Everything a First-Time Dog Owner Should Know
possible, try to locate a breeder within driving distance so you can visit their home and meet their adult dogs. Puppy buyers are encouraged to interview breeders, looking for signs of responsible breeding and healthy puppies. Some things to look for in a good breeder include:
Exhibits their dogs in conformation dog shows or performance events
- Performs breed appropriate health testing on adult dogs before breeding them and will show you the health testing paperwork
- Offers some kind of health guarantee on the puppies
- Focuses on breeding for good health and temperament
- Breeds small numbers of litters per year (doesn’t always have puppies available)
- Allows each female dog to have no more than one litter per year
- Keeps the pups with mom and siblings until at least 8 weeks of age
- (12 weeks for toy breeds)
Adopting From a Shelter or Rescue
If you want a mixed breed puppy or a purebred or mixed breed adult dog, you will find many animals looking for new homes at your local animal shelter or rescue group. Puppies are frequently available, though you might not know much information about the parents. Breed-specific rescue groups can connect you with purebred dogs, but you may also find these in shelters, especially common breeds like Labs and golden retrievers. Adopting a dog can make you feel extra good knowing you are saving a life and helping to reduce homeless pet overpopulation.
Bringing Home Your New Dog
Once you chose your new puppy or dog, it’s time to bring them home. It is highly recommended, and often a requirement in a breeder's contract, to have your new puppy or adult dog visit a veterinarian within the first three
