So you want a puppy?

There are many things to consider when deciding on a puppy. It is a huge commitment, one that will last you 10-18 years. Please do not take this responsibility lightly...a life will depend on you for as long as it lives. This is not your child...it will not eventually feed itself and move out. It is someone that will be totally dependent on you for it's ENTIRE life!

Choosing a puppy

When choosing a puppy be sure to ask yourself a few things. Consider the breed you are getting and ask questions about their specialized care. Some breeds like the cocker spaniel, collie, poodle, etc, have special grooming needs that require alot of time (and money). Other breeds, like the labs, st. bernard, retrievers, etc, are large and not well suited to apartment living, they need plenty of running room. Do your research. Ask yourself which breed is best suited to you and what you can give them.

Choose your vet

This is one of the most important decisions you can make for your 'friend'. If you decide a puppy is for you, then check out the vets in your area BEFORE you get the puppy (or as soon as possible thereafter). Tips for choosing a vet.....

• Try to find one close to home. You never know when you will need to get your dog to a vet immediately....sometimes minutes count!

• Meet the vet! It is important that you have a vet that will take the time to talk to you and answer your questions...not just rush you through like cattle.

• Make sure the facilities are clean and orderly.

• Check out the kennel area...is it clean? Are the animals being kept in a 'safe' area? Are they well staffed to care for their 'patients' properly?

• Find out their emergency procedure. Is the emergency clinic nearby? Is it available 24 hours? Is your vet available during the 'off' hours?

• Get the name, number and address of the emergency facility. Believe it or not, few emergencies happen during 'office hours'.

Have a game plan: Where will your puppy stay when you are off on vacation? Is your yard fenced in? Is someone home with the puppy at all times, or does everyone in the home work? Who will care for the puppy's needs while you are at work? Can you afford the many vaccinations and emergencies that will arise?

Basic Supplies...(things we can't do without!)

Crate: This will be your puppy's bed, or 'safe' place. Your puppy will need a place that it knows it can go to sleep and feel safe. This should be kept out of high-traffic areas. The crate should be large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in. Important: Be sure there is plenty of ventilation! But no holes that are large enough for the puppy to get a paw or it's head stuck. Place the crate in a permenant location and introduce the puppy right away. (Place a treat inside and gently push him inside as you tell him..."bed" or "crate". Close the door for a few seconds until he calms down, then let him out and praise him. Repeat for longer periods each time. Do not keep food or water in the crate...the crate is for rest! Never...never...never...use the crate as a punishment! Remember...the puppy's crate is it's 'safe' place!

Collar and Leash: Measure the puppy's neck and buy a collar that is about 2 inches larger. Check it frequently as they tend to grow up pretty fast! The first collar should be a lightweight nylon. A leash is important too! 6 feet is the best legnth for training and walking.

Identification tag: This is the most important thing you can buy for your puppy. It should be placed permanently on the collar. On it should be the puppy's name...your name...address and phone number and area code. Always check the tag to make sure it's not worn or lost. It may one day be the key to getting your pup back should he stray.

Food and Water bowls: These should be easy to clean and be heavy enough to not tip over. Some pets are allergic to plastic, so the stainless...they are easy to clean and ideal. Wash both DAILY!

Grooming tools: Different brushes and combs are made for the various type of coats. Check with the pet shop clerk as to which is best suited to your specific breed. A flea comb is a must! Establish a weekly grooming routine with your puppy as soon as possible!

Toys: Your puppy will need plenty of toys to play with. This not only gets rid of some of that endless energy...but also aids in teething. There are plenty of toys made especially for dogs. Be sure that you buy only toys that are made for them. Just like a toddler, small pieces (such as eyes, squeekers, etc.) can come off and get lodged in the puppy's throat. Tips for toy buying.....

• Tug toys can lead to aggressive behavior.

• If the entire toy will fit into the dog's mouth...it's too small!

• Avoid toys with sharp parts.

• DO NOT give your puppy an old shoe or sock to chew on. Your puppy does not know the difference between 'old' and 'new'.

• Toys that are bad.... balls of yarn, corks, wire twists, plastic bags or foil.

• Children's toys made of soft rubber or sponge can harm your puppy if swallowed.

• Keep all plastic bags and plastic soda rings away from your puppy!

Puppies see things from a totally different level than you do. One of the best things you can do to prepare for your new puppy is to get down on the floor on your hands and knees and crawl around. It will help you to 'see' what they 'see'.