Things You'll Need:
- Local newspaper's classified ad section
- Computer with Internet access
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Step 1
Determine what size dog you wish to own. Consider the size of your home, yard space and your budget. Small dogs such as terriers don't need as much space inside or outside your home and can be easier on your pocketbook. They eat less and their veterinary needs, such as heartworm preventatives, are less expensive.
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Step 2
Determine the reason that you want a puppy. If you want one to show professionally, of course you must choose a purebred. If all you want is a loving companion, any puppy will fit the bill. Mixed breeds will be cheaper to buy and sometimes they are free to good homes.
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Step 3
Look at other dogs in your neighborhood and visit your local pet store that has puppies. Go to websites such as DogBreedInfo and DogLuvers. These sites can help you find features in dogs that you like such as short hair, a loud bark or an easy temperament.
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Step 4
Choose several dog breeds that you like. Write them down.
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Step 5
Go to the Petfinder website and search for those dogs in your area. This site will link you with animal shelters that have your desired purebred and mixed breed dogs (who have at least part of your preferred breed in them) available for adoption. Follow up with the shelters if you see your perfect pet.
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Step 6
Visit your local pet store, humane society or animal shelter and look at the puppies to see the breeds you like in person before you make a decision. Call the shelters or stores prior to your visit if you still want a particular breed. It's hard to walk out of an animal shelter without a puppy so be prepared!
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Step 7
Read your local newspaper's classified ads to find purebred puppies or choose one from a pet store. Make sure you know where the pets come from; you do not want to purchase a puppy from a "puppy mill." Most legitimate pet stores have policies now against purchasing from people who abuse their pets.
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Step 8
See the puppy's parents if possible. In both purebreds and mixed breeds, puppies won't look much different than their parents. You can better predict adult size and coloring if you get to see the parents.
Comments
MacDonald said
on 12/29/2008 What planet are you from, Ms eHow Pets editor, and how on earth did you get that designation?
Dogs from a pet store? Are you freaking SERIOUS??
Please, please, stop writing about topics you understand utterly NOTHINg about.
This whole article is very poor advice.