> Health
and Nutrition
Choosing
Your Puppy
Robert E. Foss D.V.M.
Ashworth Pet Hospital
Well
the time has come. You
have decided that it is time to get yourself a puppy.
A pup will be a new friend, a companion for life, and a
trusting soul who will listen to all of your deepest secrets.
A little time and effort will help make you selection
easier. There are
several things to think about before you even start looking for
puppies.
-
The
amount of space you have available for the pup to play and
exercise.
-
Your
family situation. Are
you alone or is it a family of six?
-
Your
plans for the puppy as a dog (i.e. Hunting, showing, pet).
-
Your
personal schedule. How much time can you devote to a dog?
-
Breed
preferences (Size, color, disposition, care requirements).
-
Costs
involved as a pet owner!!!!
-
Any
physical adaptation of environment to accommodate a dog
(Fence, shelter).
-
Start
to look for a veterinarian.
Now
you are ready to start the search process.
DO NOT RUSH!!!! These
are the key words to remember.
You must realize that your pup, health permitting, may be
with you for a dozen or more years.
Proper thought and selection will pay off in the future.
Resources for puppies include newspaper ads, references
from friends and relatives, dog magazines, local dog clubs,
veterinarians, private and municipal shelters, and pet shops.
You
may use several of these resources before you find that puppy that
is just right for you. Sometimes
you may have to use several resources just to find one litter if
you are looking for an uncommon breed.
BE PATIENT!!!! Go
and look at several litters of puppies before you make a decision.
Take a look at the mother and father if possible.
This will allow you to get some idea of the size and adult
appearance of your puppy. Also
try to interact with the parents if possible.
This may give you a clue as to your puppy’s adult
disposition. Just
remember that there are exceptions.
Now it is time to look at the pups.
As they are all together, watch to see how they interact.
Which one is dominate, which is submissive?
Now get their attention.
Look to see which ones run over to you and which ones seem
too timid. Of those
that came over to you, which ones ventured away after checking you
out? Which ones are
still climbing all over you?
Those pups that wandered away are the ones that are likely
to be inquisitive but not to extroverted.
Those that stayed with you are liable to be more outgoing
and pose more of a problem to train.
From the selected group, now choose the sex, color, and
physical characteristics that you desire.
Find
out from the people what your puppy has been eating and how much.
Try to offer the same food for the first few days.
You may make any changes that you like, but do so slowly
over a few days.
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