The Do's and Don'ts of Purchasing a Dog
Whether you are thinking of adding a new furry member to your family, or you already have one and are planning on adding another, here are some do's and don'ts to follow when purchasing a dog:
Definite Doggie Do's
1. Do Your Research — No matter what the dog, it is important to research the right type of dog for your home, and the right source, whether breeder or adoption center, to get the dog. Be patient, it may take many trips to the adoption center, or visits with various breeders, to make the right match.
2. Prepare your Home — Each dog has individual needs in a home, but all dogs will need a food and water dish, and a crate. Dogs are comforted in a den-like environment. It is their personal space until the dog is ready to make the entire house their home. Also plan to bring a dog home when you will have a few quiet days, such as a weekend, to spend with your new family member.
3. Obedience Training - Training is really important to do in a class environment, so they learn socialization. Dogs adopted from the ASPCA, and many other shelters, have already had basic obedience and are offered free training courses run by the shelter.
Definite Doggie Don'ts
1. Do Not Buy Online — The Internet is a great place to begin your search for information about breeds, breeders and shelters. However, you should always meet and speak with the person you are buying a dog from, and never order a dog over the Internet.
2. Never Before Eight Weeks — Any responsible breeder or shelter will not let you take a puppy when it is too young to leave its mother. Many small dogs need to wait until 10 weeks for the puppy to be able to leave the mother.
3. Do Not Go to a Pet Store - While you may have gotten your guppies from the local pet store, and you will definitely need a pet supply store shopping spree before you bring a dog home, do not buy a dog from a pet store. Dogs at pet stores are often prone to genetic problems, because they are often bred at so-called "puppy mills" that value quantity over quality. These dogs do not come with the socialization or guarantees you get from a breeder or shelter.
