Don't Go Buying That Puppy - Until You Do These 5 Things
Thinking of buying a puppy? There are more things to consider than its cuteness.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed about buying a puppy, with their adorable expressions and beautiful coloring?
It can be difficult not to just pick the cute one or the sad and lonely one. Or perhaps the bouncy one catches your eye. While these are powerful enticements, buying a puppy based on these points alone can result in problems for you later on.
Here are 5 easy steps that will help you to make a wise decision.
1. Find out about the breed or breeds of that dog
All too often, tiny puppies surprise their new owners by growing into huge dogs that require far more roaming space than their homes allow. Ask the seller for information on the puppy's parents. Find out if they are mixed breeds as well.
2. Get all the facts about the breed or breeds
Dogs can differ in size and temperament, even within their own breed. Do your research to get some insight into things like how big are the parents and what are their temperaments. Then, check up on the breed itself (or breeds, if it is a mixed breed) to determine what is most common. Chances are, your puppy will come close to that.
3. Meet the puppy's parents, if possible.
Meeting the parents is better than relying solely on the breeder's report. See for yourself how the parents are with people and other dogs. Most puppies will take after one or both of their parents, so compare them both and expect that your puppy can have any or all of those traits. But there are no guarantees. Breeds go back many generations and you can't possibly know what went before.
4. Be sure to get registered papers for purebred puppies
They will show the puppy's parentage and that the parents meet the American Kennel Club's requirements for that breed. Should you end up with a puppy that doesn't meet that breed's standards, you can return it to the seller.
5. Buy only from a qualified breeder
There are many disreputable dog breeders and sellers out there who pay little attention to the health of the puppies' mothers or hygiene of the kennels. Such sellers can leave you with a puppy that is unhealthy and suffering from unknown genetic disorders from improper breeding practices.
There is so much to know when buying a puppy besides its irresistible personality. Fortunately, you can use these 5 points to help you with other important considerations. Once you get your puppy home, you will have to make more decisions.
About the Author
First, grab your copy of 10 Things That Can Cause Bad Dog Behavior: http://www.dogownersu.com/10-Things-Report.htm . Second, find out exactly how to buy and care for a puppy. Get a free trial of Sylvia's Puppy Parenting Course at http://www.dogownersu.com/FreeTrial.htm . It covers choosing a dog, stages of development, problem behavior and more.
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