If you are thinking about getting a puppy there are many things to consider. Here is a check list to make things easier.
1. Breed
Do you want to get a pure or mixed breed?
What are the traits? If you have kids you might want to steer away from very tiny dogs like Yorkies or jumpy breeds like Boxers.
2. Breeder/Shelter
If you are getting your puppy from a breeder it is important to meet the parents. You will get to see what kind of dog your puppy will grow up to be like. Good breeders will have the dogs house trained and usually on a RAW food diet. Good breeders will also socialize your dog do different surfaces, sounds and people.
Shelters and rescue groups may have the mom on hand to meet so it is always a good idea to ask.
3. Stuff you will need!
Crate-dogs need a crate to have a place to themselves. Ideally your dog will never have an accident in the house. Hard to impossible if they have too large of an area.
Bones-good stuff to chew on so they don't chew on your stuff.
Vet-find a vet that you like ahead of time, not after.
Toys-have 3 types of toys, 1 is around all the time, 1 when you are home and 1 when you are not at home.
Pet sitter-Unless you can go home every 3 hours you will need to hire a dog walker. www.petsit.com is a good place to start.
Natures Miracle-in case your puppy makes any messes.
Good food-no by-products-read the label! RAW is best but there are also good dry and wet foods available.
4. Time!
Make sure you will be home for at least a few months to get the house training down pat. You will also need to work with your puppy every day.
Puppies are only puppies until around 18 weeks old. Be sure that you can put in the training that will determine their life. You only have a very short time to do a lot of work. Puppies need to be taken out every 3 hours during the day.
You will need to have the time to do puppy massages twice a day so that your dog is happy to be touched ever where.
You will need to let your dog meet 100 different people, go to 100 different places and meet 100 friendly dogs by the time they are 16 weeks old. Here are some examples of what your puppy should encounter:
Cats
Baby
Vet clinic
Young adults
Elderly people
Disabled people
Tall people
Loud people
People wearing hats
People wearing glasses
Men with facial hair
Postmen
People in a uniform
Other animals
Being on grass
Being in town
Being on stones
In a car
Watching traffic pass by
Bicycle
Skateboard
Bath
80% of dogs that are gotten as puppies are giving up during their lifetime. 86% of dogs in shelters have had no training. You are welcome to stop by and watch our puppy classes and ask any questions before signing up. All puppies should be able to stay with their family for their entire lives, not just a few months.
