Thinking about buying a dog?

So youve decided to purchase a dog. Owning a dog can be the beginning of years of happiness as the special bond between humans and canines exceeds even the greatest of expectations. However, to ensure the best relationship with your dog, you must be prepared for some important responsibilities. Keep the following questions in mind as we go along.

Have I found the right breed to fit into my lifestyle and home?

Will I have enough time to spend training, grooming and exercising a dog?

Am I willing to spend the resources to ensure the best future for a dog?

The breed for you

Is there a breed you have had your eye on, or are you confused about how to select a dog? In either case, you should do some homework to make sure that you select the right dog for you and your family. The bonus of selecting a purebred dog is their predictability in size, coat, care requirements and temperament. Knowing what your cute puppy will look like and the kind of care he will need as an adult is a key in selecting the breed for you.

Several websites that can help you choose a dog include Pet Nets Select-A-Pet and the Animal Planet Pet Selector.

You and your dog

Too frequently, common sense goes out the window when it comes to buying a puppy. This seems to be even truer when the purchase is by a family with children. Buying a dog is like buying anything else; the more you know before you buy, the better off you will be. This advice applies to all aspects of buying your dog, from selecting the breed to deciding where to obtain the puppy. We strongly recommend that you spend time investigating before buying. Remember, dogs are for life.

Selectapet can help you begin your research with its pictures and descriptions of each breed. Your initial research will help you narrow the field when it comes to selecting the breed for you and your lifestyle. Remember to consider your dogs lifestyle, too. And for extended research, consult the resources at your local library.

While investigating, always be honest with yourself. The Bearded Collie you fell in love with because of his lush coat is indeed beautiful, but are you going to be able to brush this coat every day as it requires? Maybe a short coated dog better suits your busy lifestyle. Think about the size of your house or your apartment.

Will that Golden Retriever be happy in your apartment? The Golden Retriever is a larger working dog who requires a lot of exercise. Do you have a fenced yard so he can go out safely? If not, can you afford to install a fence? These are crucial questions regarding the safety of your dog and being a responsible neighbour.

Always remember, it is okay to change your mind about which breed you want or if you want the responsibility of owning a dog at all. Owning a dog is a big responsibility! Talk to breeders. Ask them lots of questions; we all know there are no stupid questions. A responsible breeder will eagerly answer your questions and share his or her experience and knowledge with you. Where can you find breeders and see dogs? At dog shows (see upcoming Activities and Events). Also contact DOGS Victoria affiliated clubs for their recommendations.

Selecting a breeder

Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder. This cannot be stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed. For example, they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for their breed. Your DOGS Victoria breeder referral contact will direct you to a breeder who is concerned with the future of the puppy. Once you select a breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your puppy. See how the dogs in your breeders home interact with your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away? The responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for each puppy.

How much does a puppy cost?

This is not the time to hunt for a bargain. Your new puppy will be a member of your family for his lifetime, so youll want to make a wise investment. Ask breeders and breed club members to get a rough idea of prices, but dont make decision on price alone – more expensive isnt necessarily better. Make sure you find the right dog for YOU. And remember, the price of the puppy is just the beginning of the costs.

Can you afford a puppy?

The purchase price of your puppy is not the only cost you have to consider. Be aware that the puppy you bring home will need proper care. Of course, it will need food and health care, (a dog needs annual vaccinations and regular worming treatments). Your puppy will also need little things like a collar with identification, a bowl, and a lead. It will also need to be registered with your local council or shire. Evaluate your budget; ask yourself if you really can afford a dog. Dog Ownership = Responsibility.

Take the time to ask yourself these questions and to make an educated decision. You and your dog will be happier for it. There is no doubt that a puppy is a cuddly bundle of joy, but it is also a huge responsibility.

Caring for your dog

All dogs must be cared for daily. This means proper diet, exercise, grooming and veterinary attention. There are many excellent guides on all facets of dog care. We recommend you have some other authoritative reference source available. Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian! All dogs should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and vaccinated against the major infectious canine diseases.

Your dog and your neighbors

All dog owners must be aware of their responsibilities to their neighbours, both those who live in the area immediately around their residence and their neighbours in the broader sense of the community as a whole. Dogs, for all the pleasure they are, can be a nuisance to your neighbours if not trained. Remember, excessive barking can be annoying. Always keep your dog on a leash or inside a fenced yard when exercising. Remember to pick up after your dog. Forestall problems for yourself and your dog and all dog lovers by being a good neighbour.

Obedience training for everyone

One way to make your dog a good neighbour is through obedience training. A poorly behaved dog is a problem for everyone. Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to catch a dog that will not come when you call. A well trained dog is not only a pleasure to own, he is a goodwill ambassador for the entire canine community. A well-behaved dog is the result of the dogs owner being willing to work with the dog regularly in a systematic manner. Obedience classes are available in most communities (see Obedience Clubs). Time spent training your dog is time well spent.

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