How to buy a new purebred dog
So you are thinking about buying a purebred dog. Owning a dog can be the beginning of years of happiness as the special bond between humans and canines exceeds even the greatest of expectations. However, to ensure the best relationship with your dog, you must be prepared for some important responsibilities.
• Have I found the right breed to fit into my lifestyle and home?
• Will you have enough time to spend training, grooming and exercising a dog?
• Am I willing to spend the resources to ensure the best future for a dog?
Avoid Impulse Buys That adorable puppy in the window of the pet store is hard to resist, but you may be paying a lot of money for a dog that you know very little about. An impulse buy could be the worst thing you could do when choosing your new family member. Stop, & think about it! Most reputable breeders prefer you to come & look then go home and think about it. They will also try to advise you as best as they can to all the good and bad points of their breed, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle. Never rush in and buy the first pup you see, waiting for the right pup for you is always the best way.
Picking The Breed For You Is there a breed you have had your eye on, or are you confused about how to select a dog? In either case, you should do some homework to make sure that you select the right dog for you and your family. The bonus of selecting a purebred dog is their predictability in size, coat, care requirements and temperament. Knowing what your puppy will look like and the kind of care he will need as an adult is a key in selecting the breed for you.
Attend some Dog Shows, talk to as many breeders as you can. This will help you educate yourself about the breeds you think you like. The better informed you are about the breeds your are looking at, the easier it will be to find that dog that will give you the most happiness.
Selecting A Breeder Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for their breed. Once you select a breeder, screen the breeder. See how the dogs in your breeder’s home interact with your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away? The responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for each puppy.
• Request to see one or both of the parents of your new puppy.
• Spend some time at the breeders to find out what their intentions for the breed are and to view the temperament of their animals.
When buying a purebred dog reputable breeders can inform you about genetic diseases common in the breed you want and are generally happy to share their knowledge. Health: Any breed of dog can have genetic problems that can be passed from generation to generation by breeding dogs that carry the flawed gene. Many of these genetic problems can be detected with today’s technology, but these tests are expensive. People who are concerned about the welfare and future of their breed will have these tests conducted to preserve and improve in the future quality of their breed. Most reputable breeders are more concerned about the health of the puppies that they are producing than the money that they will or won’t make on the production of a litter.
• Other positive alternatives if you would like an older dog are adopting a rescue dog from various rescue organizations located throughout each State or Territory.
Make the decision of whether you would like a Male or Female?
Do you want to Show, or trial competitively with your dog? Answer this before you buy. How Much Does A Puppy Cost? This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member of your family for his lifetime, so you’ll want to make a wise investment.
Can You Afford A Puppy? The purchase price of your puppy is not the only cost you have to consider. Be aware that the puppy you bring home will need proper care: food, health care, (a dog needs annual shots). Your puppy will also need little things like a collar with identification, a bowl, and a leash. Evaluate your budget; ask yourself if you really can afford a dog. Dog Ownership = Responsibility. Your dog will have lifelong healthcare needs, whether for preventive care or for unexpected accidents, injuries or illnesses that could happen at any time, regardless of how well you care for your dog. Take the time to ask yourself these questions and to make an educated decision. You and your dog will be happier for it. There is no doubt that a puppy is a cuddly bundle of joy, but it is also a huge responsibility.
Caring for your New Dog All dogs must be cared for daily. This means proper diet, exercise, grooming and veterinary attention. There are many excellent guides on all facets of dog care.
Your Dog And Your Neighbors All dog owners must be aware of their responsibilities to their neighbors, both those who live in the area immediately around their residence and their neighbors in the broader sense of the community as a whole. Dogs, for all the pleasure they are, can be a nuisance to your neighbors if not trained. Remember, excessive barking can be annoying. And, always keep your dog on a leash or inside a fenced yard when exercising. Remember to pick up after your dog. Forestall problems for yourself and your dog and all dog lovers by being a good neighbor.
Obedience Training For Everyone One way to make your dog a good neighbor is through obedience training. A poorly behaved dog is a problem for everyone. Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to corral a dog that will not “come” when you call. A well trained dog is not only a pleasure to own, he is a goodwill ambassador for the entire canine community. A well-behaved dog is the result of the dog’s owner being willing to work with the dog regularly. Obedience classes are available in most communities.
Contracts A contract can be helpful in stating the terms, or conditions of the sale. Most reputable breeders should have a basic contract. If the breeder does not have a contract here is a standard contract. Download Sales Agreement here
Remember, when you buy a puppy, you are adding another member to your family. Buying you new dog requires careful research and planning. Adding a dog to the family is a long term commitment and responsibility that should be taken seriously and only acted upon after careful consideration and research.
