When deciding to bring a dog into your family there are many things to consider before bringing a dog home. The first consideration is time. How much time do you have to devote to a dog or puppy. The amount of time you have may mean the difference between getting a puppy or adopting an older more low energy dog or it may mean finding a breed that works with your energy level. If you love to sit on the couch and watch tv, a high energy dog or breed will not be the right dog for you. There are a lot of great websites with breed information that provide an overview of just about every dog breed you can imagine. I suggest doing your research. In addition to researching online, visit your local dog park, ask your vet. Talk to people that own dogs of the breed you are interested in. Contact your local shelter or breed rescue. Often talking to people with experience is the best option because they will give you an honest picture of a dog or breeds needs.
Once you decide that you do have time for a dog, there are several options on where to get your dog. At this point you should decide if you would like a mixed breed, pure breed, puppy, adult or senior dog. No matter what kind of dog you are looking for or what age group you would like, there is most likely a rescue group that can help you. Rescues are a great resource and are typically made up of volunteers that love the breed or just love dogs and provide a great service to the public. Rescue dogs almost always come fully vetted, spayed or neutered and often times they have been living in a foster care situation which means that their foster parent will be able to tell you how they are in a home environment. Rescues often have everything from young puppies to older dogs in need. If they do not have the dog you want it is usually not long before new dogs come in and need a home. Another option is to buy a puppy or adult dog from a breeder. If you choose this option I suggest doing your research and finding a breeder that is knowledgeable and truly cares about the breed and not just making a profit. Do your research and ask questions. For example if you are buying a Doberman you should ask about VWD testing, hip dysplasia and if the puppy has a Z factor. You can find out what questions you should ask by researching the breed you are interested in and what problems or genetic issues they could have. When visiting a rescue or breeder, pay attention. If the facility is not clean or animals do not look well kept, you may want to think twice about purchasing a puppy. Beware of puppy mills or fraudulent people online.
Once you have decided on how you want to get a new dog or puppy, then its time to decide which one is right for you. If you are adopting a dog, this process is made a little easier because the rescue facility will often know the dogs and be able to ask you questions and help you match a dog with your personality. If you are looking at buying a puppy you should meet with the breeder and meet the parents of the puppy you are buying. You want to make sure the puppies parents have great temperaments and don't have any genetic health issues. Once you meet the puppies you should take note of how each puppy reacts to its litter mates as well as its owners and you. Choose a puppy that is most like what you are looking for in a dog. If you want a dominant playful dog then you should choose the puppy that is showing those types of behaviors. If you want a more mellow dog then the puppy that is calm and gentle may be the one you choose. Look closely at the puppies for any signs of health concerns. They should have clear eyes and noses and an appropriate energy level for their breed and age group. You want to wait until a puppy is at least 8 weeks old before taking it from its mother.
I also suggest before bringing home a new dog or puppy, make a schedule and consider how you will incorporate your new pet into your life. Dogs and puppies need daily care and attention along with exercise to avoid behavioral issues. You should have a plan for where your dog will eat, sleep and exercise before you bring him home. If you are a first time dog owner you should have a vet lined up as well. Once you bring your dog home you should make an appointment so that your dog will be established at your vets office in case they have an emergency. I also recommend purchasing a crate so that your new dog is not set up for failure. It takes dogs and puppies some time to adjust to a new home environment so they should not be expected to have free run of your home without any issues. A crate is the easiest way to ensure the safety of your dog and your home while you are away. I can't stress enough that doing your research will help you to avoid biting off more than you can chew. If choosing a puppy or dog is done correctly and with care, you will end up with a family companion or best friend for many years to come. Just remember that getting any type of animal is a commitment and should not be taken lightly or done on a whim. Careful consideration and planning is necessary to ensure everyone's happiness.
Once you decide that you do have time for a dog, there are several options on where to get your dog. At this point you should decide if you would like a mixed breed, pure breed, puppy, adult or senior dog. No matter what kind of dog you are looking for or what age group you would like, there is most likely a rescue group that can help you. Rescues are a great resource and are typically made up of volunteers that love the breed or just love dogs and provide a great service to the public. Rescue dogs almost always come fully vetted, spayed or neutered and often times they have been living in a foster care situation which means that their foster parent will be able to tell you how they are in a home environment. Rescues often have everything from young puppies to older dogs in need. If they do not have the dog you want it is usually not long before new dogs come in and need a home. Another option is to buy a puppy or adult dog from a breeder. If you choose this option I suggest doing your research and finding a breeder that is knowledgeable and truly cares about the breed and not just making a profit. Do your research and ask questions. For example if you are buying a Doberman you should ask about VWD testing, hip dysplasia and if the puppy has a Z factor. You can find out what questions you should ask by researching the breed you are interested in and what problems or genetic issues they could have. When visiting a rescue or breeder, pay attention. If the facility is not clean or animals do not look well kept, you may want to think twice about purchasing a puppy. Beware of puppy mills or fraudulent people online.
Once you have decided on how you want to get a new dog or puppy, then its time to decide which one is right for you. If you are adopting a dog, this process is made a little easier because the rescue facility will often know the dogs and be able to ask you questions and help you match a dog with your personality. If you are looking at buying a puppy you should meet with the breeder and meet the parents of the puppy you are buying. You want to make sure the puppies parents have great temperaments and don't have any genetic health issues. Once you meet the puppies you should take note of how each puppy reacts to its litter mates as well as its owners and you. Choose a puppy that is most like what you are looking for in a dog. If you want a dominant playful dog then you should choose the puppy that is showing those types of behaviors. If you want a more mellow dog then the puppy that is calm and gentle may be the one you choose. Look closely at the puppies for any signs of health concerns. They should have clear eyes and noses and an appropriate energy level for their breed and age group. You want to wait until a puppy is at least 8 weeks old before taking it from its mother.
I also suggest before bringing home a new dog or puppy, make a schedule and consider how you will incorporate your new pet into your life. Dogs and puppies need daily care and attention along with exercise to avoid behavioral issues. You should have a plan for where your dog will eat, sleep and exercise before you bring him home. If you are a first time dog owner you should have a vet lined up as well. Once you bring your dog home you should make an appointment so that your dog will be established at your vets office in case they have an emergency. I also recommend purchasing a crate so that your new dog is not set up for failure. It takes dogs and puppies some time to adjust to a new home environment so they should not be expected to have free run of your home without any issues. A crate is the easiest way to ensure the safety of your dog and your home while you are away. I can't stress enough that doing your research will help you to avoid biting off more than you can chew. If choosing a puppy or dog is done correctly and with care, you will end up with a family companion or best friend for many years to come. Just remember that getting any type of animal is a commitment and should not be taken lightly or done on a whim. Careful consideration and planning is necessary to ensure everyone's happiness.
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