So you’re looking for a dog to keep you and your family happy and you’ve decided to adopt a puppy. I’m sure that if you have done any kind of research then you’ll have discovered that adopting a puppy can be quite demanding . You have to be sure that the puppy you choose is the proper puppy for you and your particular circumstances.
It’s a certainty that all puppies look cute and cuddly and frolic harmlessly around the garden or park. But don’t let that innocence fool you: there is potty training, behaviour training, and personal time ahead for you. Have I put you off? I hope not because if you give a little then you will receive much more in return.
Over the years I have realized that there are a number of steps a person can take when deciding to adopt a puppy, let’s have a look at these.
First of all ask yourself the question have I a large enough area for that cute little puppy when he grows up to be an adult dog? Boxers (my own favourite dog) are cute and cuddly when pups but when they grow up they demand plenty of room because of their height and weight. If you live close to the country and have a good run in the back garden, then fine, think about a larger dog. If you live in an apartment and can only make the park one or two days in the week then a smaller dog might be more appropriate to your needs.
Perhaps you have a young family, or maybe you are planning on having a family in the near future if so then you might want to give a little bit more consideration to the character of the dog you are thinking of adopting. Is it a hunting dog? Does it have a good reputation with children? Are they regarded as jealous dogs? Of course there are also dogs out there that will protect your little child. So that’s the first consideration to take into account when adopting a puppy.
If you have a young family then have a look at these breeds: Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, Bearded Collies and Miniature Schnauzers.
Here in Ireland we are quite blessed as regards climate: we neither have extremes of hot or cold, there is plenty of rain and a reasonable degree of sunshine. So in reality most dogs get by well in Ireland. But this is not always the case and it is something you need to take into consideration. Huskies and Samoyeds are becoming a more trendy choice but if you are thinking about this type of dog then remember that they have thick coats and will be not tolerate hot, humid conditions. On the other hand short-haired breeds like greyhounds can become very cold in more exposed conditions. That’s another major factor to consider when adopting a puppy.
I’ve touched briefly on spending time with your dog. Have you considered how much time you will be able to give to your new found friend?
Can you take him for a walk every day, can you play with him on a regular basis? Are you a person who is on the go most of the time and spend little time at home? Have you considered laying aside time for training and grooming? The latter is very important if you have a dog with long hair.
It is surprising the number of people who decide they want to adopt a puppy and when they arrive at the pet shop, rescue centre or wherever and are asked what type of pup they would like – male or female, they haven’t really considered it. I’m not joking!
Very briefly if you adopt a male dog then sometimes they can have more behavioural problems than female dogs, but if your training is on target then that shouldn’t be a problem. If you are considering adopting a female pup then she can be more demanding on your time but against this they are much easier house trained.
You will also have to consider if you want your bitch to have pups of her own!
Unless there is a specific reason otherwise I would strongly recommend that when you come to adopt your puppy that you opt for a mixed breed dog. Contrary to many peoples belief mixed breeds very often combine the best qualities of their parents and are less prone to inherited diseases and also seem to have less behavioural problems. The main problem with a mixed breed is that it is often difficult to guess how big they will actually
to!
When you are considering adopting a puppy then try and spend some time with him before you make your final decision. Remember a dog is for life. If you decide to adopt from the local rescue centre this should not be a problem, it may be more difficult from a breeder. Spend a little time with your perspective new family member before you take him home and you will quickly see his good and bad points.
Ask questions. Has he been seen by a vet? Has he any health problems? What is his background? How does he react with other dogs? These are the bits and pieces of information any good breeder or rescue centre personnel should be able to answer. If they are not forthcoming – walk away.
As mentioned above dogs are for life so it should go without saying don’t buy on impulse, don’t buy because your little son or daughter would ‘love’ a little dog because their friend down the road has one. The cost for you, and more important the puppy, could stretch anywhere from ten to fifteen years!
Hopefully the advice offered above has made you focus a little closer on some of the more important questions you need to ask when you are considering adopting a puppy. Enter into the undertaking with your eyes open and you will have a great friend for the next ten to fifteen years.
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