Knowing Where To Get A Dog

October 28, 2008 by Richard Cross

So you’ve decided that getting a dog is the right thing for you and you’ve chosen the perfect breed to match your family’s lifestyle. The next question is “where do I get a dog?”

There are many places you can buy a dog and a lot of them provide a great service and wonderful dogs, but it’s important to make sure your breeder cares about the dogs it sells rather than just using them as a money spinner.

Once you’ve decided which types of dog you want to get it will narrow down your search considerable. Try talking to a few reputable breeders who specialise in your breed. You can either find them through dog welfare organisations or online. If you are looking for an adult dog then consider visiting some of the local shelters.

Should I Buy Dogs From The Internet?

For various reasons it is probably not a good idea to buy a dog from the internet. You should always meet with the current owner and see the dog before committing.

A Breeder Is Selling Lots Of Litters – Is This A Good Or Bad Thing?

While some might say that if a breeder has lots of litters it is likely to be experienced, it can also show that they are just in it for the money. Be careful with these kind of breeders and make sure the dog you are buying is healthy.

A Breeder Won’t Let Me See The Dog, Is This Normal?

All good breeders will encourage prospective owners to meet their puppies. If they care about their dogs then they will want to know they are going to good homes. Good breeders will also know lots about the breed of dog they are selling, so don’t be afraid of asking questions.

Some breeders also try to pass off mixed breed dogs as pure-bred, so be extremely cautious if a breeder won’t let you see the dog first.

Do Shelter Dogs Make Good Pets?

Many dogs from shelters can make wonderful pets, but they are likely to be more nervous than other dogs because of their time confined in the shelter.