Choosing the right puppy is very important to ensuring that you and your new pup will have a happy and compatible relationship. There are a few things you need to consider before going out and choosing a puppy for your home. Some of the things you need to think about is the type of breed that will best suit your circumstances, your spending budget and the amount of time you will have available to allocate to your new puppy.
Before choosing your puppy consider the following:
1) The temperament of the puppy is very important therefore, you need to buy a puppy that is young preferably, this should be between 6 to 8 weeks old. You should choose a puppy that has been reared by a trusted breeder and that it has been properly socialized with its mother and the rest of the litter. Ask to see the mother to check her condition and health. You can buy a puppy from a puppy farm however, they may not have received the close attention and upbringing that a dedicated breeder can provide.
2) Another alternative is to acquire your new pup from a dog rescue centre. Visit the centre and determine how well the place is run for example, is it kept clean and hygienic. Ask if they carry out assessments on the dog's temperament. If you see a dog that you like ask for it to be taken out of its compound to see how well the dog connects with you.
3) A sign of a happy and healthy dog is its wagging tail. The dog will also approach you without any hesitation, just like a reunion with an old friend. When you have chosen your puppy ask the breeder to provide you with a sample of the dog food that it has been reared on. Keeping the pup on the same diet will help to avoid any stomach upsets or eating problems.
Have your home prepared for the new arrival in advance. Give your new pup the time to readjust to the new surroundings and provide them with a warm comfortable bed. During the early stages give them plenty of praise when they follow your instructions.
