Contents
Is a Dog the Right Pet For You?
How to Choose a Dog Breed
The Ten Most Popular Dog Breeds
How to Choose an Individual Dog
Where to Get Your Dog
How to Bring Your New Dog Home
Responsible Dog Ownership
Children and Dogs
Dog Health and Nutrition
Veterinary Care for Your Dog
How to Groom Your Dog
How to Train Your Dog
Learn more with these titles from Barnes & Noble
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Where to Get Your Dog
There are four main ways to get a dog:
- Adopt from a shelter
- Adopt from a rescue group
- Buy from a pet store
- Buy from a breeder
Shelters
Most cities and towns have an animal shelter, also known as a humane society or a pound. These organizations take in unwanted, lost, or abandoned pets, restore them to good health, and then offer them for reasonable fees to the public.
Many people intent on adopting a specific breed bypass shelters, but in fact it’s possible to adopt a purebred dog from a shelter—often for a fraction of the price that breeders charge. According to the Humane Society, one in every four dogs in American shelters is purebred.
Rescue Groups
Rescue groups are like shelters for specific breeds. A dachshund rescue group, for instance, will take in only lost or unwanted dachshunds, then offer them for adoption. Rescue groups are a great option for prospective dog owners who want a specific breed but would also like to “rescue” a dog rather than buy from a breeder.
Many rescue groups maintain websites that can connect you with local groups in your area. To find them, search the Web for “[breed]” + “rescue group.” Rescue groups typically charge a bit more than shelters, but they are still a great way to adopt a purebred dog.
Pet Stores
Most dogs at pet stores come from mass breeding facilities known as puppy mills or backyard breeders. Such breeders often produce puppies with health or behavioral problems due to lack of sufficient care and socialization. It’s best to avoid buying a puppy or dog from a pet store. If you see one and absolutely must have it, be sure to secure a written health guarantee from the store that allows you to return the puppy if serious complications arise.
Breeders
Buying a dog directly from a breeder is the most expensive option, but if the breeder is reputable it may be the best way to guarantee that you get a healthy and well-socialized puppy. A reputable breeder should have:
- Focus: Breeds only one or two breeds
- Knowledge: Knows breed standards and temperaments
- Paperwork: Provides a written contract and health guarantee; requires you to complete an application and provide references
- Good dog care habits: Keeps clean, well-maintained kennel areas in which the dogs or puppies appear healthy and happy
- Records: Provides records of veterinary care and shots, references from other customers, and support after you bring your dog or puppy home
- Mandatory return policy: Requires you to return the dog to the breeder if you decide not to keep it
You can locate breeders on the internet, in breed-specific magazines, or in the phone book, though it’s often best to get a personal recommendation from friends or a vet.
| Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
Tags
No one has tagged this page yet... Be the first.. Log in using the link below and return to add your tag
