Where to Get Your New Dog
Choosing a dog requires careful consideration, and determining where to get your new dog is equally important. Once you've identified the dog is right for you, you can begin your search. There are many options, but some are preferable. Research the organization or individual from whom you plan to get your dog to ensure they are reputable. Visit the location where the dogs are housed to confirm it's a healthy environment. Please consider dog adoption first.
Animal Shelters
Animal shelters can be excellent places to find a new dog. Although many shelter dogs are mixed breeds, you can often find purebreds too. Shelter dogs may have previous training and socialization, but some might come from difficult backgrounds. Talk to staff and volunteers about each dog you're considering to understand their background and personality.
Rescue Organizations
Rescue groups are committed to matching homeless dogs with suitable families. Some focus on specific breeds. Most rescue organizations place their dogs in foster homes until permanent homes are found. Foster parents often form bonds with the dogs and can provide detailed information about their history and personalities. Rescue organizations are typically selective to ensure dogs go to the right homes, so be prepared to answer many questions.
Reputable Breeders
If you decide to purchase a purebred dog, ensure you choose a knowledgeable, responsible breeder with a good reputation, avoiding backyard breeder and puppy mills. Ask your vet and other dog owners for recommendations, or get one from a rescue organization endorsed by a national kennel club, such as the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts. A responsible breeder should be willing to show you their premises and share the parents histories. Ensure the breeder's home or kennel is clean and odor-free, and that the adult dogs and puppies are healthy and lively. If you're uncomfortable with the breeder, do not purchase a puppy.
Precautionary Notes
Do not purchase your new dog from a pet store. Unfortunately, these dogs often come from puppy mills. While you might feel like you're "saving" a dog from poor conditions, you're supporting a harmful industry that should end. Some online kennels are puppy mills as well, so thoroughly research before engaging with an online kennel. Ideally, you should visit the kennel first.
Be cautious about acquiring your dog through newspaper ads and signs that say free to a good home. These dogs may come from poor conditions and irresponsible owners. You may end up with an unhealthy dog and inadvertently encourage people who do not spay or neuter their pets.
Making Your Final Decision
Once you believe you've found the right dog, ensure he appears healthy. He should be bright-eyed, lively, have a shiny coat, and a good appetite. If the dog or puppy has special needs due to physical or temperament issues, be prepared to address them. Dogs or puppies showing signs of aggression, fear, or other behavior problems will require extra training and attention. Although these dogs deserve good homes, it's important to understand what you're committing to. It's not beneficial for anyone if you need to return your dog to the breeder, shelter, or rescue group.
Before bringing your new dog home, obtain a new dog/puppy packet from the breeder or adoption group with general care information. Ensure your home is prepared for a new dog and take your dog to the vet for a general examination immediately. If you adopted your dog, understand what to expect in the first few weeks. If you get a puppy, learn about proper puppy care.
