Ten Tips for Picking the Perfect Puppy or Dog
© Darlene
Arden
1. YOUR LIFESTYLE will play an important part in your decision.
Think about what you like to do. How active are you? Do you want a
dog who will participate in physical activities like running, hiking
and swimming, or do you want more of a couch potato who prefers
quiet walks? Do you live alone? If necessary, can you pick the dog
up in a medical emergency to take him to the veterinarian or will
there be someone available to help you do that? If the dog suddenly
lunges on his leash, will you be able to hold him? Do you have
someone who will help you with walks?
2. SPACE is another consideration. Do you have a large fenced yard?
Do you live in an apartment? If so, this will bear upon the dog’s
size. Unless you can take a larger dog out for a long daily walk, a
smaller dog would be a better choice for an apartment-dweller.
3. GROOMING is important for every dog but if you don’t want to
spend extra time grooming then you should think about a breed with a
short coat. Not regularly grooming a long-coated breed can lead to
mats, which are hard to get out and painful for the dog.
4. ADULT or PUPPY? Do you have the time to devote to training a
puppy? Are you willing to sleep in sweatpants so you can run out in
the middle of the night when the puppy has to “go?” Perhaps a
retired show dog, or another adult dog in need of rehoming would be
a better choice for you. He would only need a couple of weeks to
adjust to your home and schedule.
5. BREEDER. If you choose to go to a breeder for your puppy, be
prepared to be screened because the person who created that little
life will want to be sure about the home and life that puppy will
have. And be sure to ask questions. Does the breeder show his or her
dogs? If the person doesn’t, this is a red flag. Dog shows are
where dogs are objectively evaluated to see if they meet the breed
Standard. Every dog is supposed to fit the Standard for its breed as
established by the breed’s parent club. Not every puppy in the
litter will be show quality but you’ll get one bred equally well.
Ask which pre-breeding tests that person does and ask to see
clearances. Ask if there is a health guarantee to a reasonable age.
Be sure to see at least one of the pup’s parents on the premises.
Ask about socialization. The puppies shouldn’t leave mom and
littermates before the age of 3 months BUT the breeder must be
socializing the puppies during that time because the window of
socialization closes at 3 months. An unsocialized puppy is a recipe
for a dog with major behavior problems. The breeder should also be
willing to take the dog back at any time during its life if you can’t
keep him or her.
6. BREED RESCUE. Often dogs lose their home through no fault of
their own. Sometimes it’s death of the owner, or a divorce, or a
move to another place. Breed club rescue people will evaluate a dog,
work with the dog if he or she needs help with training, and will
give the dog veterinary care if that’s required before rehoming.
They will also make every attempt to match the right person with the
right dog.
7. SHELTER. This one is a little trickier. There are some lovely dogs
in shelters who are waiting for a second chance. There are also dogs
there who have been emotionally damaged. They often will require
rehabilitation. And, as with all dogs, lots of patience and love.
8. WHICH ONE? The puppy who is hanging back in the litter and
looking pitiful is often the most appealing. But this is indicative
of a shy puppy who will likely need extra work. The most boisterous
puppy in the litter is often the one who is going to drive you crazy
unless you have a very high activity level, too. This puppy will not
be suitable for a couch potato lifestyle. All healthy puppies and
dogs will have bright, clear eyes and a shiny coat. In a shelter,
there is usually a room where you can go and spend time with the dog
to see how you interact and to get an idea of the dog’s
personality. But keep in mind that the shelter is a difficult
environment for a dog. It’s noisy, lonely, and frightening. And
for a small dog who is going to feel overwhelmed by it all, a
shelter is horrifying. These dogs will need some time away from the
shelter before they feel comfortable and their true personalities
are revealed. Also, shelter dogs may not have a shiny coat or bright
eyes. Their emotional health will impact upon their physical health.
9. INTERACTION. Does the puppy or dog seek you out and follow you
around the room? If so, this is the one who is likely to bond more
quickly to you.
10. BEWARE of anyone who takes credit cards, or someone who doesn’t
know you but won’t hesitate to ship a dog to you.
