What You Need to Know About Buying a Puppy

By SueanneD

Instructions

Step 1:
Consider what you want in a dog. You'll want to match the puppy with your lifestyle and needs. For instance, it's impractical to go looking for a Great Dane if you live in an efficiency apartment. It won't be comfortable for either one of you. Look into a dog's size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness and compatibility with people. These factors will all play a big role in narrowing down what type of dog you want.
Step 2:
Do your research. Collect information about the breed you're looking to buy. Talk to owners of that breed. Every dog breed was developed with a particular function in mind, so personalities and temperaments differ greatly from breed to breed. Get as much information as possible about the specific breed you're interested in to see if it's a good fit.
Step 3:
Avoid pet stores and online dog breeders. Instead, try your local Humane Society. You can't guarantee that the pups found at pet stores are not part of a puppy mill where they were born and raised in dreadful conditions. You can't necessarily guarantee this when dogs are offered online or in newspaper ads either. Find a puppy at a shelter where you can see and observe that it's well fed, lives in clean conditions and shows affection toward people. Plus, you'll be rescuing a puppy that desperately needs a home.
Step 4:
Do a visual inspection before purchasing. When puppies are awake, they should be alert and energetic, not lethargic and unusually quiet. Beware of bloated stomachs (except after eating, of course), which may be a sign of worms. Also check for clear eyes and noses. If a puppy's eyes and nose run, it may be a sign of a viral or bacterial infection.
Step 5:
Get the puppy's medical records in writing. Ensure that the puppy is up to date on its vaccinations and exams. Obtain records of all its medical care. This will help with subsequent visits to the vet.

Tips & Warnings

Once you purchase your puppy, have your vet check it out to ensure it's in good health. Also, talk to your veterinarian about what to feed the pup and what to watch out for with your particular breed.
If you choose to purchase your puppy from an independent breeder, meet with the breeder beforehand. Check out the living conditions and the overall appearance and disposition of all the puppies living there. Ask to see the puppy's parents as well to check for overall health. Never sign anything until you've covered all your bases.

Resources

The Dangers of Puppy Mills

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