Finding Your Dog

So you’ve decided what breed is right for you–congratulations! But your work is not yet done. Where you go to get your dog is just as important as what kind of dog you get.

Questions to Ask

Whether you go to a breeder or a rescue group, you should be prepared to ask lots of questions about the puppy or dog you hope to acquire. Here are some questions to ask:

* How big will the dog get?
* How old will he be before he acts like an adult dog?
* How protective will the dog be?
* How often will the dog need to be groomed?
* How does he get along with other animals?
* How long can he be left alone at home?
* How much exercise does the dog need?
* What are the best training methods for this dog?
* What possible health problems might this dog develop?

Your contact should be willing to answer all of your questions fully. He or she should also ask questions about you, your lifestyle, and your family. If a contact doesn’t respond to your inquiries, or doesn’t show any interest in the life the dog will lead after it leaves his or her premises, you may want to look elsewhere. A responsible breeder is committed to making a good match between prospective owners and the dogs in their care; that’s the kind of person you want on your side as you make the journey into dog ownership.

Start Your Search!