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Buying A Puppy? Use This Puppy Checklist
By Ian White, Fri Dec 9th
So you've decided to buy a puppy? Dogs can bring joy, laughter,love, loyalty, protection and companionship into your life.However, there are a few things you need to be aware of beforeyou choose the puppy you wish to bring into your home. Use thefollowing checklist to ensure you purchase the puppy that'sright for you. The Breeder * Is the breeder experienced with the breed of puppy you arechoosing? Can she answer any questions you have? Will she standbehind the puppy if problems arise?
* Has the breeder explained all the pros and cons of the breedyou have chosen? Every dog has good and bad characteristics andthe breeder should make you aware of them. * Has the breeder insisted the puppy be enrolled in obedienceschool? Today many reputable breeders insist on this. * Has the breeder offered you a starter kit? Many breeders offercustomers a package when they purchase a puppy. It shouldinclude instruction on the care of the dog, at least one dogcare book for the specific breed you are purchasing, a sample ofthe puppy chow that the puppy has been being fed, a list ofsupplies you will need for your puppy and information onobedience schools, dog trainers with experience in behavioralproblems and veterinarians in your area. * Has the breeder discussed crate training with you? The breedershould inform you on how important it is to crate train yourpuppy, explain how useful crates can be and instruct you on howto use the crate. Crates can keep your puppy safe from harm. * Does the dog breeder have your puppy's papers in order? Youand the breeder should have a contract that you both sign, aswell as a pedigree. Reputable breeders sell with a spayand neuter requirement. This means you don't receive yourpuppy's papers registration application until the puppy has beenspayed or neutered. All stipulations should be specified in thecontract and explained to you so that you fully understand whatyour responsibilities are. There should never be an extra feefor your puppy's pedigree. * Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau, or anequivalent to ensure the breeder that you are buying from isreputable. Health * When a breeder takes you to see the puppies, take note if theyappear healthy and clean. should have bright, sparklingeyes, a healthy looking coat, clean ears and no odor. Theyshould be active, frisky and full of life. * Ask the breeder if the have been de-wormed andvaccinated. If they have, the veterinarian would have issued areport stating exactly what was done. * Ask the breeder if the have been checked forhereditary diseases
and conditions. Ask if the pups have beencertified in these areas. Socialization * Are the active, friendly and fascinated by people? Dothey come running to meet you when approached? lovebeing held, petted, played with and they should have outgoingpersonalities. If shy away when you approach, buyerbeware. You might want to consider choosing a different breeder. * Is the mother dog attractive and friendly? Is she clean anddoes she look as if she is well cared for? By the time puppiesare old enough to be weaned, the mother shouldn't beoverprotective of them or act in an aggressive way when youapproach. If the puppy's father is around, he should be friendlyand greet you with ease. Never buy a puppy if either of hisparents is aggressive. Dog aggression is often hereditary andyou don't want a dog that has a bad temperament. * Are the old enough to be sold? should not beseparated from their litter until they are between 6 and 8 weeksold; 8 are best. On the other hand, should have homesbefore they are 10 weeks old to prevent them from becomingdependent on their mother and siblings. * Has the breeder begun to socialize the puppies? If the puppieshave spent time with humans and have been given proper care,attention and training, it will be obvious in the puppy'sreaction to you. It's imperative that become socializedat a very early age. Your Responsibilities * Are you committed to the dog that you're planning onpurchasing for the rest of its life? Purchasing a puppy is notsomething to be taken lightly. You are committing to the care,training and health of the dog and to love it and tend to itsevery need. Dogs, depending on the breed and life'scircumstances, usually live 10 years or more. It is your responsibility to make sure it is in good health andhappy as long as it lives. A dog is not a toy that you buy andthen toss it in the corner when you're tired of it. Dogs areliving things that have to be nurtured. They have to be caredfor and take as much, or more, care as a child. Owning a puppyis a very serious commitment and not to be taken lightly. If youare willing to spend the next dozen or more years caring foryour dog, then by all means bring one into your life. You willhave a firm bond to each other and spend many happy hoursinteracting together. About the author:Author Ian White is founder of http://www.Dog-Breeders.biz. Thisextensive online directory includes listings by privatebreeders, kennel clubs, and occasional hobby or family breeders.Dog-Breeders.biz automates the matching of dogs for sale withpuppy wanted entries, with daily email notifications to allparties. Find your nextbest dog friend online
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