Difference between revisions of "Buy a Purebred Puppy"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Choosing the Right Breed=== | ===Choosing the Right Breed=== | ||
| − | #Find a breed that is compatible with your lifestyle. Consider why you want a purebred dog: are you looking for a show dog? A protection animal? A family pet? Keep in mind how much room your dog will have, how much exercise you plan on providing daily, and basic grooming needs.<ref>http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/future-dog-owner/about-buying-a-dog/</ref> | + | #Find a breed that is compatible with your lifestyle. Consider why you want a purebred dog: are you looking for a show dog? A protection animal? A family pet? Keep in mind how much room your dog will have, how much exercise you plan on providing daily, and basic grooming needs.<ref name="rf1">http://www.akc.org/dog-owners/future-dog-owner/about-buying-a-dog/</ref> |
#*Think about how much a particular breed might drool or shed, and how these might factor into your decision. If you're not into drool, avoid breeds like Bulldogs or St. Bernards. | #*Think about how much a particular breed might drool or shed, and how these might factor into your decision. If you're not into drool, avoid breeds like Bulldogs or St. Bernards. | ||
#*Learn how a typical dog of your chosen breed behaves and whether that is a fit for your lifestyle and family. For instance, if you have kids, make sure your prospective breed is good with children, like Labrador Retrievers or Boxers. | #*Learn how a typical dog of your chosen breed behaves and whether that is a fit for your lifestyle and family. For instance, if you have kids, make sure your prospective breed is good with children, like Labrador Retrievers or Boxers. | ||
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#Look at a breed guidebook. Check out a bookstore for guidebooks that list breed characteristics and temperaments. For detailed information about American Kennel Club (AKC) registered breeds, search their website: https://www.akc.org. AKC breeds are types of dogs recognized in the United States. | #Look at a breed guidebook. Check out a bookstore for guidebooks that list breed characteristics and temperaments. For detailed information about American Kennel Club (AKC) registered breeds, search their website: https://www.akc.org. AKC breeds are types of dogs recognized in the United States. | ||
#*You can also search other kennel clubs, such as Westminster: http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/ | #*You can also search other kennel clubs, such as Westminster: http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/ | ||
| − | #Get information from your prospective breed’s club. If you’re interested in a particular breed, join its breed club. Look on the AKC website to find a local breed club, or search online to find the parent club. Ask friends if they know of anyone with a dog of the breed you're interested in, and make arrangements to visit them, particularly if you have never seen that breed in person.<ref | + | #Get information from your prospective breed’s club. If you’re interested in a particular breed, join its breed club. Look on the AKC website to find a local breed club, or search online to find the parent club. Ask friends if they know of anyone with a dog of the breed you're interested in, and make arrangements to visit them, particularly if you have never seen that breed in person.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Consider fostering to see if a breed or size of dog suits you. Before settling on a particular breed, try [[Foster a Pet|fostering]]. Many shelters offer programs that allow you to take a dog home for a few weeks at a time. You don’t need to foster purebred dogs to get an idea for the kind of dog best suits your lifestyle.<ref>http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/pets/sc-cons-0505-how-to-buy-a-puppy-20160419-story.html</ref> | + | #Consider fostering to see if a breed or size of dog suits you. Before settling on a particular breed, try [[Foster a Pet|fostering]]. Many shelters offer programs that allow you to take a dog home for a few weeks at a time. You don’t need to foster purebred dogs to get an idea for the kind of dog best suits your lifestyle.<ref name="rf2">http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/pets/sc-cons-0505-how-to-buy-a-puppy-20160419-story.html</ref> |
#*Fostering can give you a more concrete idea of the size and temperament that you can handle. | #*Fostering can give you a more concrete idea of the size and temperament that you can handle. | ||
#*If you unsure about which kind of dog you’d like, varying the dogs you foster can help you narrow your selection. | #*If you unsure about which kind of dog you’d like, varying the dogs you foster can help you narrow your selection. | ||
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#*Get in touch with a local animal shelter and ask them about available programs and more information about how you can started. | #*Get in touch with a local animal shelter and ask them about available programs and more information about how you can started. | ||
===Finding a Responsible Breeder=== | ===Finding a Responsible Breeder=== | ||
| − | #Consider adopting a dog from a breed rescue group. Rather than buying a dog from a breeder, think about contacting a nearby breed rescue group about adoption. Consider breed rescue groups especially if that particular breed suffers from pet overpopulation.<ref>http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/tips/finding_responsible_dog_breeder.html</ref> | + | #Consider adopting a dog from a breed rescue group. Rather than buying a dog from a breeder, think about contacting a nearby breed rescue group about adoption. Consider breed rescue groups especially if that particular breed suffers from pet overpopulation.<ref name="rf3">http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/tips/finding_responsible_dog_breeder.html</ref> |
#*Browse local animal shelters as well. A quarter of dogs in shelters are purebred, and you might luck out and find a puppy or juvenile dog that you’re interested in adopting. | #*Browse local animal shelters as well. A quarter of dogs in shelters are purebred, and you might luck out and find a puppy or juvenile dog that you’re interested in adopting. | ||
| − | #Look for a humane, responsible breeder. If you’re set on purchasing a puppy of a specific breed, be sure that you’ve done your homework. Make sure you find a responsible breeder who avoids inbreeding, maintains good kennel conditions, and fulfills and exceeds all applicable legal standards.<ref | + | #Look for a humane, responsible breeder. If you’re set on purchasing a puppy of a specific breed, be sure that you’ve done your homework. Make sure you find a responsible breeder who avoids inbreeding, maintains good kennel conditions, and fulfills and exceeds all applicable legal standards.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Avoid buying a puppy at your local pet store as they are often bred by puppy mills for quick profit. | #*Avoid buying a puppy at your local pet store as they are often bred by puppy mills for quick profit. | ||
#*Make sure your breeder is genuinely interested in the welfare of their dogs. They will ask you plenty of questions about a puppy’s potential home and make recognizable efforts to make sure you’re a good fit. | #*Make sure your breeder is genuinely interested in the welfare of their dogs. They will ask you plenty of questions about a puppy’s potential home and make recognizable efforts to make sure you’re a good fit. | ||
#*Don’t do business with a breeder who is will to simply take money without asking you about your fitness as a dog owner. | #*Don’t do business with a breeder who is will to simply take money without asking you about your fitness as a dog owner. | ||
| − | #Visit the breeding facility. Pay a personal visit to the breeding facility in order to inspect facilities for cleanliness and quality of life. Don’t trust a breeder if they aren’t open and welcoming, or if they don’t allow you to see the entire facility.<ref>https://www.rspca.org.au/sites/default/files/2016-07-SP%26DBG-Booklet-web.pdf</ref> | + | #Visit the breeding facility. Pay a personal visit to the breeding facility in order to inspect facilities for cleanliness and quality of life. Don’t trust a breeder if they aren’t open and welcoming, or if they don’t allow you to see the entire facility.<ref name="rf4">https://www.rspca.org.au/sites/default/files/2016-07-SP%26DBG-Booklet-web.pdf</ref> |
#*Avoid breeders that insist on meeting you at a location other than their facility. This indicates that they are hiding something or don’t want you to see unsatisfactory conditions. | #*Avoid breeders that insist on meeting you at a location other than their facility. This indicates that they are hiding something or don’t want you to see unsatisfactory conditions. | ||
#*If you have a specific puppy in mind, meet the stud dog and the brood bitch if possible. If you find the parents’ temperaments bothersome, then consider finding a different breeder. | #*If you have a specific puppy in mind, meet the stud dog and the brood bitch if possible. If you find the parents’ temperaments bothersome, then consider finding a different breeder. | ||
| − | #Ask the breeder for the puppy's health record. The breeder should volunteer their veterinarian's contact information, and should offer proof that the puppy has received a full vet exam. If they vaccinated the puppy themselves, ask for a record that shows the date of vaccination, its expiration date, manufacturer, and lot number.<ref>http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/facts/puppy_mill_doublespeak.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/</ref> | + | #Ask the breeder for the puppy's health record. The breeder should volunteer their veterinarian's contact information, and should offer proof that the puppy has received a full vet exam. If they vaccinated the puppy themselves, ask for a record that shows the date of vaccination, its expiration date, manufacturer, and lot number.<ref name="rf5">http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/facts/puppy_mill_doublespeak.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/</ref> |
#*Breeders who can offer vaccination papers from a licensed vet are generally more reliable than breeders who offer treatments themselves. | #*Breeders who can offer vaccination papers from a licensed vet are generally more reliable than breeders who offer treatments themselves. | ||
#*Ask to see records showing that the puppy's parents were screened for genetic disorders, parasites, and other health concerns. | #*Ask to see records showing that the puppy's parents were screened for genetic disorders, parasites, and other health concerns. | ||
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#*Ask for a rough timeline from the breeder, and keep in touch to stay informed about new litters. | #*Ask for a rough timeline from the breeder, and keep in touch to stay informed about new litters. | ||
===Bringing Your New Puppy Home=== | ===Bringing Your New Puppy Home=== | ||
| − | #Puppy-proof your home. Before bringing your new puppy home, make sure you put away all hazardous items, such as small objects, breakables, and potential poisons. Look for any objects that might harm your puppy or that your puppy might damage.<ref | + | #Puppy-proof your home. Before bringing your new puppy home, make sure you put away all hazardous items, such as small objects, breakables, and potential poisons. Look for any objects that might harm your puppy or that your puppy might damage.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Tuck away electrical cords and keep an eye on your new puppy around outlets and other electrical hazards. | #*Tuck away electrical cords and keep an eye on your new puppy around outlets and other electrical hazards. | ||
#*Be sure to purchase a bed, toys, leash, food, and other necessities. Ask the breeder for any specific items that might be useful for that breed of dog. | #*Be sure to purchase a bed, toys, leash, food, and other necessities. Ask the breeder for any specific items that might be useful for that breed of dog. | ||
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#*The puppy also benefits from not being weaned off its mother's milk too early. | #*The puppy also benefits from not being weaned off its mother's milk too early. | ||
#Get a complete veterinary exam within 24 hours of picking up your puppy. Start heartworm and tick prevention right away. Make sure you have documentation of all required vaccinations. Keep in mind a reputable breeder will also provide a guarantee that you can return the puppy if your veterinarian discovers a serious health condition within the first few days of ownership. | #Get a complete veterinary exam within 24 hours of picking up your puppy. Start heartworm and tick prevention right away. Make sure you have documentation of all required vaccinations. Keep in mind a reputable breeder will also provide a guarantee that you can return the puppy if your veterinarian discovers a serious health condition within the first few days of ownership. | ||
| − | #Begin [[Train Your Puppy|training your puppy]]. Get your puppy on a feeding, sleeping, and bathroom schedule as soon as possible. Begin training with command words, like sit, stay, and come. Make training fun and low-stress, especially when you first welcome your new pet into your home.<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/31/purebred-dog-adoption-tips_n_1559609.html</ref> | + | #Begin [[Train Your Puppy|training your puppy]]. Get your puppy on a feeding, sleeping, and bathroom schedule as soon as possible. Begin training with command words, like sit, stay, and come. Make training fun and low-stress, especially when you first welcome your new pet into your home.<ref name="rf6">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/31/purebred-dog-adoption-tips_n_1559609.html</ref> |
#*Consider taking it to puppy obedience classes. Ask your vet or breeder to suggest a facility. | #*Consider taking it to puppy obedience classes. Ask your vet or breeder to suggest a facility. | ||
#*Establish the same expectations for your puppy as you will have from an adult dog, and be consistent about your house rules from the start. For example, if you don’t want your dog to beg for food, don’t give it table scraps when it’s a puppy. | #*Establish the same expectations for your puppy as you will have from an adult dog, and be consistent about your house rules from the start. For example, if you don’t want your dog to beg for food, don’t give it table scraps when it’s a puppy. | ||
