So You Want to Get a Puppy

Many people embark on the process of getting a puppy without doing the research they need to make a good choice for their family.

Without proper research you may find a breed that is not right for your lifestyle and this could lead to behavior problems for you and your dog, who may be regulated to life outside of the family, in the backyard or the kennel, or being re-homed. 

Take these steps to find the right puppy for you

1. Do breed research.  Some dogs even though the size is small, require a lot of exercise (the Jack Russell Terrier).  Some dogs are great family dogs, but are larger and may knock over small toddlers (Labrador).  Visit the breed profiles at www.akc.org and contact some breeders asking them questions about the breed itself.  Read many books on breeds, not just one as some books don't have a full picture of the breeds particulars.
2. Find a good breeder.  Ask them about their breed, see if they concur with the reading that you've done.  Also, ensure that they do genetic testing of the puppies based upon the genetic problems in a breed.  (For instance, Labradors, German Shepherds, and many breeds have hip problems, what is their OFA score?) 
3. Ensure the breeder will allow you to come out to their kennel and view the facilities.  Look for clean kennels and dogs that are well socialized.
4. Ask who is the mother and ensure that you can touch her and that she's of sound temperament prior to having the puppies. 
5. NEVER NEVER BRING HOME A PUPPY PRIOR TO 8 WEEKS OLD!!!! (Did I mention Never?) Puppies learn bite inhibition and proper manners from their mother from the age of 6 weeks to 8 weeks old.  So even though the puppy is on solid food, they are not ready to be away from their mother.  You can always place a deposit on your puppy if you want to secure that pup.
6. You should always take the puppy to the Vet at your earliest opportunity to ensure it is healthy before you get attached to it.
7. Find a qualified trainer in your area.  If you start out training the puppy at 8 weeks, many bad behaviors can immediately be changed to proper manners.  Puppies can be trained as early as 6 weeks old, but trainers wait until the puppies have their shots prior to working with them.  This is to ensure the puppies health.

 

Here is a puppy learning to come to his name at 5 weeks old.

 

A good breeder will already have worked on their puppies coming to them, usually "Puppy, Puppy" as their call.

Here is a puppy at 5 months old already paying attention and sitting for me.  We give positive praise for this behavior instead of acknowledging any jumping or mis-behaving.