Looking At Acquiring A Pup?! (What Should You Look For?)

 

Looking At Acquiring A Pup?! (What Should You Look For?)

Adding another family member is a BIG decision. This is not a short-term commitment - DO NOT OBTAIN ONE AS A GIFT. Are you ready for your entire lifestyle and daily routines to change? Are you willing to invest your resources into this pup regardless of the weather, how long work was, how busy you are, or whatever else comes up in our crazy stimulating world?

So you’ve thought about it… You feel you are ready. You have the resources available. This isn’t only about money. Sure, you want your basic equipment including a crate, safety gate/pen, toys, chews, water, food bowls, lead, harness/collars, etc.! But you also need the resources of time and effort. Surviving puppyhood and adolescence often takes the help of friends and family!

Ok, so we got all that… What’s next? It’s important to select your puppy based on your family’s needs. You should look into which breeds fit your lifestyle. When a dog is not matched up to their proper environment, we see a lot of problematic behaviors. This results from unmet natural needs. Think about the husky locked in an apartment all day who literally chews through a door!

To select a breed group that fits your needs, you can find tools online to help get you started. I came across this resource, and it seems to be decent.

https://www.orvis.com/dog-breed-selector.html

So, you choose your breed(s) that fit your lifestyle and desires. Now you have to start looking. You can adopt or shop. This isn’t and should not (in my opinion) be an argument. You do what’s best for you and your family’s needs.

Adopting a dog provides the benefit of rescuing a dog already in need. This takes the strain off the overwhelmed shelter system and is a win-win all around. Another benefit of adopting is the option to choose a dog who’s already partially (or wholly) matured. This provides you a more accurate look at their unique personality. Downsides of adoption can include behavioral concerns due to poor or unknown prior histories.

If you decide you want to shop for a dog from a breeder, that’s an option too! But we must do our best to make an informed decision whichever way you choose. What are some questions you can ask and things you can look for?

Does the breeder have a website and social media pages? Take a look! Are they professional in their conduct? Do they follow any standardized associations or other programs aimed at maximizing animal welfare? What are your first thoughts on seeing their content?

Do their dogs show positive interactions with the breeders? Are they happy and engaging with them? Or do they cower or attempt to run away?

Is the environment clean and safe? Or is it dirty and overrun?

What’s their daily stimulation like (mentally, emotionally, and physically)? Do they have a structured plan while they are being raised? Are basic needs being met? What’s their typical routine? Are the dogs screened for any breed-specific concerns?

Meet the mother and father of the pups if possible. Often times the father will not be present. When you’re able to see the mother with the pups, what does that look like? Is she calm with them? Does she show good parental behaviors? We SHOULD expect to see a little bit of hesitancy of strangers around mom and her pups, but we should not see aggressive behaviors out of context!

How are the littermates? Observe their behaviors. I heard a good line a while back I never forgot. “Would you take the “worst” one of the litter?” If you wouldn’t then look elsewhere. Genetics are shared between ALL littermates.

How is the breeder's support? Do they offer to take them back in cases of emergency? Do they offer contact information or resources to aid you after acquiring the puppy? Do they show true investment in what they are doing?

• Some common “red flags” to be cautious of include:
• High volumes of litters are being produced.
• Pups going to homes prior to 8 weeks of age.
• The inability to meet the pups or parents.
• Preventing access to view their living environment.
• Dogs who are showing an abnormal intensity of fearful, anxious, or aggressive behaviors.
• A lack of medical documentation and care.
• The use of emotional blackmailing.

As with most things, do your research! Take your time making this decision. Do not simply purchase the first cute pup you see! (There are way too many of them!)