Buying a Dog: Where to Get a Puppy or a Dog, Where to Start
Don’t just follow the hype, the reason that a close friend has a puppy doesn’t make you automatically qualified or ready to own a puppy or dog.
Dreaming About Getting a Dog
You wake up one beautiful morning with a big urge to have a puppy or dog. You don’t know where the sudden urge came from or why it pesters you. Maybe you feel lonely and need a companion, or maybe you have always wanted to own a puppy, and you can’t hide the feeling any longer.
You decide to make your dream come true.
One problem, though, you have no idea about where to get that dog or puppy. Finding your perfect companion is not an easy process, but it is a priceless experience. Getting started is the toughest part. You may be pondering whether to take a male or female, adult dog or puppy.
You can access the information you want from experienced dog owners, rescue organizations, breeders, and your prospective vet. These experts will be glad to give you their opinions and experiences, which will, in turn, give you a broad range of options to choose.
Where to Start
Before you start looking for a new puppy or dog, there are some important things you should consider.
First of all, you should be ready to own a dog as being a dog owner has a lot of commitments and responsibilities. It is like a self-sacrificing version of having a baby. Don’t just follow the hype, the reason that a close friend has a puppy doesn’t make you automatically qualified or ready to own a puppy or dog.
Apart from the lifelong obligations, you must prepare yourself financially. Dogs have needs that require you to spend time and money on toys, training, vet bills, canine insurance, general care, and food.
Also, you should know the right crossbreed or pedigree dog that suits your lifestyles. Some breeds are popular than other, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they will be the perfect choice for you.
Different Dog Breed Sizes
Are You Ready for a Dog
Before you get a puppy, you should ask yourself the following questions. They are like a quick self-interview.
- Can I afford to purchase and cater for maintenance needs of a puppy or dog?
- Lifetime commitment to a dog or puppy. Can my lifestyle accommodate a dog for over ten years?
- Is my home fit to host a dog?
- How often will I be available for the dog? Will there be someone to take care of the dog when I am out of town?
- Will I find time to groom, train and take care of the dog?
If you answer yes to all these questions, congratulations – You are ready for a new pet. If, however, you answer no to any of the above questions, you are probably not ready yet.
Different Options for Getting a Dog
You can either choose to buy or adopt a dog or a puppy. Adopting should be your first choice. Taking a puppy who is homeless is one of the kindest gesture. You should, however, be careful to avoid irresponsible dog breeders who make cash doing illegal activities. Some don’t have the knowledge required about breeding for favorable temperament and health qualities. For them, it’s all about the money.
Puppy mills are meant to increase the supply of offspring to sell them to pet stores. It is like a purebred puppy factory farm where they churn them out quick. Puppy milling is both demeaning to the puppy and the mother. Note that a good number of shelters have purebred dogs.
- Kennels and dog shelters – adoption is a smarter and convenient option of owning a puppy when compared to buying. Dog shelters and rescue organizations have a good number of healthy, lovable and friendly adoptable candidates.
- Breeders – dog breeders are a good choice when you have little or no information regarding puppies and dogs. Not all of them are genuine, though. Find a responsible and experienced breeder and pay their premises a visit.
- Newspaper classified ads – it is not an option I will highly recommend, but it has worked for some dog owners. Maybe it will work for you too. Advertisements can be misleading or untrue. For instance, the statements “home raised dogs” or “family raised” are not always true.
- Shops/Pet stores – you can get your perfect four-legged companion from your local pet store. You should also be careful when you decide to take this option as some pet stores sell puppy mill puppies.
Purebred Dog or Not?
Selecting between a purebred dog or not is a matter of tastes and preferences of the potential dog owners or adopters. A pedigree dog refers to an offspring of two dogs of the same breed. You will find the lineage of these two dogs documented with a recognized club. Pedigree dogs carry with them a breed standard that acts as a blueprint for their health needs, temperament, and character. Cross breeds show a mixture of ancestor traits. If you decide to have a cross breed, it is important to find out all the information about the parents.
When you are searching for the right pedigree or crossbreed puppy, you should put a lot of consideration to the breeder. Finding the right breeder can be tricky but here is how you can find the right one for you. Look for an assured breeder who maintains good dog breeding practices. The schemes work to help puppy owners find responsible breeders. Breeding has its challenges but also incredible benefits. Bringing new life into this world is a humbling experience but only if done in a thoughtful and informed way. Doing it right will result in healthy and joyful puppies that will have a long and rewarding life.
How Dog Breed Groups are Categorized by Organizations?
Is there a Waiting List for Getting Particular Breed Puppy?
As mentioned, people prefer certain kinds to others. Reasons for the popularity include easy trainability, good temperament, friendliness and obedience among other qualities. Going through an information guide on these breeds will help you make a suitable choice. Information guides are essential for both existing and prospective dog owners. They tell you everything you need to know about the different breeds, including what to expect after adoption including issues you may face during your relationship with your newly acquired puppy. Remember: one man’s meat is another man’s poison. Make your choice regarding the qualities you love. Not everyone wants a German Shepherd or a Boxer Dog because they are robust and athletic. Since you can’t date a puppy before bringing it home with you, your choice will be highly dependent on years of research that have come up with the distinguishing characteristics of the many breeds.
Can I Bring Puppy or Dog from Abroad?
Dog ownership is a choice that brings forth many benefits to the owner. The benefits include improved sociability, companionship, a healthier lifestyle and a sense of responsibility. If this means getting a dog or puppy from abroad, then go for it! But before you make the decision, first make sure that the particular breed will adapt quickly to your local weather or climate. Some breeds have a hard time adjusting to changes in environmental conditions.
Most Popular Dog Breeds in 2016
