I know from many years working in rescue that many people go strictly by looks. If a cute, curly, small dog goes on the rescue site then the phone immediately starts ringing off the hook! No matter that the dog is a nightmare, no matter that it says not good with children, no matter it says no cats, nothing matters except the look!
THAT IS SO WRONG.
As a prospective adopter, the personality of the puppy or dog is so important, so vital to a long and happy, loving and fulfilling relationship.
Some of the least attractive, least cute, least fluffy dogs make the absolute best pets and family members.
You want your dog to fit into your family, to compliment your family and lifestyle, not restrict your life, not make your life or home a less pleasant place
So do some research on the breed you may be interested in, but beware most sites will offer very complimentary opinions of their breed because they want it to be popular, they want the public to want their puppies. They are after all, professional breeders.
Puppies are hard work for the first year of their life. They are constantly learning even when you are not there helping them along. Many develop problem behaviour as they grow even though you do your best to train them for all the right things. Life teaches them many things beyond your control.
Be aware of the puppy farms. They are very cleaver at portraying the pups as coming from small legitimate breeders. One common guise is to place an advert for a litter of pups but when you get there to view there is only one pup available. The dad is said to be a champion sire in faraway place, and the mom cannot be seen due to being with a friend for the day (because of repairs or decorating or rearranging room furniture or any number of excuses).
Usually the pup is said to be the last one of the litter and if you don’t take it there is another family waiting to come to buy. You are made to feel like you will lose out if you do not take this pup immediately.
These are the signs of a puppy farm pup and you should walk away. Of course, you will feel sorry for that pup but spare a thought for the mom, locked away in a kennel, with very little care, which will be bred immediately on her next season to produce more pups. The only way to stop this horrendous trade and treatment or dogs is to stop buying these pups.
Good breeders will, at the very least, have the mom there with the pups, they will not try to stop you seeing the entire litter. They will be more particular that you will make a good home for their pup and question you about your home, lifestyle and garden. The pup will be vaccinated, wormed and they will give you advice on how to follow up with the pups health care. They will provide back up after you take the pup home.
And ask yourself, do you really want a puppy? How about a mature rescue dog, many are in rescues waiting for their forever home. Most are nice dogs that will settle and make great pets and companions, given time and love. The big advantage or a rescue is that you can see the personality of the dog you are adopting. Therefore, you know what you are bringing home. No need to worry about the future changes as a pup grows up.
Whatever you decide, do not go by looks alone; go by personality, the breeder and the temperament of the prospective dog.
Brush up on clicker training for your new dog so you can teach basic things like sit, down, go to bed, walk nicely, recall and whatever else you fancy.
Be wary of socialisation classes or puppy parties, lots can go wrong
get your pup or dog vaccinated but research yearly boosters and learn as much as you can about this topic,
Learn about flea and worm treatment and food quality
Learn about the perils of early neutering which can cause serious problems for you dog later on.
In short, don’t rush in, don’t be lead by your heart, do your homework and perhaps ask the advice and help from a good trainer/behaviourist. Dogs are wonderful but require knowledge, time and do cost, so get yourself prepared to enjoy the wonderful love that only a dog can give to you!!
Around the circle
I am part of a wonderful blog circle with other dog trainers. We all write about a topic every month and give it our own spin.
Alton Matherne
ABTC – Accredited Animal Behaviourist
Feb 2022