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 There are two major decisions to be made when choosing a new puppy.
Firstly, and most obviously, what breed of dog is going to be right
for you and your family.
It is absolutely essential that
both you and the dog are compatible with each other. It would not be suitable
to buy a Bull Mastiff pup if you live in a tiny tenth floor flat, because
he would grow too large to live in it and both of you would be unhappy.
It would not be suitable to buy a Shih Tzu if you were expecting a child.
The Shih Tzu is a jealous dog by nature and the new child would upset
the environment to which the dog would have grown accustomed.
Secondly, and perhaps not quite
as obviously, what sex is going to be suitable for you and your family.
Do you have any other pets which might be intimidated by a new male dog
that is of a very dominant nature? Do you want to run the risk of being
responsible for a litters worth of puppies should your bitch accidentally
get pregnant? Do you want a male who wanders off in search of a mate?
Do you want a dominant or submissive pet? All of these questions and more
need to be considered before a new pup is chosen.
Once the breed and sex have been
decided on you must then seek to choose your new dog on it's own individual
merits. Each dog is different and certain dogs would just not suit certain
people and vice versa. Always watch the pup in it's own environment (i.e.
with it's litter) to see how he behaves. Consider how much you are prepared
to change your way of life to accommodate your new puppy. If a large change
would not be possible perhaps a more passive, more submissive member of
the litter would be suitable. Perhaps you want a lively, bold pet, then
the alpha male would be a wise choice.
Here is a five point guide to
consider when buying a new puppy.
* Ensure that you are equipped
personally and financially to look after a new puppy successfully.
* Be certain of what breed
and sex you want before getting to know any individual dog. (You may become
attached to a dog that is completely unsuitable for your situation).
* Be sure the breeder is a
reputable one. Enquire about things such as his policy on taking back
an unsuitable dog. Does he possess the relevant paper work to be selling
you the dog?
* Spend time with the prospective
pet before deciding, you may like him but he may be uncomfortable with
you or a family member for any number of reasons.
* Ensure that the dog is free of any condition or disease that may
prevent your enjoying of a long and happy life with your new friend.
Now that your new puppy is home,
it is important to let the dog feel comfortable and safe in his new environment.
You can do this by bringing an object from his former home, such as a
cushion or blanket, into his new space. He will be able to smell things
that he is comfortable with, such as his mother or sleeping space, and
he will associate a sense of familiarity with his new home.
The dog must have somewhere to
call his own. Perhaps a basket or a corner where he keeps his chewy toys.
He needs this to be able to adapt to the new house, but also to get him
used to being on his own. At some point it will be unavoidable to leave
him on his own, so he must be aware that you or a family member will return
to be with him sooner or later. Perhaps confining him to this space for
a certain amount of time a day will get him used to it. It would also
help prevent him going to the toilet in the living room while he is being
house trained.
He must learn to go to the toilet
at the right time. This can be achieved if the person with the responsibility
of letting him out has him in the bedroom so he can learn to alert people
to his need to be let into the garden.
During his first sixteen weeks
he should stay at home (apart from visiting the vets) as to avoid the
unnecessary contraction of disease picked up in the park or on the pavement.
A quality diet, a good home and a good family will benefit
your new dog immeasurably, be sure to enjoy being with the pet as much
as he enjoys being with you.
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