Adopting A Puppy - Step By Step
Guide
So you have decided you want a
puppy? You have done all your homework to decide the
breed you want and you know you have the finances,
time and energy to take care of it. Next step is to
find a breeder and purchase a puppy.
Be warned...purchasing a puppy
from a breeder can be fraught with risks. As in any
business there are those breeders who are genuine,
who care for their animals and whose reputation is
important to them and others, often known as
backyard breeders, who are only interested in making
a fast buck. It is now up to you to find a honest
and reliable breeder.
Step 1 - Research
Do some research before contacting any breeders.
Here are some useful resources: 1. Contact the
kennel club of the breeds you are interested in and
request a list of their breeders. 2. Search on the
internet for breeding kennels 3. Ask friends who
have dogs of that breed where they purchased them
from and if they are happy with their chosen dog. 4.
Shows are another place where you can meet breeders
and see their animals, both in a show environment
and in kennels before and after the show. Just
remember this is a busy time for the breeder and
they may not have a lot of time to chat. Get their
details, observe their animals and contact them at a
less busy time.
Step 2 - A close look
Visit the breeders facilities before even choosing a
puppy to see how the animals are cared for. Do not
buy the first puppy you see. A good breeder will
want to ensure you are a suitable owner just as much
as you want to ensure they breed quality animals.
Look for clean facilities with healthy, clean dogs
that are free of parasites. The dogs should behave
in a manner you would wish your future dog to behave
e.g., if the majority dogs appear to be timid and
afraid it is a safe bet any pups will be of a
similar disposition.
Ask the breeder questions...
- How long have they been
breeding dogs? - What is the pedigree of the animal
you are considering purchasing. - Are both parents
at the kennel? - Are there veterinary certificates
available for both parents and offspring? - What
screening has been done for any common health issues
for the particular breed? - What guarantee will they
offer if the pup proves to have any major health
issues within a short time of purchase?
The breeder should also ask you
questions like...
- Do you have a house/yard
suitable for the animal? - Do you have the time to
care for it? - Are you fully aware of what is
required to care for the animal? - Will the dog be a
pet or for breeding/showing? - Do you have children
and their ages?
Step 3 - Buy
Breeders are well within their rights to refuse to
sell a pup to anyone they consider not suitable as
an owner of their dogs.
A sales agreement should be
signed by both parties outlining the obligations of
both purchaser and seller.
The breeder will possibly offer
advice on feeding, grooming, health care and
equipment you may need as well as a schedule for all
necessary immunizations.
A reputable breeder will also
ensure you do not take your puppy home too early to
ensure it gets early socialization with its
siblings. A puppy removed from its litter too early
may fear other dogs for the rest of its life. While
six weeks is the time many puppies are taken to new
homes, many breeders prefer to retain the pup until
they are around nine weeks old.
Step 4 - Enjoy your new puppy
Once you have collected your puppy keep in touch
with the breeder as they will be a fountain of
knowledge for you regarding your new dog and often
like to keep track of their animals.
If you do all your homework and
purchase from a reputable breeder you will have a
dog that will be a wonderful part of your family for
the next 12 to 15 years. Enjoy...
Pet Adoption Services
Adopting pet
means that every pet is a living, feeling
being who, more often than not, would make a
wonderful companion if given a chance. Many
service centers strive to increase those
chances through pet adoption services and
support of companion-animal sterilization...
until none is homeless.
Decide first which pet you want to adopt.
Your pet will depend on you throughout its
life, and with proper care, may live more.
Are you willing and able to care properly
for it and provide it a stable home for that
long? Don’t get pets without considering and
planning for the costs for such a
responsibility and many other things like
1) How much time can you spend with a pet?
Pets are social creatures they will not be
happy left out in the home alone. You must
be committed to spending hours with your
pet.
2) If you live in a small apartment, what
kind of space can you provide for your pet?
You must take this into consideration.
3) How much money can you set aside for the
care and feeding of pet? You must buy food,
pay for veterinary checkups, vaccinations
and routine medical care, food bowls,
collars, licenses, ID tags, leashes,
carriers, etc. over the lifetime of your
pet.
4) Before adopting find out all you can
about the breed of your pet, even if it is a
"mixed" breed.
5) How much training can you do? Training
will make your pet much more compatible with
you and with what you want to do.
7) Whatever pet you choose, you are making a
long-term commitment. Your pet will need
attention, love and respect from you: food
and water are not enough. Consider your pet
part of your family-that is what your pet
will think about you, you are its pack.
8) You are responsible for your pet’s
health.
Anna Josephs is a freelance journalist
having experience of many years writing
articles and news releases on various topics
such as pet health, automobile and social
issues. She also has great interest in
poetry and paintings, hence she likes to
write on these subjects as well. Currently
writing for this website
Pet Health . For more details please
contact at annajosephs@gmail.com
About the Author
Welcome to
the fun
& fantastic world of owning a dog! 