Mary Allen
You are seriously considering getting a dog. Or you have taken a few more steps and already decided. Either way, here are some smart tips for buying a puppy.
1. Do not hang on to the look! If you do, there is a great risk that you choose the “wrong” breed when buying a puppy. Ask a friend to read aloud about the characteristics and needs of different breeds without talking about which breed it is. Choose based on that instead.
2. Do you feel at least unsure if you are actually ready for a life as a dog owner? Test yourself, for example, by going out with an empty leash at a fixed time every morning for a couple of months. Did you have the strength?
3. Practice and prepare by regularly borrowing the neighbor’s or friend’s dog before buying the puppy.
4. Do you want a dachshund because that neighbor dachshund you grew up with 20 years ago was so heavenly cozy? What if! You need to meet more individuals of the breed before you decide.
5. When you tell your surroundings that you intend to become a dog owner, it is guaranteed that at least one accidental crust will start to croak about how difficult and time-consuming it is with a dog. Do not let yourself be discouraged! Avoid the joy killer or dare to speak out.
6. Ask yourself the question of what breed you would be if you were a dog. Maybe the answer can help you choose a suitable breed.
7. If you are getting a dog with someone else, talk through the decision carefully. Do both want the same dog? Who should take the biggest responsibility? And what happens to the dog if you end your relationship?
8. Check the health status of the breeds you are interested in. Do not just look at the breed clubs’ websites but take in information from as many sources as possible.
9. Call the insurance company to check premiums for “your” breed. On the one hand, it gives you an idea of how sick/healthy it is, and on the other hand, you can see if you can afford such a dog. The more health problems, the more expensive insurance, and veterinary care.
10. Did you plan to hit two birds with one stone and get a dog when you are still on parental leave with your baby? Do not do it. A puppy is troublesome and requires lots of attention.
11. Have you come so far that you will soon pick up your puppy – sleep! It is good if you are rested because you will not be able to sleep undisturbed for long with a beeping, biting, naughty, peeing creature that has no control overnight and day.
12. Contact several breeders before choosing. Ask lots of questions and trust your gut feeling. Just settle for a breeder you trust.
13. Ask yourself not only what a dog can do for you but also what you, frankly, can do for it. If you have a lot to offer, just drive.
14. Wait to get an expensive, nice dog bed for your puppy as it can be tempting to chew on. A simple blanket is better.
15. Check that no one in the family is allergic to dogs.
16. Do not be offended if it feels like the breeder is interviewing you before you are offered a puppy. On the contrary. This indicates that he/she is concerned that the dog gets a good home.
17. When you visit a litter of puppies, feel free to bring an outsider who can look at it all with a sober and less emotional look than yourself. It’s easy to get a little reckless in front of tall cute puppies. Discuss afterward if everything felt really good.
18. Puppy teeth itch. Your future puppy will probably bite and gnaw on what it now comes across. Go to a children’s store right now and load up with a couple of baby bites that can be put in the freezer. Cools and soothes even in a puppy’s mouth!
19. Many prospective dog owners worry most of all about room cleanliness training. Do not do it. It usually resolves itself.
20. Be prepared to change as a human being when you join a dog. You will probably be softer and more emotional than you ever thought possible after the puppy purchase.