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Bringing Home a Puppy

All puppies are cute and it is very tempting to acquire one almost by accident. Taking on a puppy is a big responsibility - remember it will not stay a puppy for long. Within a year you will have an adult dog which may be expected to live for 10 years or more. Before getting a puppy think about whether you are able to make a long term commitment and, if you are, what kind of dog will best suit your lifestyle.

Where should I get a puppy from?

There are a huge variety of pedigree dogs and if you decide to get a pedigree, you should contact a reputible breeder for further advice. Beware, as not all breeders are alike! A good breeder will be able to provide you with more information about the particular breed and whether it is really the right kind of dog for you. Listen carefully to them and take their advice if they suggest that this breed may not be right for you. Always ask to see a puppy with its mother (and also its father, if possible) and preferably in a home environment. Consider the temperament of the parents -- are they friendly? Shy? Aggressive? While puppies are exact copies of their parents, personality traits do tend to run in family lines. Furthermore, if you have children, you should ideally get a puppy from a household which has children too.

Animal welfare charities and rescue centers are always looking for good homes for puppies and mature dogs. It may be more appropriate for you to have an adult dog which is already trained. Always be wary of adult dogs in rescue centers if their previous history is unclear - ask yourself, "why did someone else get rid of this dog?"

How do tell if a puppy is healthy?

If you get a puppy which is already carrying a disease it may never recover to full health. A healthy puppy should have bright clear eyes and a clean shiny coat. Avoid taking on a puppy with a large potbelly or dull scruffy coat. Take the puppy to your own veterinarian for a check as soon as possible. They can tell you if the puppy looks healthy and may be able to detect some congenital defects which might cause problems in later life.

What are signs of a good nature?

A normal puppy should be active, interested and playful. It is a bad sign if the puppy is very nervous or appears sleepy all the time. However, normal puppies do sleep for long periods, so it is worth watching the puppy for a while or visiting on several occasions before making a final decision. Early experiences are important to produce a happy and well-adjusted dog, so ideally choose a puppy from a household which is similar to your own. If you have children or a cat, it is better that your puppy has grown up with these from an early age.

What questions do I need to ask the breeder?

Puppies normally leave their mothers between 8 and 12 weeks. Before you take the puppy home, ask about the kind of care it was getting. Try to feed the same type of food for at least a few days and introduce any new diet gradually. Find out if the puppy has had any vaccinations and if it has, you should be given a certificate signed by a veterinarian. Many puppies have worms and so checking a fecal sample should be done as soon as you get your puppy. Find out if your puppy was treated for worms and ask your veterinarian for advice about continuing treatment in your home.

What equipment do I need?

Have all the equipment ready before you bring the puppy home. Food and water bowls, food, a warm bed, a collar with name and address tag, and grooming equipment are all essential. Toys are also a good idea.

What if I have other pets?

Your puppy should only be allowed to mix with other fully vaccinated animals unless he has completed his course of vaccinations (around 14 to 16 weeks). If you have other pets, introduce them gradually to the puppy and always when you are present at first. It is important for a puppy to meet a variety of other animals and people as soon as possible. Once his vaccination course is finished, try to get out and about with your puppy - many places run puppy socialization classes where your puppy can meet others of the same age for fun and frolics. Sign up for puppy training classes. All puppies need to learn basic manners, and puppy classes give you as an owner an opportunity to learn along with your puppy while providing him lots of opportunity for socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation. Remember, bad habits learned early are hard to break, and behavioral problems are the number one reason that pets are given away to humane societies!

What else do I need to do?

Register your puppy with a veterinarian as soon as possible and ask for a health check unless you are due to start vaccinations straight away. Regular daily grooming will help keep your pet in top condition. Starting this as soon as possible will get your puppy used to the idea of being groomed and he will soon come to look forward to the attention. Dental disease is common in dogs and this can be avoided, just as in humans, by daily tooth brushing. If you start a routine of tooth brushing as soon as you get your puppy it will be much easier to continue throughout his later years. Special brushes and doggy toothpastes are available. Do not use human toothpaste as these contain fluoride, which can be toxic to pets because they will swallow the toothpaste.

Neutering

Puppies can be neutered at a young age. You should discuss this with your veterinarian at the time of vaccination if you are not planning to let your pet have puppies.

Conclusion

A well-trained dog is an asset to his owner. While owning a dog is a long-term commitment, it will bring you many rewards.

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