Best Tips On How to Buy a Puppy

You have decided a puppy is the next addition to your home and family. You've seen plenty of cute puppies out there and have wanted each and every one of them. So where do you start?

Best Tips on How to Buy a Puppy

Before your heart melts and your reasoning abilities fly out the window when faced with those sad, yearning puppy eyes, there are important facts to consider so when that adorable puppy become a full blown dog, this emotional love affair continues!

1) Determine your needs

This factor is vital to ensure a long successful life with your cute new puppy. A happy dog with an equally happy owner is the result you are looking for when considering your needs.

*Think about what size you want your future canine BFF to grow to. If you have a small house or live in an apartment, do you really think a Great Dane is your best companion?

*If you avoid exercise like the plague or have no wide open spaces for an exercise driven dog like a Dalmatian, you will surely encounter damage resulting from a very bored, energy hyped pooch.

*Are you outgoing, constantly on the go, surrounded by people? A reserved, shy natured dog is probably not a good match for you. Matching a breeds personality closely to your own is a sure bet for a harmonious relationship.

*Very important if you have kids or expect to have them in the next decade or so. Surprisingly not all dogs are kid friendly nor are all kids dog friendly. A dog that is easy going is a better match for kids. A lesson in doggie respect taught to young children absolutely makes a calmer household.

2.) Adoption vs Breeder

Volumes are written on this subject for good reason. There are millions of perfectly fine, loving pets euthanized each year because they don't have a home and shelters often can't afford to house them all. Too often it's because of one or more of the reasons discussed above. People simply did not take the time to choose the right dog for their needs and instead make an impulse decision when seeing cute puppies they can't resist. You might visit your local shelters before you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder. The right puppy or dog could be waiting there for you to come along!

Breeders are often desired when people choose to buy a puppy, especially those who feel a pure bred dog is what they need. Be very selective and discriminating when considering breeders. There are many different levels of breeders and again choosing a breeder that fits your needs is important. If you are not going to show your dog or continue breeding him or her later in life, a top of the line breeder maybe isn't something you need to consider or bear the expense of. On the other hand, a quality breeder is important no matter what. Ask many questions, carefully inspect their dogs and all areas of the facilities when you visit them. If they are acting like they have something to hide, they probably do. Buying from a bad breeder gains you nothing and allows a poor breeder to continue to stay in business. You may be able to save a few dollars, but the cost in the long run with health issues on so on really isn't a savings at all.

3) How to Buy A Puppy - Do Pet Stores Mean Puppy Mill?

Generally speaking, the consensus is yes. Much has been said and written about the atrocities of puppy mills. The "breeders" aren't breeders at all, but quick profit seekers only interested in producing many puppies quickly and as cheaply as possible. Sadly, the result is dogs and puppies neglected, abused and unhealthy. Too often pet stores operate on the same principles, volume over quality, and the puppy mills and pet stores work hand in hand. If you consider purchasing a puppy from a pet store, please reconsider. If you can't resist, please continue very carefully. Before you buy a puppy, please learn more about this at http://www.stoppuppymills.org/.

4) How to Buy A Puppy - Purchasing on the Internet

Generally speaking again, the consensus is don't buy a puppy on the Internet. There are too many ways for "breeders" to paint a pretty picture and weave a tale that has no measure of truth to it at all. These breeders often offer to ship a puppy anywhere so you never have to visit their facility. When considering the condition of puppy mills, this makes it very convenient for a breeder operating on deception.

5) How to Buy a Puppy - Choosing Your New Puppy

You have determined your needs and eliminated the breeds that simply won't work out. You hopefully have a list of the breeds that will compliment you and your lifestyle. You have an idea of where you will purchase or adopt your cute puppy. Now is the time to let emotions kick in! Which breeds on your list do you like the most? Is there one that stands out or a few? Still undecided? Perhaps a visit to a dog park would help. Often how a dog interacts with his owner is similar to how that breed interacts in general. Another option would be to invest in an inexpensive book about a specific breed to help you decide. This may help you determine the perfect cute puppy for you!

Sheri is the owner of two dogs, Tess and Zoey. She writes about pet ownership as well as the differences in various dog breeds.

To learn about one of my favorite dog breeds and to find out more about pet ownership please visit Shiba Puppies Are The Best.