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Page 1
Do I really want to own a dog?
Take the time to ask yourself these questions and make an educated decision. You and your dog will be
happier for it. There is no doubt that a new puppy is a joy to have around, but be aware ahead of
time that it is a huge responsibility also.
Now the key is to pick the right dog for your lifestyle and personality because even if you find you
do want a dog, choosing the wrong kind can bring on a whole new set of problems. Check out our tips
to picking the perfect puppy for some hints and suggestions.
How do I pick the perfect puppy for me?
While the above are some of the decisions you will have to make, they are be no means all of them.
The best advice is to research, research, research! Talk to breeders, look up info in books and on
the Internet, talk to owners about their particular breed, contact a veterinarian, and/or attend
dog shows. Always remember, it is okay to change your mind about which breed you want or if you
want a dog at all before you buy the dog.
Once you have determined which breed fits into you life best, it is time to select a place from which
to purchase your new pet. A lot can be said for mixed breed dogs from shelters. Most of the dogs
found at shelters are there simply because the previous owner could not keep them anymore. Many of
them have wonderful personalities and are just waiting for the right person to give them a loving home.
Consider a shelter dog if you do not have your heart set on a particular breed.
Do I really want to own a dog?
How do I pick the perfect puppy for me?
Page 2
How do I housebreak my puppy?
What are Westarbor's recommendations to promote health and prevent disease in dogs?
Page 3
What are some tips for training my dog?
What is Heartworm Disease and can my dog get it?
Page 4
What extra care does my dog require in the Spring and Summer months?
What extra care does my dog require in the Winter months?
Page 5
How do I crate-train my puppy?
How do I treat ear mites?
Page 6
How can I protect my dog from fleas?
How can I stop my new puppy from chewing on everything in my house?
Are you longing to hear the pitter-patter of little paws around the house? Do you want to add a bundle
of slobbery love to your life? Becoming a dog owner can be the beginning of years of happiness, or it
could be years of responsibility for which you were not prepared. A potential dog owner must first
ask themselves some questions and then be honest with themselves about the answers:
The question you must first ask yourself is do I really want a puppy, or would an older dog fit my lifestyle better? If you don’t have time to properly house-train, socialize, and obedience train a new puppy, your relationship with your new friend would get off to bad start right away. Once you decide whether you want an adult dog or a puppy its time to start researching what breed fits your lifestyle and personality best.
Some general considerations are:
By far, the largest source of purebred dogs is breeders. It cannot be stressed enough that when selecting a breeder, choose a responsible, well-respected one. Check with veterinarians in your area, they can sometimes give you names of breeders that their clients used and they would know if those pets are healthy. You can also check with the American Kennel Club (AKC), they will have listings of breeders all over the United States.
A good breeder will be one that breeds for the betterment of the breed. They will try to breed out hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia, blindness and deafness. They will also be asking you as many questions as you will be asking them, a good breeder will want to make sure that their puppy is going to a good home.
You should ask to see one of the parents of the puppy, to see how they interact with it and the other dogs. You can also ask if you can contact some of the people that had previously gotten a puppy from that breeder. A respectable breeder will be more than happy to give you that information.
Now that you know what breed, and from whom you are going to purchase, it gets down to the fun part- picking the puppy! Generally speaking, you will want to get a puppy that is 8-12 weeks old. A younger one may not have had enough time to socialize with its littermates and an older one may have bonded too much to them. Look for the puppy who is not the most out-going, but also not one that is the most shy. Moderation is key, the one that approaches you, and then falls back fits into the moderation category.
The more assertive puppy may end up having aggressive tendencies later on, the more shy and timid puppy may have fear-aggressive troubles. Look at the puppy’s physical signs: Is it plump and lively? Does it have clear eyes and a shiny coat? Are it’s teeth white and do they align properly? Is it clean and healthy looking? Are there any outward visible signs of disfigurement or disability? Is it alert?
There are few “tests” you can give the puppies to help to determine its personality.
- Hold the puppy’s front paws. If he allows this without must resistance, he does not have a very aggressive predisposition. If he pulls back forcefully and/or nips he may have behavior problems later.
- Note the puppy’s tail when he is playing. A tail up, and wagging signals a happier, fun-loving pup, while a tucked under tail can be a sign of a scared puppy.
- Note the puppy’s reaction to noise- a whistle or a clap. Does he run away and try to hide or does he look or run to the source? Running away may indicate a puppy that could have fear-related problems later.
Once you have narrowed down the choices, take each puppy out of the cage and away from its littermates. How does it respond to human contact? The one that responds best to your touch and seems to enjoy your company will adjust easiest once you have it home.
Above all else, enjoy this time with your new puppy, give him/her love and attention, and train and socialize him/her well and you can assured that he/she will be a wonderful addition to your family.
