Picking man’s best friend can be an overwhelming choice. With hundreds of breeds, thousands of puppies, and seemingly unlimited options, bringing home a new puppy is not as easy as it sounds. If you are considering buying a dog, consider these simple tips to preparing for, picking, and avoiding common pitfalls before selecting the newest member of your family.
Preparing for a Puppy
So you think you want a dog. Before rushing to the pet shop or animal shelter and picking up the first puppy eyes you see, it is crucial to prepare yourself and your family for your new addition.
Lifestyle
While you may love poodles, if you work 20 hours a day, that might not be the best choice because poodles tend to have a lot of energy and crave attention. A new puppy is a lot like a new baby, they require a lot of time and attention. Much like potty training a toddler, puppies must be housebroken early to avoid accidental damage to your home. Be prepared to spend the time (and possibly money) to properly train your puppy as soon as you bring them home.
Location
Many shoppers choose a dog based on what they find cute and cuddly, but consider your location and what breed will be the most comfortable in and out of your home. If you live in a shoebox apartment, a St. Bernard might be a mistake. If you live in Arizona, a sheepdog might be cute, but miserable in your climate.
Picking the Right Pooch
Puppies are ready for a new home between 8-12 weeks of age. However, predicting the size and characteristics of a full size dog from an 8-week-old puppy can be difficult, even for experienced buyers.
Research, Research, Research
Research the health risks, size expectations, special needs, as well as both personal and family history of any puppy you’re considering taking home. It is important to know whether you want a playful friend, a hunting companion, or a natural protector. Reduce unpleasant surprises by educating yourself in advance so you can choose the type of dog that fits your wants and needs.
Pedigree Pitfalls
Those puppy dog eyes may melt your heart, but before you go falling in love, step back, and give any possible companion a thorough examination before you hook on that collar.
Watch
Watch the dog walk, any limping may be a sign of bone and joint disease or muscle problems. Watch the puppy eat to ensure that their upper incisors just slightly overlap the lower to ensure a correct bite.
Check
Check the eyes for a bright and clear appearance; make sure there are no lines or white spots in the pupils. The tips of the ears should look healthy, well furred, and soft. Avoid ears with bare spots or stinky ears, which may indicate an infection or disease. Check the coat for a bright and shiny look with correct coloring and markings for the breed. Avoid puppies with missing hair or areas of inflamed skin.
Feel
Start with the top of the head and feel for a soft spot, or fontanel in the skull this can be an indicator of other health problems. Then feel the nose, it should be cool and moist without any discharge, frequent sneezing, or closed nostrils. Use the palm of your hand to feel the chest and ensure the heartbeat feels vibrant and ensure the puppy breaths without any problem.
A new puppy can provide a loving companion, a childhood friend, and a loyal protector for your home and family. Take the time to prepare and select the right puppy for your family and enjoy years of puppy love.
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