For many, a dog is an essential companion, and owning a dog from puppy-hood can be emotionally rewarding. Ownership may be as much as a fifteen-year commitment and should be entered into with care, patience, and research.
We've all seen popular stories of owners receiving a dog as a gift or taking in a stray on a whim, but a slower, more thoughtful approach will make for a more rewarding experience for both the dog and the owner.
Puppies for sale or puppies for adoption? Firstly, start with preparation. A potential owner must first conduct an honest self-evaluation. Why do they want a dog? Do they have the time and space to care for one? Can they afford one? Are there size or breed restrictions in an apartment rental? Are they up for potential damage from an untrained puppy? Will they be prepared for the demands of training and grooming? There's no shame in the potential owner being unsure of any of these answers, but they should wait to enter into ownership at a time when they can answer with more certainty. A new puppy is a new member of the family, and the decision should be approached with the proper level of gravity.
Choosing breed. Once one feels certainty of their desire and ability to own a dog, they'll naturally begin to consider what type. Many owners are attracted to purebreds due to their beauty, skill sets, or out of a sense of tradition. Veterinarians and the American Kennel Club website can provide sound recommendations for local breeders. Consider that a reputable breeder will be able to provide documentation of care and a health guarantee and contract. Online research is a fine way of investigating the varying needs and health concerns of different breeds. Again, self-evaluation is important, and an honest assessment of one's space and capacity to meet the needs of a particular breed are important. Other potential owners may not be concerned about the breed and may simply want a good companion. Animal shelters and rescue groups are the way to go for these individuals. Again, vets can be an excellent resource in one's search for quality facilities, and other dog owners and online research can also be helpful.
Find a puppy for sale. At any given time, there are many puppies available in the local area. Choosing one should not be a rash decision; it deserves genuine time and care. The potential owner should commit to multiple trips to breeders or shelters. They should be prepared to ask many questions, avoid making an emotional decision, and take a notepad to write down anything that might be relevant. It's critical to jot down questions in advance; one may not remember them at the time of the visit.
Puppy information. One should ask about the puppy's medical history and behavioral assessments. If visiting an animal rescue group, you'll likely be asked by the group to undergo a home check. Ethical rescue groups will also be able to provide information about their processes, including detail about their finances and how they select foster owners. When a puppy gains the potential owner's consideration, she should take it to a vet of her choosing for a thorough physical evaluation. Existing health concerns should be known and considered before a puppy is taken home.
Finding free puppies. It should be mentioned that puppies from reputable providers are rarely free. Animal shelters and rescue groups incur costs in the care of their animals, and these costs are passed along to owners. That said, fees are usually relatively minimal, and they should be viewed by the new owner as the first costs of pet ownership. Giveaway puppies are available from many different sources, including many online ones. These sources should be approached with extreme caution. A puppy's medical and behavioral histories are key pieces of the decision-making process and ethical animal shelters and rescue groups will be able to provide much more information. An individual who has come to the conclusion that she's ready to take the ownership leap is to be congratulated. The decision and the process come with much responsibility but also much excitement and joy. It can and should be the start of a grand relationship for both the owner and the puppy.