Buying a puppy from a good pet store or breeder is a dog for life, so choose wisely.

Because the decision to bring a puppy into your home is a decision that will last the dog’s life, it is important to determine if the time is right. Is your home life suitable for having a dog? Also, how will you find the best place to adopt or buy your puppy? Let’s take each decision step by step.

The fact that a child asks for a puppy for Christmas or on his birthday does not necessarily mean that the time is right or that there is a capable person who will take responsibility for the well-being of the puppy. Will the dog be alone 8 or more hours a day? In this case, it will be difficult to educate, socialize and exercise this puppy. Is your house dog friendly? Does your landlord, apartment building, or condominium complex allow dogs? Are you as pro-puppy as the one you started the search for and do you understand the commitment, related expenses and training requirements involved? Is your child the only one who wants a dog and is he or she supposed to do whatever is required? The answers to these questions are extremely revealing and important. It is very important that everyone involved in the purchase of the puppy knows that the puppy needs care throughout its life. Vet bills must be paid and accommodation must be adequate.

It’s also important to note that just because a child approaches a particular puppy and chooses it doesn’t mean that particular dog is right for their family in the long run. Shedding, exercise, size, and temperament vary greatly and are important considerations when choosing a breed. If the decision to buy a dog is made impulsively by a child, they probably have no idea what it will be like to live with the cute puppy they see today as an adult. For example, a Yorkshire Terrier, a playful Maltese, a small toy poodle or a fluffy Pomeranian, while very attractive to a young child because they are so small, are not suitable for living in homes with young children. These tiny breeds are fragile and cannot tolerate excessive handling, pushing or chasing and can be easily injured. Even if a young child does well with guinea pigs, for example, it doesn’t mean that he or she is mature enough to handle a small puppy. Puppies don’t automatically land on their feet when they fall out of a child’s arms or off a bed or couch. This situation can lead to serious injury or even an aggressive pup snapping or biting to avoid rough treatment.

On the other hand, a playful Golden Retriever, Boxer, English Mastiff, Bernese, or sturdy Labrador Retriever can often make very good companions for young children. These breeds enjoy games and games outside in a fenced-in yard. It should be noted that while these and other breeds can make good companions for children, they grow quickly, can be very boisterous, and chew for several months, making them good pets only if raised with responsible training. There are also many medium-sized breeds that are well-suited to family life, including Boston terriers, Pugs, Cavaliers, Westies, and Cockapoos, to name a few. If allergies are an issue, some breeds to consider include Poodles, Shih Tzus, Bichons, or Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.

After considering whether or not your current home life is suitable for a new puppy, the decision of where to find him can be overwhelming. Rescue organizations are a good option, especially if selecting a specific breed or age is not of the utmost importance. If you have specific reasons for wanting a particular breed or a young puppy over an older dog, good breeders and even good stores can be considered.

There are good and bad breeders, as well as good and bad stores. This variance in quality and reputation is true across industries and it’s no different with puppies. Home breeders are not required to be licensed inspected or trained. The challenge is finding a compassionate breeder with experience, knowledge, and a good aftercare program that provides guarantees and protections if an illness or problem occurs. It is never advisable to buy from a breeder without seeing it online! This is extremely risky as websites are not regulated, breeders do not have to be licensed to sell online, and buyers are often very disappointed. They may buy a sickly puppy from a supposedly poor breeder, or their money may be lost to an elaborate scam with a fake website or ad. Personal referrals to a breeder or store are the surest ways to find a puppy.

A pet store that has a long history, good health guarantees, and a good rating from the Better Business Bureau (which can be found at BBB.com) is often a great source and has many advantages for the customer. Most states require that each store have a veterinarian to oversee the care of the puppies and administer vaccinations. You can contact the store veterinarian to ask questions about the store before making your purchase. A good pet store will have a diverse selection of breeds to choose from and knowledgeable staff who will be able to explain the characteristics and requirements of many breeds to help you find a good match for you and your family. Pet stores generally must be inspected and licensed by the state. Many states also have additional requirements, such as requiring that puppies be purchased only from licensed and inspected breeders. Stores must also provide adequate health care and living conditions to maintain their licenses. The best stores will add additional warranties to the state’s minimum requirements.

The bottom line is that wherever you choose your new puppy, the people you buy it from should be experienced, knowledgeable, and sensitive to your needs. They should be able to provide complete vaccination records, purebred dog registration documents, feeding recommendations, and basic training tips. Ideally, they should have basic supplies available to help you get settled in at home with your new puppy. They should be able to offer health guarantees in the event of a congenital disease leading to premature death or an immediate illness requiring treatment shortly after purchase. They should also be available to you by phone or in person for further questions or assistance. In general, they should be the kind of people or places that you feel comfortable referring to other people.

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