Things to think about before buying a Dog

Many factors need to be considered by a family, before bringing
home a new pet. These include:

GENDER – SIZE – HAIR What about the gender of the dog? Are you
interested in a male or female? Will you breed the dog once it
is grown? If a breeding program is not in its future, consider
neutering the dog. Are you interested in a large or a small dog?
Often, potential owners don’t consider the frame size and weight
of the puppy when it becomes an adult. Also think about the
grooming needs of a long-haired dog versus a short-haired one.

VETERINARY CARE

The dog will also need regular veterinary care. All these costs
can add up, especially if you’re on a limited budget. What type
of dog do you want? Purebred or mixed breed? Research the traits
of the breed that interests you. Be aware that some breeds have
specific benefits or problems. In addition, some purebreds can
be very expensive. Perhaps adopting from your local animal
shelter is an option.

TIME

Another important factor is your family’s lifestyle. Do you work
all day? How much free time do you have? Remember, a new puppy
will require four or more feedings a day and will need to go out
just as often. Do you spend a lot of time traveling or
entertaining? Do you have small children or other animals at
home? Are you physically able to handle a dog? What about your
location? Do you own a home or rent an apartment? Will your
landlord allow pets? Do you live in the city or in a rural area?
Is there enough fenced-in yard space for the dog to properly
exercise?

DOG ROLE IN YOUR FAMILY

Think about the role your new dog will play in your family and
who will be responsible!

Trust me; this will be YOUR dog! After the ‘honeymoon period’,
the kids may only play with the dog, occasionally. They may
groan and grumble about any dog-related responsibilities, doing
them, begrudgingly, only after significant prodding from you. As
children’s interests and activities change, over the years,
their level of involvement with the dog will most likely be,
inconsistent, at best. Additionally, your children, especially,
young children, will need to be ‘trained’ in how to behave with
the dog and will need to be supervised when with the dog.

I know some may disagree but, it is my opinion, that the only
time is it a good idea to get a dog for the purpose of
protection is in professional or agricultural situations and
only when the owner/trainer is humane and knowledgeable of dog
behavior and dominant dog training/handling. In all other
situations – probably 99.9% – an alarm system, security fence,
or other measures are much more appropriate and effective.

If you’ve read the third paragraph of this piece and still feel
that a dog can be bought for “breeding” there is probably little
I can offer to change your mind. But, just in case, let me
restate the case a little more thoroughly. The breeding of dogs
is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. If it is not your
intention to remain responsible for all of your puppies for
their entire lives, including being willing to take back and
care for those who may find themselves homeless, do not enter
into this endeavor. If you are planning on breeding for profit,
understand that there are much easier, more profitable and
ethical ways to make a buck. Dogs are living beings and dog
breeding requires a significant investment of time, money,
labor, knowledge, both academic and practical, patience, and
emotional fortitude, to be done responsibly and humanely. Please
visit a few of the shelter and rescue websites, or your local
shelter, and witness the problem yourself. View the faces of the
homeless dogs and talk to the volunteers and staff who, all too
often, must take that ‘final walk’ with them.

Once you’ve decided on the type of dog you want and where you
will purchase it, do not buy a puppy on the first visit.
Instead, potential owners leave, think about the decision, and
then go back. Avoid the temptation of buying two or more
puppies. A single puppy will bond to its owner better and will
be easier to train.

Depending on the breed, the best time to purchase a puppy is
between 7-9 weeks of age. As soon as possible have the puppy
examined by a veterinarian. If possible, ask the seller if you
can have the puppy checked by a veterinarian before you purchase
it.