How to Find the Best Dog or Puppy for You

I love my dogs

Member

By Karen Malzeke-Mcdonald
eHow Community Member

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(6 Ratings)

Let's face it buying a dog or puppy and bringing it home to the family can either be a wonderful experience or a miserable mistake. Buying the BEST dog or puppy can be a lifetime friendship.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Telephone
Newspaper
Internet computer

Step 1

Sam our Schipperke

You probably have ideas of what kind of dogs you like. With all relationships it is about the chemistry. Your personality and the dog's. So first ask yourself, "what really is my lifestyle". Some dogs are needy, or great alone, laid back or energetic, whatever they are they need to fit into your lifestyle.
Step 2

Ginger our wonderful Chi-pom

VISIT SHOW ROOMS. It can be a lot of fun! It is a good idea to learn about the idiosyncrasies of various breeds. You can find just about all the American Kennel Club breeds at a dog show. Best of all you can meet and talk to breeders. Also, visit your local Veterinarians. They often know of good sources for finding a wonderful dog or puppy. They can also tell you about some of the defects they see common in breeds. It is important to establish a good relationship with your vet since your dogs life will be depending on them.
Step 3

Jack our fun loving Shit-zu

PUREBRED OR MIXED BREED? Now you have some ideas about purebred dogs. Mixed breeds often marry the best traits of the dogs they are descended from. But let's face it, purebred or mixed, they are still just dogs. Again ask yourself what is your lifestyle. Mixed breed dogs don't have to be thought of a mangy mutts. There are some beautiful mix breeds with outstanding qualities.
Step 4

PUPPY OR ADULT? Puppies are like human babies. They need a lot of care. They cry at night, they need potty training, shots, and routine. Adult dogs come with their own behavior learned from previous owners. Having either a puppy or an adult dog, can be just as rewarding. Getting an older dog does not have to mean going to the pound and rescuing a mangy mutt. There are breed-support rescue groups and local shelters that are great for getting an older dog. Again, it really comes down to finding the dog whose temperament suits your.
Step 5

BACKGROUND CHECK. This SECOND to last point is very important. Wherever you find the dog that you think might be for you, do a background check. Know as much as you can about the history of the dog. If its a shelter, a breeder, a pet store. It does not matter. The environment it is coming from is also important to note. Is it clean? Are the dogs well cared for?
Step 6

MOST IMPORTANT! The first encounter tells it all. Call to the dog or puppy to come to you. If it runs to you and greets you warmly, chances are it will be a wonderful match. If it is reluctant or runs around and does not come to you, you might want to reconsider and continue your search. This point is what has made all the difference to me and my family. All the dogs that did not greet us, have been very difficult for us to raise. And frankly, have been miserable to train.