How to Choose the Right Puppy

Choosing the right puppy for you takes a little time and skill. When choosing a puppy you are choosing a family member for the next 10-15 years so choosing the correct puppy for you and your family is extremely important.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1. A copy of Dog World Magazine
• 2. A flashlight
• 3. A set of car keys
• 4. A tennis ball

1. Using Dog World Magazine or some other dog publication find the breed you would be interested in. Call a couple of breeders and ask them some questions like: Is the Sire and/or Dam on the premises? Are they registered with the AKC? Does this particular breed have any health problems that you are aware of? What kind of guarantees do you give with your puppies? Can I come and visit the litter if there is one on the premise?

2. Go and visit the litter of pups. Make sure that puppies are between 6-10 weeks old. It is preferable that the puppies are 8 weeks old as 6 weeks is usually a little young to take the pups away from their mother and if they are over 10 weeks of age many times they have begun to bond with other litter mates and have not had enough human contact. Also ask the breeder to show you and a shot record because the first shots should be given by 6 weeks of age. Do not buy a puppy that has not had shots as they are more susceptible to disease such as Parvo virus.

3. Ask to see the puppy interact with the litter. Although many people like the shy pup that sits in the corner and does not bother anyone they do not always turn out to be the best dogs. The pup should be interacting with other members of the litter. Then ask the breeder if you can interact with the pup outside of the litter. Make sure you have washed your hands to ensure that you are not spreading anything to the puppy. Using the flashlight, blink it on and off at the pup. A good puppy should be interested in the flashlight and after a few seconds should want to come forward to investigate. Then jiggle your keys. Again the pup should want to come forward and investigate. The pup that runs away and/or hides in the corner is overly shy and maybe difficult to socialize. At this age the most important aspect of the pup will be one that will easy to socialize. Lastly, roll the ball and see if the pup chases it. This is especially important if you are buying a Working or Herding Breed Dog. The dog should have some "ball drive" and want to chase the ball. A pup that does not like to play is again, difficult to socialize and may have problems around children. These are general guidelines however they are very simple to follow and can be the difference between a good friend for life or someone difficult to live with.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose your breed carefully as this will be a dog that will live at least 10-15 years
• Do not choose a big dog if you don't have room to exercise the dog
• Look at a number of magazines including Dog World and Dog Fancy before choosing your dog
• Do not buy a dog over the Christmas holidays as there is too much confusion and chaos to help the pup adjust correctly
• Be sure to buy a crate (the best are Vari Kennels) for your dog - this a good place for the pup to sleep and will aid in house breaking
• Within 24 hours of buying the puppy have the pup examined by a licensed Vet to ensure there are no health problems - this should be part of your guarantee from the breeder
• If the breeder will not let you touch the pup leave and go find another breeder.
• Ask a few breeders for the breed you are interested in the same question to see if the answers are similar.
• If there AKC registration papers ask to see them
• Once you purchase the puppy do not leave the premises without the registration papers, shot record and guarantee in writing
• Do not buy a puppy in a Pet Shop or from a breeder that has too many dogs on the premises. These people are usually in it just for the money and many times you can end up with a sick dog.