Thoughts To Consider Before Selecting a New Puppy Or Dog

For every responsible pet owner out there, each of us can probably think of another who should never ever have a pet at all in their home. The sad facts are that for every puppy whelped through responsible breeding practices, there exist others who are unloved, abandoned, or worse yet, sold as “pure bred” for the supposed financial benefits involved.

 

The truth of the matter is that most reputable breeders do not see a profit in breededing. There are many reasons for managing a kennel, the interest and love of the breed(s) being primary. This correlates with the very expense and effort put forth by the breeder/owner. To have healthy Dams and Sires requires not only proper nutrition, exercise, and attention, but proper and regular veterinary care. The thought, study, and research devoted to each planned mating, and the documentation that follows ensures that the puppies produced are of the highest quality possible for that particular breed. If the owner/breeder also chooses to participate in the Show Circuit, this too involves a great deal of expense, financially and time wise. Both in the travel, and time involved in competing, but also in the time spent in the daily maintenance of a properly managed kennel.  

 

With these thoughts in mind, we strongly urge everyone considering the purchase or adoption of a pet, to think clearly about the decision being made BEFORE selecting a puppy or adult dog. It is much easier to assess your motivations and needs before hand, than to attempt to do so after visiting the “Puppy Available” page.

 

So, whether you are considering the start of your own kennel, or you are endeavoring to find a pet for yourself ….please review and discuss the following questions:

 

Pets require the same emotional, financial and physical devotion that children and spouses do. Give them as much thought as you would in choosing a mate, and you both will be happier for it. Don’t consider a pet to be a toy. Don’t consider a pet to be a lesson plan for instilling responsibility in your children. Don’t consider your pet to be a cheap alarm system for the back yard. And don’t consider a pet to be your entertainment on lonely Saturday nights.

 

IF you desire a pet because you like the way dogs think…because you like the way they see the world, because you like the way they look and feel, and you enjoy being with them (even at 4:30am, in the rain, potty training!) then embark on this relationship. But realize that it is a relationship. It will take time to develop, time to adjust, and will be as meaningful and as lasting as YOU make it. And, like children…once you have them, they are yours.

 

Are you an active person, anxiously waiting the weekends to hike, run, and surf? Do you rush out of work, rush to the gym, rush thru for a fast food “dinner”, and then rush home to check your emails, only then to crash into bed? Do you work, work, and then, if neccesary, work a little more to “get the job done”? Or are you the type who works hard, and wants nothing more than a cup of tea, and a good book…preferable at home, with no one interrupting or bothering? Are you a sociable person, longing for the Saturday morning markets, with crowds, and flower salesman, and then meeting all of your friends at the nearest Starbucks? Discover who you are, and how your new partner will fit into this world. Visualize your life, and then picture your tail wagging friend in it.

 

Just as you would think before embarking on a new job, new romance, or new family….ask yourself: Where am I going? And how will this fit into that direction? A canine friend can live for up to 15 years. Where were you 15 years AGO? Where will you be 15 years from now (if all goes happily as planned)?

 

NOT YOUR CHILDREN!! Don’t expect them to take care of an animal that YOU aren’t even willing to work for. It won’t teach them responsibility….only YOUR modeling will teach them that. Settle within yourself that this is your responsibility, even on the weekends, even on vacation. If your children are older, and have begged for a dog of their own…it happens…realize that they are still your children. You must be prepared to assume the primary responsibility. Many a dog has stayed the parents’ dog, long after Jr. went off to college.

 

Just as you have settled within yourself that you are the primary caregiver, friend and protector of your shaggy eared friend, you must be prepared for any crisis. Not only should your friend have a veterinarian that he/she is known by, but you must be prepared to take your friend there. Some accidents and emergencies can cost quite a bit financially, and one must be prepared to meet this responsibility. (Another reason that reputable breeder/owners don’t often make money on breeding.) Be prepared emotionally and financially.

 

Attention. A Bed. Attention. A Crate. Attention. Exercise. Attention. Quality food. Attention. Clean Water daily. Attention. Proper, consistent, and long term Training. Attention. Leashes, toys, etc. Attention. Regular grooming. Attention. Veterinarian checkups, visits, preventative shots, and basic healthcare. Attention. SPAYING or NUETERING. Attention. It’s not a joke folks….your friend will also need more: Attention. Not just when he/she is a puppy…but during his/her entire life. Also, assume that your favorite chair will probably be eaten during puppyhood, that they will pee on the carpet at least once, and that you will find your fuzzy friends hair on your newly cleaned suit. Your girlfriend may or may not like your pet, and your pet might strongly dislike your already established pets.

 

Considering all of the above….will you STILL be someone ENJOYABLE to be around? Understand that dogs are dogs. They can’t read, see a therapist, or listen to “10 steps to a better dog” tapes. They also can’t speak nicely to your children when they are being hugged to death. So ask yourself: Am I a nice person for a dog to live with? Are my kids?

 Only after these questions are thoroughly considered ….and then answered honestly and openly can you even begin to think about what to name “the darling little brown eyed jewel” at whatever kennel you are considering.