Solutions: An All-In-One Reference for Raising a Happy and Healthy Dog - Softcover

HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK A BREEDER

A good breeder will ask you many questions to be sure you will provide a good home for his or her puppy.

YOU SHOULD VISIT THE BREEDER AND INVESTIGATE

Use common sense. If the breeder doesn't seem like a good choice, chances are he or she is not a good choice.

GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING A DOG FROM A SHELTER

What to look for when getting an older dog

Get as much background and history as you can. Has the dog had any formal training? Depending upon where you purchase him, a private home or a shelter, it may be difficult to get any background information. Try to determine the dog's personality. Is he shy, aggressive, stubborn, timid, even-tempered? Ask important questions, such as whether or not he has lived with children. What is the reason he is up for adoption? You must make sure that he is going to fit into your home and your life. Why not have him evaluated by a professional dog trainer to be sure he is the right dog for you. That is what you would do before buying a car or a new home. Why not a dog? Most dogs are loving and affectionate, so you must not confuse an excitable dog with a bad dog. It's just a matter of obedience training. Some dogs are shy or aggressive. It is very important for you to determine which is okay for you and your family. Shy dogs can make wonderful pets; they just need a lot of loving and a gentle touch. There are different types of aggressive behavior in dogs, and it is very important to have such a dog evaluated by a dog trainer or behaviorist to see if he is a good dog for you.

Choosing a male or a female

This is a matter of personal preference. Male dogs are usually larger than females and eat more. They often require more effort to train, or at least require firmer handling. Male dogs are more likely to wander off, especially if there is a female in heat in the area. They are more prone to getting into fights with other male dogs. Males are usually friskier and more difficult to handle. Female dogs are, as a rule, smaller in size than males and a bit more compliant and less excitable. They are almost always easier to handle and train. Female dogs go into heat twice a year, for approximately three weeks. During this time the animal secretes an odorous fluid intended to attract male dogs for the purpose of mating. Of course, all of these sexual characteristics, in both males and females, can be eliminated entirely by having your male or female neutered, which is highly recommended. Male dogs are castrated and female dogs are spayed. These procedures prevent unwanted mating, pregnancy, and the resulting puppies. It also calms most dogs and solves some behavioral problems such as aggression, wandering, or inappropriate sexual conduct. If you plan to have your dog neutered, choosing a male or female dog is simply a matter of personal preference.

Puppies versus older dogs

If you like babies and want all the cuteness, sweet smells, and the licking that a baby dog gives, and if you want to be the first owner, then puppies are for you. It is probably best to get a puppy at the same time you have a baby so they can grow up together, if you can handle all the work involved. The down side is that puppies require a lot of care, time, and effort. It's like having a new baby in the house, and you must be able to fit this into your life-style. A puppy is a twenty-four-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week responsibility, for at least the first ten months. Getting an older dog offers many advantages, depending on how you live. In most cases an older dog is already trained, and all the annoying puppy behaviors such as teething, chewing, nipping, and all the rest are gone. You can see what the dog is going to look like as an adult, because he is already fully grown. An older dog will not necessarily need constant attention, as a puppy would. It is a myth that you can't bond with an older dog. Older dogs are just as lovable as puppies and bond just like puppies. With either, though, you are guaranteed a loving and affectionate companion for the life of the dog.

THE BEST AGE TO BRING HOME A PUPPY

The best age for a puppy to go to a new home is between eight and twelve weeks. By then he has been with his mother and siblings long enough to develop the skills that he needs to help him in the big world. If he remains with the litter past that time, he begins to accept his rank in the social order and may become too submissive or too aggressive. At eight weeks he is old enough to adapt to a new home and a new family. He is also highly trainable for the basics at this age.

THE SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO BUY BEFORE BRINGING A NEW PUPPY HOME

Copyright © 2001 by Mordecai Siegal and Matthew Margolis