Get Started. What is your experience with dogs? How much time can you put into training your dog? A little time: 1—5 hours per week. Some time: 6—10 hours per week. A house with a small yard. A house with a large yard. Do you prefer only to see dogs that are suitable for apartments? What is your noise tolerance for barking? You should be looking for an outgoing pup that is neither excessively submissive, nor dominant with the other pups.
When you first interact with the puppies, look for ones that approach you with their heads held high and tails wagging. These are signs of socially well-rounded pups that have had the right start in life. Be careful not to choose the fearfully shy pup of the litter. We tend to fall for the underdog, but this fearfulness trait is very difficult to change and is worth avoiding unless you have the skills to train the fearful dog effectively to give it confidence.
The ideal pup should want to be with you and follow you around and play with you when initiated. Of the two or three pups you have narrowed down, take them aside independently to test their vision and hearing. This can be done by clicking, clapping or dropping something on the ground behind them to see if they respond. Also you can test their sight by putting a treat or toy on the ground near them and making sure they can see it and find it.
A good breeder should have all the applicable papers proving the pups are of the highest quality. These things take a lot of time. Are you prepared to come home from work midday to care for your puppy? Can you handle being woken up in the middle of the night? Are you able to spend several hours a week working on training and socialization? What about any other pets or people in your home?
Will a puppy be too disruptive? If you get a young puppy, be prepared to spend a lot of extra time with it, especially for the first few months. If this sounds like too much, but you still want a dog, consider adopting an adult dog. So you've weighed the pros and cons of puppy ownership and decided that the time is right for you to bring a puppy into your household.
Now it's time to go look for your new little companion. But where do you begin? First of all, decide what kind of puppy is right for you. Make a list of features or traits you must have, those you prefer, and those that you definitely do not want. Once you have gotten an idea of what type of puppy you want, its time to begin your search. If possible, consider adopting a dog first. Mixed-breed dogs are absolutely wonderful and extremely underrated. Your local animal shelters and pet rescue groups have adorable mixed-breed puppies just waiting for homes.
Even if you are not sure a mixed breed dog is for you, it's worth a trip to your local shelter or rescue group to meet some of the puppies. You might just fall in love! You may truly have your heart set on a purebred dog. Many people have a favorite breed or need to know more accurately what to expect when the dog is grown. Factors like the size and coat type are very predictable in a purebred dog. Health concerns, temperament, and energy level are somewhat predictable but not guaranteed.
If you choose to buy a purebred dog, then you need to be responsible. Look for an experienced dog breeder with a stellar reputation. Avoid backyard breeders. Never buy from pet stores, as their dogs often come from puppy mills. Don't buy a dog from a flea market or a classified ad; these puppies have unknown backgrounds and may be unhealthy. When you find the right puppy for you, it will just feel right. Most owners will tell you that their canine companions actually chose them, not the other way around!
Before your little friend comes home with you, it's essential that you prepare your home. Do your best to puppy-proof every area of your home. Destructive puppy behavior is common, frustrating, and can be dangerous for your dog.
Your puppy is sure to find all the little things that can hurt it. The best way to keep your puppy safe is to supervise it at all times. Keep your puppy in a crate while you are away just avoid leaving for more than a few hours when your puppy is still young. A puppy should not have the full run of the house until it is older and well-trained.
You're going to need plenty of dog supplies before you bring home your new puppy. Start with the basics before you end up with a bunch of stuff you don't need such as toys your puppy doesn't enjoy or beds your puppy won't sleep in. You'll definitely need a few essentials to begin:. As your puppy grows, you will find you need other items, such as grooming supplies and preventive products.
Your vet can help you decide which items best fit your dog's needs.
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