|
|
So now you have decided to go for it. You are pretty certain
you can deal with all the issues mentioned on the previous page. So what
kind of a dog will you buy, find, adopt? Some of the issues discussed here
may seem obvious but there are literally thousands of dogs brought to animal
shelters each year because someone didn't think of the obvious, they just
thought that cute little puppy would be nice to bring home.
|
|
|
Do you want a purebred dog or do you not mind
your dog having a mixed background or untraceable heritage?
Some people (like me) get sold on a particular
breed of dog. For me, I just melted at the silly and sad face of the Shar
Pei. That was in the final analysis, the dog I wanted to purchase. But I
wish I could have room for them all. There are wonderful dogs, some mixed
(Buddy is an example) and some purebred in the shelters. They are in need
of loving homes and if you have maybe a little extra time and a little extra
patience that surely could be the way to go for you. Most likely the purebreds
obtained from a shelter, will not come with "papers" but unless you are
looking to show and/or breed a dog this is really not important. Papers
really mean nothing more than the dog is registered with the AKC. This means
that the AKC recognizes the breed and it fits into one of the groups recognized
by the AKC. It means that should you wish to show your dog in an AKC sanctioned
show that you can. It is not at all a guarantee however, that your dog actually
is worthy of winning in the show. It is not a guarantee that your dog will
meet the "standard" of it's breed or that it will be free from health problems.
It does not mean that you and your dog will one day be famous. It is a guarantee
of nothing and that is important to know.
|
|
|
What type of dog are you looking for?
There are differences in the breeds. Something
so obvious as size should be a consideration. If you live in a small apartment
don't opt for an Irish Wolfhound. You have a cute little puppy who will
grow to be very large (well over 100lbs in weight). Are you sedentary? Look
for a dog that shares your interest in the couch. Don't think that a greyhound
looks like the dog you want or one of you will be very unhappy. The trick
is research the breed you choose. Find out if it fits into your lifestyle
and into your home. Many a dog ends up being given away because the owner
didn't take the time to find out it needed to run 5 miles a day and she/he
just didn't have the time or energy.
|
|
|
How much time do you want to spend on grooming
your dog?
If spending an hour or so maybe even twice a day, brushing
your dogs coat is not for you don't even consider Lassie. In my generation
of growing up Collies were the dog of dogs due to the show, but they are a
relatively large breed with excessive grooming needs. If you want to spend
your time grooming the dog, then consider it, but if you know that will grow
old soon, give up the thought and opt for one of the shorter haired breeds
|
|
|
Do you have children?
Although as I said previously there is no tried and true rule
for dogs and children there are some things you might want to know from
the breeder. Check as to whether the dog you purchase was raised in a family.
Are it's parents raised and kept with the family. Was this line raised to
be a family pet and socialized well or was it bred to be a guard dog. Again
I repeat that this is not a tried and true rule but it may help you to narrow
your potential for trouble. In my opinion children and dogs should be watched
closely always. I have seen children who pull the dog's hair, poke their
eyes and all around abuse them while the parents stand by and think it's
cute. Then after some time the parents are amazed and overwhelmed that the
dog bites the child. Unfortunately the dog is then a beast and is given
away or worse. I can't blame the child for thinking the dog was a stuffed
animal, I can't blame the dog for getting fed up and defending itself in
the only way it knows, but I do blame the parents for having so little knowledge,
understanding and respect for either of those two lives, the child and the
dog. What I say to parents is this, never allow your child to treat the
animal as an inanimate object. Never leave your small child alone with a
dog no matter what you might think, it only takes seconds for a disaster
to occur. Teach your child respect for the life that it shares it's home
with, and I repeat...don't leave your small child alone because, children
will be children, and dogs will be dogs. (Can you tell this is a sore spot
with me? : ) )
|
|
|
Male or Female?
I have owned both genders in both dogs and in cats. I would
say that the male animals seem to be a bit more affectionate and subdued
however, animal experts will tell you that males can become more aggressive
due to their dominant nature. Honestly if you can view the parents of the
puppy you will get a good idea of the temperment that the puppy will attain.
Females can become pregnant, and their twice yearly "heats" are not pleasant
to deal with. Males can get the desire to wander when they sense a bitch
in heat nearby. My best advice, neuter or spay your animal. Sure puppies
are cute, but what will you do with them? Will you find good homes for them?
not just homes but good homes! Resist the urge to allow your female to have
puppies just for the sake of having puppies. Don't think that it's nice
that Bowser got out for the day. He may have just fathered a litter and
those are just more animals that may end up shelter bound.
|
|
|
Ok so this is it
So you've done the research, decided on a breed and now you
are ready to take that next step~buying the puppy. The caveat is still buyer
beware. There are many unscrupulous individuals out there who breed their
dogs indiscriminately for the big bucks. Check out a breeder thoroughly.
Check out how the dogs live, and where they live. Are there scores of dogs
in sheds on this person's property? Don't buy, and in fact report them to
your ASPCA. They are called Puppy Mills and they are a sin. These dogs will
only bring you sadness as more than likely they will be poor representatives
of the breed with a myriad of health problems. Seek a breeder, not a pet
shop. The pet shop is the middle man for that puppy mill person. Talk to
the breeder. Ask her/him why they breed dogs. A breeder should be breeding
carefully to improve the breed, not because it's something to do. See how
knowledgeable the breeder is about the breed, the negative as well as the
positive. Ask how many litters they have a year or in 6 months. If the number
seems exorbitant to you it probably is. Does this breeder give a guarantee?
Reputable breeders do. They are pretty certain, as they have bred carefully,
that the dog will be free of major problems, and if the dog is found to
have a severe illness, they will replace the puppy or refund your money.
I do recommend buying a book or two before you purchase. Some books have
specific outlines and questions that will be appropriate to ask and will
lead you in the right direction.
|
|
|
I wish you and your pets a lifetime of
love.
I hope that if you've stopped here, these guidelines will
be of help to you and I hope that the dog you decide to share your life
with will bring you much love and happiness and you will do the same for
him.
Susan
: )
|
|
|
|
