Buying a New Dog
“There's nothing more exquisite than welcoming a new dog into the family.”
- Shelly Leibowitz, on new pups
Buying a New Dog
- 1.)Do your homework. Read up on different dog breeds and their habits.
Personality is important, but make sure to consider which breed would be
realistic for your living situation. Consider factors such as the size of your
family, number of existing pets, the size of your home and yard, and your time
availability.
- 2.)Be a smart consumer. Do you want to adopt from an animal shelter, buy
from a breeder, or purchase a dog from a newspaper or online classified ad?
Whichever way you acquire your new pet, it’s important to be savvy. If you’re
buying from a breeder, insist on seeing where the pup was bred; if you’re
adopting from an existing home or a shelter, be sure to inspect the dog’s
overall environment.
- 3.)Learn about your dog’s health. Understand which health issues are most
common in your breed. Know which vaccinations your dog should receive,
and always ask to see records of medical care. After your purchase, go straight
to the vet and make sure that your dog is in good health.
- 4.)Prepare your house. Set aside a dedicated dog environment before you
bring home your new pet, keeping in mind issues such comfort, safety and
convenience. Purchase all equipment—i.e. a crate, toys, a collar and leash, dog
food, and other items—in advance.