeder, you need to assess the breeder cautiously. Honest breeders will allow you to meet the litter’s parents so that you can determine their temperaments. Just because a litter’s parents have an excellent character doesn’t guarantee that the entire litter will, but it is undoubtedly a decent sign. The better breeders will be open about their breeding history, so please ask questions if you suspect inbreeding may be an issue.
Where not to get a puppy
Wellbeing in the long haul is always a roll of the dice.
However, you should not buy one kind of puppy: never purchase from a facility that offers puppy factory canines. These locations don’t care about dogs and don’t treat them well. Although pet stores seem like a convenient place to buy a dog, they usually purchase from puppy factories. Puppies from mills are known for their and genetic abnormalities and inbreeding.
Finding The Right Puppy-Baby Girl or Baby Boy?
After choosing a breed and either a breeder or a shelter, it is time to determine what sex of the dog is appropriate for you. If you currently have a dog, I suggest getting a puppy from the opposite sex.
Female canines are more likely to fight other females, and Male dogs are more likely to fight other males. Although same-sex dogs can get along and often do, why not play the odds and make things easier on yourself? If you don’t have another dog, then sex doesn’t make that much difference.
Time to Meet the Puppies!
Now for the exciting part: meeting the puppies! When you meet the litter.
Remember, although each canine breed is unique, there can be substantial personality variances within a specific species. Two littermates can differ in temperament more than you might realize. Some Rottweilers may be the most submissive pups globally, while others are stubborn and may challenge their owners. The variety standard says, each dog has its personality and may not be anything similar to what you read about on the web. My best recommendation here is to listen to the judgment of the rescue or breeder. They are familiar with the puppies and know the dogs better than anybody and will help you get a puppy that best fits your personality and goals.
If you would like professional help picking the right puppy, you can hire a professional trainer to evaluate your final selection of dogs.
Final Thoughts
My final thought is when choosing a puppy, take one at a time. While bringing home littermates sounds like a good idea, it is often a poor choice. Not only is it difficult to train two dogs at once, but there is a chance of experiencing littermate syndrome, a severe behavioral issue.
Littermate syndrome is where the littermates often bond to each other too tightly and don’t develop socially the way they should. You can help your dog overcome Littermate syndrome, but why take a chance. Get one pup first, then follow-up in about five months if you still want another dog.
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