Classifieds For Your Pets

So You Want A New Puppy

Index So you want a new puppy Why choose a pure-bred puppy So lets find a responsible breeder Choosing a dog -----What kind of dog is best for me. -----Males are usually a little larger and stronger than females. -----How do I learn about different breeds. And now -----Its time to bring your puppy home. -----First and foremost,are your premises secure. -----Have you prepared the puppy's area and sleeping quarters. -----Have you purchased the puppy's food and equipment. -----Now it's time to collect your puppy. -----House training. -----Health requirements. Have you consulted your vet. -----Have you considered the needs of your other pets. -----Calm, patience and attention.

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Slow down for a minute and ask yourself questions such as these before committing yourself to what will be a long term responsibility. 1. Will a dog fit in with my lifestyle committments. 2. Will I always have time to give on a daily basis for exercise, care and grooming. 3. Have I made adequate provisions for living quarters and secure premises. 4. Am I prepared to give the extra time a puppy needs for feeding, house training, lead training, socialising and teaching basic good manners. 5. Am I prepared to forego other activities and make sacrifices in order to tend the needs of a puppy. 6. Can I afford the cost of bringing up a puppy and owning a dog. To pay for equipment, veterinary expenses, council registration and professional grooming. 7. Do I have time to teach the children how to properly care for a puppy and have I made them fully aware that this new pet will be a long-term commitment, not just a short-term toy. 8. If the children lose interest or my circumstances change , will I be able to continue giving all the care and attention required. 9. When I am away on holiday will the puppies needs still be met. 10.Will my canine companion be accepted and treated as a member of my family for the rest of it's life. If you have answered yes to all ten questions, then you are ready to choose your breed. Why choose a pure-bredpuppy There are definite benefits to owning a pure-bred dog. The various types of pure-bred dogs are a result of many years of selective breeding. All breeds were developed for a specific purpose and documentation is available on their history and heritage. When you buy a pure-bred puppy you will know what to expect in the adult dog, as the size, temperament, appearance and characteristics are predictable. When considering a pure-bred dog, it is possible to narrow down the choices of breed to those with attributes which clearly fit into your personal lifestyle and interests. For example, whether the dog will good with children or whether you will have time to groom and exercise the dog properly. Responsible breeders will answer questions and share their experiences and knowledge with you. They can provide background on the breed and discuss the characteristics of the adult dog. When you buy from a reputable registered breeder you will receive a documented history of the puppy and you will be able to one or both of the parents or other family members. Breeders have the experience to give puppies the care and nurturing they need at critical early stages. This not only ensures you’ll have a healthy puppy, but that the puppy is much less likely to develop into a difficult adult. Breeders will guide you in proper care and feeding, health issues and training. Breeders are there to help you and will continue to provide information and support as your puppy grows. Owners of pure-bred puppies can join their State Canine Associations and participate in a variety of activities and events with their dogs. These provide an opportunity for social interaction with others with common or similar interests. So lets find a responsible breeder Once you feel confident the breed you have chosen will suit your lifestyle and commitments, its time to find a breeder, and hopefully a new addition to your family will be forthcoming in the near future. No doubt you have already taken a considerable amount of time considering which breed is right for you, the amount of exercise and grooming required, the size of the adult dog and the cost, the reason for selecting your chosen breed and some of the activities in which you and your family would like to participate. You may have attended dog shows to help choose your breed, but did you talk to breeders and exhibitors with the view to the actual purchase of your new family member. Breeders are always on hand shows to answer questions. They are the best source for obtaining a healthy, well-raised and well-bred puppy. Breeding quality dogs sound of mind and body is taken very seriously and many hours are spent comparing dogs and pedigrees before decisions are made regarding matings. Responsible breeders will always consider the advancemaent and improvement of the breed before breeding a litter. Some people are purely motivated by profit and only breed to produce puppies for sale. Look for other litters on the premises of both your chosen breed and other breeds. Ask when the next litter is planned. The responsible breeder will help you with your choice and selection of a puppy and will be willing to provide ongoing support and advice as your puppy matures. They will also answer more in depth questions about the finer details of the breed. Responsible breeders care. They raise happy and healthy puppies. This shoulg also be reflected in the condition and temperament of the adults living on the premises. Their living quarters should be clean and all dogs should appear well cared for. The puppies should also be clean, well conditioned, lively and friendly. Responsible breeders should proudly show you all of the dogs on the premises, and allow you to handle the puppies in a litter as soon as they have been weaned. The mother of the puppies should be in good condition, clean, happy and active. If the father lives elsewhere you could ask for the owners contact details or see a photos of him. Most breeds have some hereditery conditions. Ask about test results and scores of parents and other members of the family, and whether there are other potential health problems to watched for. Be wary of those who deny any such conditions exist in their breed. Also ask whether the breeder is prepared to have the puppy checked by your own vet and whether you can return the puppy if any health problems eventuate. Puppies should not leave the breede until they are eight weeks old. They should have been treated for worms from approximately 2-3 weeks of age, and have had their first vaccination at aprroximately 6 weeks of age. Vaccination records, registration certificate, a copy of the pedigree and a puppy care and diet sheet should be provided to you before or when you you collect your puppy. Responsible breeders should ask questions. After all, you are the potential owner of their baby who they have put so much time and effort into breeding and raising. They will want to know why you chose their breed, how you propose to care for the puppy, what facilities you have prepared for the puppy to live in, whether your premises are secure, whether the puppy will required to spend time alone, how your children feel about the new family member and more. Choosing a dog Owning a dog can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Much thought and consideration needs to be put into your choice of breed. Always bear in mind the size, temperament, exercise and grooming needs of the adult dog. Consider your lifestyle committments and avaiability of times on a daily basis, your ability to exercise and your ability to pay for the myriad of expenses dog ownership brings. Your property must have secure fences and gates regardless of your choice of breed. A safe and comfortable kennel or bed must be provided with access available at all times. If you have children, you must take their needs, activities and ages into account, as your new puppy is to become part of their family. A dog must fit into the family lifestyle, so the right breed of dog for the right reasons needs to be decided well in advance of purchase, otherwise your new family member could well become an unwanted burden. What kind of dog is best for me. First and foremost you need to ask yourself why you want a dog. Is it for companionship, exhibition or showing, protection or security, working or trialling, sport and recreation or a pet for the family. You need to decide whether you want a small, medium or large dog, quiet or active, long coated or short coated, male or female and the type of activities in which you and your family would like to participate. The size and location of your premises will have a bearing on the siz of dog you choose. Bear in mind that small dogs have just as high an activity level as larger ones, they just don't need as much space. There are many different types of coat, all need grooming and almost all will drop hair. If you don't want an adult with a long flowing coat that requires daily grroming, then buy a short-coated breed. Males are usually a little larger and stronger than females. Mkae sure that the size and strength level of your dog matches that of your children. If you are planning on breeding or showing, Spaying or nuetering (desexing) is highly recommended. A bitch comes into season at least once or twice a year and must be confined and kept away from males for some weks. Many health risks for a bitch are minimised once spayed. As you learn about different breeds remeber the purpose for which a particular breed was developed, for example a Working Dog or Gundog are active in mind and will require regular occupation and a lot of exercise. How do I learn about different breeds. A good place to start is to look in books or on the internet, go to dog shows or obedience clubs where you can talk to owners and see a number of breeds. Visit friends and relatives with dogs and ask them about their experiences. Find out about characteristics and attributes of various breeds by talking to breeders and contacting breed clubs. Dog shows give prospective puppy owners an excellent opportunity to view the many breeds available and the chance to talk to breeders and exhibitors. It also allows you to see dogs of all ages, so you will get a good idea of what the adult will be like in size and temperament. Shows are scheduled each weekend thta represent many breeds, a group of breeds or a single breed. Details and dates of shows are available from your State or Territory Canine Clubs. Most breeds have some hereditary conditions. Ensure that you find out about these and any other potential health problems to be watched for. Once you have narrowed down your field it is time to learn more specific details about your chosen breed and vist some breeders. A resonsible person will choose a pure bred dog because the behaviour, appearance and the size of the dog is predictable. And now. It's time to bring your new puppy home. Are you ready. Now you understand some of the things the future holds in store for you and your new family member, you are ready to select your puppy and bring it home. Congratulations. But before collect the puppy, you need to have prepared for it to come home. First and foremost, are your premises secure. Whether your choice of breed is large or small, you must have secure premises. No gaps or holes in the fences, no gates without proper locks. Also remember steps and stairs. Can the puppy get under the house, or can the puppy escape into the front garden or onto the street. You must ensure the puppy is safe and secure at all times. Have you prepared the puppy's area and sleeping quarters. Whether the puppy is to live in the house or in the yard, YOUR PUPPY NEEDS AN AREA TO CALL IT'S OWN. A safe comfortable kennel outside, a box or a basket inside, it doesn't matter, but the puppy must have it's own place. Two spots are ideal, one inside and the other outside and a good supply of blankets and bedding will be necessary. Have you purchased the puppy's food and equipment. Have you asked the breeder what food to buy so your puppy can start off eating what your puppy has been accustomed to. A change of diet usually causes diarrhea, so if you want to change thepuppy's basic food, you need to do it gradually. Regardless of the breed you have selected, in addition to the puppy's food and bedding, you will need food and water bowls, a collar, lead and brush. A daily brush not only keeps your puppy's coat in good condition, but is part of the socialising and bonding process. A small light collar and lead are essential in the early weeks to facilitate lead training. As the puppy grows a heavier collar and lead and additional grooming equipment will probably be necessary. A puppy crate or a big cardboard box with an old blanket is ideal to take you puppy home in. The ideal time to bring your puppy home is when it is about 8-10 weeks of age. This is the perriod when a puppy learns the most and is ready to learn. Your puppy's first day in a new place will be most exciting for your puppy. Your puppy will experience new smells, a car ride, new people and starnge places. Collect your puppy early in the day so it has time to explore it's new home before going to bed on it's own. Keep yourself and the children calm and quiet. Don't let your puppy get over excited or over tired and allow the puppy to look around at it's own pace. Show the puppy it's water bowl and bed and have newspaper in the spot where you wish the puppt ot relieve itself. Now it's time to collect your puppy. If you are happy with your preparations and both you and your family are ready for some busy days ans sleep disturbed nights, then it is time to pick up your new little charge. When you do collect you puppy remember there are other things you will need to take home with you. Vaccination records, signed registration certificate, a copy of the pedigree and a puppy care and diet sheet should be provided. Your breeder is there to help. The transition from mother and kennel mates to a new home is probably the most dramatic change your dog will ever go through. So make it easy for your puppy and you, the puppy will be counting on you to provide security, love and affection. House training. All puppies have week bladders and need to relieve themselves frequently. It is a good idea to take the puppy out every hour or so initially, but always immediately upon waking, after playing, after feeding and before going to bed at night. Take your puppy to the same spot every time and praise the puppy on a job well done. When inside have plenty of newspaper near your puppy bed or in the room in which the puppy will be sleeping. Do not scold the puppy if it has an accident, never rub your puppy's nose in it. Most puppies will not soil their bed and are usually quick to learn that outside is the correct place to go. After a few weeks most puppies wil be house trained. Health requirements, have you consulted your vet. Your puppy will have had it's first vaccination and will have been treated for worms by the breeder. Consult your vet on the new vaccination regime (first vaccination at 6-8 weeks, next at 10 weeks or over, next 12 months later and then every three years). Consult your vet on products available for worming, flea control and heartworm prevention. If you do not plan for future breeding or showing, de-sexing is strongly recommended. Have you considered the needs of your other pets. Do not change the habits and routine for an existing pet when you bring your new puppy home. They might feel a bit jealous, especially as the new puppy will need constant attention with house training and other things and of course three or four meals per day. Give them time to aquaint themselves. The first meeting is best done outside rather than inside the house, as there is more space for them to feel comfortable or escape if the going gets tough. Supervise the introduction and only let them play for short periods of time. You don't want either of them to get over excited or hurt. You can gradually increase the time they spend playing together until they settle down, but you must always be near to supervise them. Calm, patience and attention. Your puppy will probably take a few days to settle down at night as the pupy will miss it's mother and litter mates and is sure to cry, howl or bark when left alone. Do not shout at the puppy or smack your puppy, do not give in to the puppy. If you go to the puppy once during the night it will howl every time you leave it. A toy to cuddle up with or ticking clock may well be appreciated and help your puppy settle. If you can get a small piece of the bedding that the puppy slept on from the breeder as this will often help, as it has the smell of it's litter mates on it. In the first few weeks you must give your puppy constant attention. You can teach your puppy some basic commands, like sit and come or play ball to teach your puppy to fetch. Always be patient with the puppy, give your puppy plenty of reassurance, praise and cuddles. ENJOY YOUR NEW PUPPY AND CONGRATULATIONS