Super Puppy Dog

You know that you want to have a puppy for a companion. But, where do you get a puppy? There are a few places that will provide a good variety and a few places that you should probably try to avoid.

Owners want a puppy that is happy and healthy. The health and temperament of your new puppy depends in part on how well he has been cared for before you acquire him. Puppies that have been neglected or abused can become problem cases down the road.

One place to consider purchasing your puppy from is a dog breeder. Reputable breeders make a point of giving their dogs the utmost care. Confirm with the breeder that vaccinations and other preventive care measures have been taken and that puppy has papers. Papers certify his breed as what the breeder claims him to be.

You can find breeders through referrals from friends and family. If they are happy with the puppy they have, many will happily recommend their breeder to you. The breeder may not carry the breed of puppy you are looking for, but they, in turn, can recommend the appropriate puppy breeder or a purebred rescue group looking for owners.

Many puppies are dropped off by owners at the Humane Society. The Humane Society has gotten a bad rap as a place for unwell strays and difficult dogs. This is not always so. Many puppies end up at Humane Societies because their previous owner didn’t take their decision to have a pet seriously. Many times it’s something as simple as the previous owner got sick and could no longer care for the animal properly, but otherwise the animal is healthy and was well cared for and loved prior being taken to the Humane Society. There can be many other reasons a puppy may end up in a Humane Society, so be sure to ask lots of questions about any puppy you may be considering getting.

The Humane Society shelters puppies that are waiting for you to give them a good home. You may even find a purebred amongst the group. Still choose carefully. Don’t choose a large breed puppy because he gives you the “droopy eye” and later find out that he barks all night to your neighbor’s dismay.

In your puppy search, steer clear of pet shops and puppy factories. Pet shops are usually supplied by puppy factories, also called puppy mills. These breeders do it for the money and only the money. In some cases, they are ignorant of any knowledge about the dogs they breed.

This could spell doom for your puppy if he is predisposed to any life-threatening diseases. Veterinarians can perform preventive care on breeds that can suffer certain conditions. With pet shops or side-of-the-road breeders, you may not know what you are getting and therefore can’t head off disaster for your companion.

Knowing where to buy a puppy is as important as what breed of puppy to buy. Take advice from trusted friends about reputable breeders. If in doubt, visit the Humane Society or dog rescue groups. They will be glad to help in your search for the perfect puppy companion.

Need help deciding on a dog breed? Click here.