Are you adopting your first puppy or do you want to bring a second puppy into your home? It’s easy to fall in love with a puppy at first sight, however it’s important to do your research and pick the puppy that is best suited to you. For example, the puppy whose face melts your heart may be very laid back and not fit into your active lifestyle. This can be very disappointing, especially if you saw yourself with a puppy who would share in your activities.

 

You will also need to choose what breed of puppy you want. Do you want a pure-breed or a mixed-breed puppy? Bringing a puppy into your home is a long-term commitment and your decision should be made after careful consideration, both emotional and practical.

 

 

This can be a wonderful feel-good experience. Not only are you adopting a puppy into your home, you’re also saving his life. But it can also be a difficult experience �?you may find it hard to walk away with only one puppy. Following are a few points to consider when adopting a puppy from a shelter:

 

Shelters are not just for mixed breeds. Although most puppies in a shelter are mixed breeds, there may be pure breeds, too. Most of the puppies in shelters are there because they were abandoned when their owners realized they didn’t have the time or energy to care for them �?this can happen to both mixed and pure-breed puppies.

 

Don’t look and leap into adoption. It’s important to interact with the puppy. Is he aggressive or very submissive? While observing your puppy, remember that he may not be at his best in the stressful environment of the shelter. Ask a friend or family member to come with you to the shelter. They can help you stay objective, and stop you from adopting the first puppy you see. Visit the shelter several times before making your decision.

 

Information. Most of the puppies in shelters have been abandoned and as a result you may not get much information about your puppy’s background.

 

Look for medical problems. Your puppy should look and sound healthy. He should not be coughing and there should not be any discharge from his eyes or nose. Check with the shelter staff to find out what vaccinations your puppy has received.

 

After the adoption. Be patient while your new puppy adjusts to his environment. Being in your home will be a very different environment, and he will need time to get used to his new surroundings. To help your puppy adjust to his new home give him a toy before leaving the shelter. Let him familiarize himself with the toy while still at the shelter and when you get home place the toy beside his new bed.

 

 

If you’re looking for a purebred puppy you will usually be adopting from a breeder. The benefits of adopting from a breeder are many, including the fact that any reputable breeder will be able to provide your puppy’s full history.

 

Picking a breeder. The facility should be clean and the breeder should be willing and able to answer all of your questions.

 

Socialization. A reputable breeder will have started your puppy’s socialization. Your puppy should be comfortable being handled and should not show signs of aggression.

 

Age. Puppies need time with their mothers. Reputable breeders will not let a puppy go until he is at least 8 weeks of age.

 

Background. Your puppy’s mother should be nearby. Ask to see the mother so you can get a feeling for your puppy’s temperament and assess how big he may grow.

 

 

Be realistic. Do you have the time necessary to spend with a puppy (or two if this is your second puppy)? He will need to be exercised and played with daily. He will also need training and should be made to feel he is a member of your family. Are you ready for a 10 to 15 year commitment? If your answer is yes, think about what puppy would best suit your lifestyle and take your time in choosing the right puppy for you. Then get ready for a rewarding relationship.