The three main choices to get your new furry friend from are:
Breeders
Animal Rescue Groups
Animal Shelters
Breeders:
There are many good breeders out there. Ask around at local Veterinarian offices for recommendations on reputable breeders in your area.
Breeders take their breed very seriously and have a deep love for their breed. They will tell you a lot about the breed you are looking at, both the good and the bad. A good breeder will be willing to show you their other dogs including at least the mother of the puppies. In most cases they will relish the idea of showing you their dogs, they are very proud of them.
One of the signs of a good breeder is that they will ask you a bunch of questions. To find out as much as they can about you they will ask about you, your household, children's ages, activity, who will be home, who will be the primary caregiver, and many more questions. These questions are very important. They will give the breeder a better idea if the breed is a good fit for you and your family. If the breed is a good fit for you and your family the breeder will go over many things such as feeding and training as well as make many suggestions. Included in a contract will usually be a stipulation to bring the puppy back to them if you can not keep it for any any reason.
Cost of a puppy from a breeder can be up to $1000 or more.
Animal Rescue Groups:
Many rescue groups are breed specific, so if you are interested in a specific breed try to find their rescue group. there are also rescues that have many different types of dogs, both purebreds and mutts. They have many dogs that are need of homes. Again veterinarians and their staff are a good resource for information. Many veterinarians work closely with rescue groups. These rescue groups will also ask many questions and have you fill out applications. They will have staff to talk to you and guide you to the perfect doggie match for your family. the majority of rescue groups use foster homes for their dogs and these foster "parents" will gladly tell you all about a dog if you are interested. They will love to help find a great home for their foster. These and other volunteers are a wealth of information about a dog. Rescue groups will generally ask you to think on your decisions for 24 hours, this gives you time and gives them time to call any references you were asked to provide. They will also have all family members including other dogs come meet the potential new family member. Rescue groups will make sure a dog is up to date on vaccines and spayed or neutered before allowed to be adopted to anyone.
Costs will vary depending on the rescue group and the veterinary and travel costs involved.
Local Animal Shelters:
Animal shelters are a great choice to adopt a dog from. Many dogs wind up in shelter every year and they are all great dogs. They all need loving homes. Visit your local shelter and look at how many dogs are there looking for homes. Ask the volunteers and trainers at the shelter about different dogs. they will be happy to give information about the different dogs and how great they are. Adopting from an animal shelter is a great way to give a dog a new home. Dogs at shelters are there due to many different reasons and they are all looking to be your new best furry friend.
The shelter will have an application process much the same as the rescue groups. They will also have you bring all family members to meet the dog including any other dogs you currently have. Dogs will be up to date on vaccines and spayed or neutered prior to going into a new home.
Cost will vary depending location and licensing fees for your town.
Final Thoughts:
I have purchased a puppy from a breeder and also adopted from both rescue groups and animal shelters. They are all great options. My suggestion is to do your research, ask local Veterinarians and staff as well as dog owners about local breeders and rescue groups. Also talk to volunteers for the shelters and rescue organizations. These will be valuable sources of information.
One final thing: PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE A PUPPY FROM A PET STORE. They use puppy mills which are places where dogs live in horrible conditions and females are bred to often just so that people can make money.
Next week we'll look at exercise for your dog or puppy
Teri
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