Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Preparation
• Part 2 of 4: Puppy from an animal shelter or rescue group
• Part 3 of 4: Buying a puppy from a breeder
• Part 4 of 4: Choosing the Right Puppy
• Tips
• Warnings

If you've already made an important decision to get a puppy, you probably want to get one as soon as possible. However, do not rush, first you need to choose the right breed, find a good kennel (dog breeder, animal shelter, rescue groups) and prepare a house for the puppy in advance. Do whatever is necessary and learn as much as possible to keep you and your puppy happy and lifelong friends.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Preparation

1. 1 Decide if you are ready to adopt a puppy. All puppies are cute and fluffy, but they take more time, attention and money than you might imagine. It would be dishonest to bring your puppy home without being ready or willing to take care of it. Answering the following questions will help you determine if you are ready to take responsibility for purchasing a puppy.
   • Do I have time to groom, train and walk the puppy? While some breeds require less attention than others, caring for a puppy is time consuming, so you will have to devote a lot of time to properly caring for your puppy. If you have a busy schedule or are often on business trips, you may simply not have time to take care of your puppy.
   • Am I able to cover the costs of keeping a puppy? Without a doubt, keeping a puppy is expensive. Think about whether you are willing to pay for all the amenities (food, collar, toys, bed, etc.), plus regular and sudden visits to the veterinarian.
   • Does anyone in my house have a dog allergy? If you do not live alone, you should find out if the other guests are allergic to dogs or to wool in general.
2. 2 Choose the breed that suits you best. Find a breed that has characteristics (small dog, calm temperament, etc.) that suit your current life situation. Dogs vary in shape, size and character. Therefore, if you make a mistake with the breed and realize that the new pet is completely unsuitable, you cannot avoid disappointment. Below are a few important factors that you should consider, including your housing (apartment or private home) and work schedule (standard work hours or regular business trips).
   • Consider the vigor of a particular breed. For example, if you don't like being outdoors for a long time, you shouldn't take a Siberian Husky puppy. Huskies love to jump and run, so you will have to walk them for hours, and every day. You can choose a puppy that grows into a couch potato and nap-lover, like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
   • If you are renting an apartment, there may be restrictions on the weight and breed of dogs residing in the housing estate. In addition, large dogs that require a lot of exercise, such as the Golden Retriever, can be cramped in the apartment. If your community does not prohibit large dogs, make sure there is a large fenced area or dog park nearby where your dog can run and play.
   • Check with your dog breeder to determine which breed is best for your lifestyle.
   • Besides researching dog breeds online, consider buying a dog breeding book.
   • Remember that choosing a purebred dog is not at all necessary. What's wrong with an ordinary mongrel?
3. 3 Set aside a certain amount, taking into account all the costs associated with keeping the puppy. In addition to the cost of the puppy itself, you should consider the costs of food, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary services. By calculating the costs, you will have a more realistic idea of ​​the monthly costs associated with keeping a puppy at home.
   • Depending on the breed and size of the dog, in the first year you will spend from 2 thousand rubles a month. up to 10 thousand rubles.
   • Be sure to factor in the cost of camping items such as collars, leashes, name key chains, and goodies.
   • Buying a puppy from a breeder costs several times more than a dog from a shelter.
4. 4 Create a safe environment for your puppy. Chances are, your home is not ready to host a puppy. Similar to creating a safe home for your baby, you need to keep your home and your puppy safe as well. For example, you should hide the trash cans or keep them out of your puppy's reach. You may need to purchase child locks if your puppy learns to open cupboards.
   • Place plugs on outlets to prevent your puppy from licking them.
   • Keep all medicines, detergents, and antifreeze away from your puppy. The puppy can be poisoned by them.
   • If you have a garage, secure heavy tools to the wall. Collect any screws that your puppy can easily eat off the garage floor.
5. 5 Check with your veterinarian. During the first year, you will most likely take your puppy to the vet regularly and about once a year thereafter. It is important that you find a veterinarian who is comfortable with you. Instead of scouring the Internet for local veterinary clinics, it's best to seek advice from local dog breeders, other dog owners, or your local pet store.

Part 2 of 4: Puppy from an animal shelter or rescue group

1. 1 Decide on the choice of breed. If you already have a breed in mind, search online for shelters where you can find suitable puppies. On sites like Petfinder.org you can find lists of puppies and dogs from hundreds of different shelters.You can search for a dog by breed, size, sex and age, then contact the shelter and arrange to pick up the dog.
   • You may need to travel outside the city to get the right breed. Try to expand your search for shelters, looking at those that are hundreds of miles away to find the most suitable option.
   • Shelters may not have rare or expensive dog breeds. However, there are breed-specific rescue groups that may have a dog of the breed (or a cross, like a Labradoodle) that interests you.
   • Animal shelters and rescue groups often conduct behavioral tests (also known as temperament tests) to determine if a puppy can be given to other people.
   • Even with the additional costs of neutering, chipping, vaccination, and deworming, taking a dog from a shelter or rescue group is cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder or paying for all of these services separately.
2. 2 Visit shelters in your area. If you can't decide on a breed, stop by a shelter to see the puppies live. When you arrive at the shelter, learn more about the puppy's past and behavior. Also observe the work at the shelter to make sure the dogs are well cared for.
   • Due to noise, large numbers of dogs and a high degree of general activity, animal shelters can negatively affect the character of the dog. After spending some time at the shelter, some dogs develop behavioral problems. The staff at the shelter is responsible for informing you if the puppy you are interested in has any behavioral problems.
3. 3 Don't be afraid to ask questions. Getting answers to questions at an animal shelter is just as important as communicating with a dog breeder. For example, you might want to know where the dog came from (whether it was stray or given by the previous owner). It is also useful to find out how long the puppy has been in the shelter.
   • Ask about the puppy's medical history and behavior at the shelter. He may behave very differently in the shelter than in your home.
   • Find out about the shelter's policy for those animals that get sick soon after leaving the shelter. You should be aware that due to the limited veterinary treatment budget at the shelter, most or all of the medical costs for a puppy will fall on your shoulders.
   • You can also ask if the shelter is a "no killing" shelter. Such a shelter does not euthanize animals that have been in the shelter for a certain period of time.
4. 4 Learn about the puppy selection process. Be aware that you may not be able to pick up your puppy the same day you enter an animal shelter or rescue group. You will usually be interviewed during which the shelter staff will tell you about the puppy's background and medical history. A shelter worker may even visit your home to determine if it is suitable for the puppy.
   • Don't be surprised if you get asked a few questions too. Shelter staff need to know for sure that you will be a responsible owner and take care of the puppy.
   • In addition to the interview and a possible visit home, you will need to fill out the necessary paperwork and pay the required amount.
5. 5 Do not give up. Animal shelters or rescue groups in your area may not have the breed of dog you want. Luckily, they have a fairly high turnover rate so you don't have to wait long for the perfect puppy to arrive at the shelter or rescue group. Inquire periodically about new dog arrivals.

Part 3 of 4: Buying a puppy from a breeder

1. 1 Learn about the different types of dog breeders. Not all of them have a good reputation, so if you are going to buy a puppy from a breeder, you need to know which ones to think about and which ones to avoid. Some breeders are engaged in purebred breeding.They are knowledgeable about dog breeds and put a tremendous amount of time and energy into creating an optimal pedigree and improving the quality of breed characteristics. These breeders usually only breed one or two puppies per year.
   • Amateur breeders do not know much about dog breeds and, most likely, just want to earn extra money. Don't buy a dog from people like that.
   • Commercial breeders tend to breed multiple dog breeds and produce many puppies per year. The living conditions of commercial breeders can be of either poor or good quality. In addition, not all commercial breeders are RKF certified. Puppies are usually supplied to pet stores by commercial breeders.
2. 2 Find a responsible breeder. Check with veterinary clinics or breeder organizations to find a reputable breeder. He or she must keep only a few breeds of dogs and have strong ties with the local veterinary clinic or other animal-related organization. The ASPCA (American Society for the Protection of Animals) website contains lists of unscrupulous breeders.
   • The responsible breeder will ask you why you decided to have a dog, who will take care of it, and where it will live. You can't just pay the money and get a puppy.
3. 3 Visit the breeder. Don't buy a puppy without first visiting the breeder. It is important that you see where your puppy, his siblings and his parents lived and grew up. The responsible breeder himself will invite you to visit him several times so that you can familiarize yourself in detail with the conditions of detention and methods of doing business.
4. 4 Ask whatever interests you. Buying a puppy from a breeder will cost you a lot, so you need to make sure the breeder is an honest, knowledgeable and moral person. There are tons of things you can ask a breeder: How are puppies raised and raised? How do you screen potential buyers? How is labor going? Have the parents been tested for breed-specific diseases?
   • You can also find out how many puppies were in the litter and what kind of medical care they received (vaccinations, deworming, and so on).
   • Ask the breeder to provide a medical certificate, chipping and screening data for breed-specific behavioral or medical problems.
   • Don't be afraid to ask questions. A respected breeder will easily answer any questions about himself and the dogs that he breeds and raises.
   • Be prepared to answer questions about why you want a puppy and how you plan to care for it. A good breeder will be partial to the living conditions of the puppies he breeds. It is imperative to develop a good relationship with the breeder in case you have questions about the puppy or plan to display it.
5. 5 Get RKF documents. You also need to obtain a sales contract. If you are going to show or breed a purchased puppy, you will need proof that it is registered with the RKF and that you are its owner. But you should know that only the parents of the puppy are indicated in the RKF certificate and not a word about whether it was properly raised by the breeder.
   • Beware of breeders who are trying to sell you a puppy with only the provenance of the puppy.
6. 6 Stay away from puppy factories! Puppy factories are notorious for mass breeding puppies in deplorable conditions. They are run by irresponsible breeders who do it just for the money and do not care about the health of the puppies at all. Puppies here usually have genetic abnormalities, leading to physical and emotional disorders that cannot be determined immediately.
   • When you come to the breeder, pay attention to the conditions of the dogs. If the dogs are dirty, skinny, or unhealthy, do not purchase a puppy at this location.
   • If a breeder refuses to show you his premises, most likely he runs a puppy factory and does not want you to see the conditions in which dogs are bred and raised.
   • If the breeder doesn't ask you a lot of questions or doesn't care about the puppy's future, it is likely that he works in a puppy factory.
   • Breeders who claim to breed a large number of purebred or decorative breeds are unlikely to be telling the truth, and are most likely working in a puppy factory. Their dogs, most likely, will not be purebred and decorative.
   • You may want to draw the authorities' attention to the puppy factory. You can file a complaint about animal cruelty by leaving a review at http://www.angrycitizen.ru/problems/one/99 or by filing a complaint with the police.
7. 7 Don't buy a puppy at a pet store. Pet shops usually buy puppies from "puppy factories". Be careful - ask the pet store staff where they get the puppies and check the breeders they point you to. When looking to buy a puppy from a pet store, you need to make sure they come from trusted shelters and / or dog breeders.

Part 4 of 4: Choosing the Right Puppy

1. 1 Examine the puppy. You can pick up a puppy at the age of 8 to 12 weeks - it is during this period that they stop drinking breast milk, switch to solid foods and get vaccinated. At first glance, the puppy may look completely healthy, but with proper examination, physical abnormalities can be found. If you suspect that your puppy is not doing well, think carefully about whether you want to adopt such a puppy. Inspect the puppy starting at the head and moving towards the tail.
   • There are many factors to consider when examining a puppy. If you are unsure if you are able to conduct a thorough inspection, contact the breeder or staff at the animal shelter or rescue team for a briefing.
   • Examine the puppy's head. His nose should be cool and moist with no discharge. The gums should have a healthy pink color. In addition, the eyes should be clear and transparent with a dark pupil. Ears should be clean and set in a breed-specific manner.
   • Place your hand on the puppy's chest and feel his heartbeat. An abnormal heartbeat may indicate a genetic heart defect that requires veterinary intervention.
   • Examine the puppy's coat. If the puppy is purebred, its coat should be typical of its breed. The puppy's coat should be shiny and smooth, without bald spots.
   • Examine the puppy's paws. Feet should be straight and free from structural defects (e.g. feet that are curved in or out). You can ask the breeder or veterinarian for a more detailed orthopedic examination of the puppy.
2. 2 Determine the character of the puppy. Whether you are adopting a puppy from a nursery or from a breeder, take the time to evaluate the puppy's temperament before taking him home. You can follow the litter of the puppies and watch them play together. Puppies in the same litter tend to have different personality traits, so you can choose the one who is most suitable for your family.
   • The best pet for you will be a puppy that combines energy and good nature. Find a playful and energetic puppy who is not too rude to others.
   • Do not take an extremely aggressive or overly timid puppy.
3. 3 Play with your puppy to make sure it suits you. Be sure to bond with the dog of your choice before making a deal. If your puppy avoids you or hides its tail between its paws when you approach, it probably doesn't have the best temperament to become your pet. If you like a puppy, but are not sure if he will get along with your children or other animals in the house, you can take him for a while to decide on the choice.
   • Remember, puppies also choose their owner. If he likes you, the puppy will likely follow you closely.

Tips

• Take your time with the purchase of a puppy! Dogs aren't going anywhere, so choose carefully. When you find a suitable puppy, you will immediately understand this.
• Some breeds have special characteristics. Some bark a lot, others barely make any sounds. Some will systematically run, dig holes and try to jump over the fence. Find out all about the breed you have chosen before you bond with your puppy.
• Never choose a breed just because it is in vogue. On the contrary, seriously consider your decision and find out more about the different breeds of dogs in order to choose the right one.
• Make sure you already have everything you need for your puppy at home (kennel / bed / basket, food, bowls, cleaning supplies, etc.). Going to the store for shopping with a newly purchased puppy is not an easy task.
• Going to the store for shopping with a newly purchased puppy is not an easy task.
• If you already have a dog, you should consider how it will react when a new puppy comes into the house. Animal shelters or rescue groups may suggest that you pop in with your dog to meet your puppy and see how she behaves around him.
• Sign up your dog for training lessons. The sooner you train him, the better.
• Puppies love to chew on things, so make sure you have enough toys for him to chew on.

Warnings

• Dogs can develop separation anxiety, and when they feel abandoned, they can become extremely impulsive. If you are going to be missing for extended periods of time due to work, this may not be the best time to buy a puppy.
• Puppies that are not fully vaccinated can develop serious and life-threatening diseases such as parvovirus. Do not take them out to humans until they are fully vaccinated against disease.
• Puppies bred by unscrupulous breeders can develop serious health and behavioral problems that can be difficult to fix and very expensive to treat.