Buying A Puppy
Photo by Lauren Trebbin
Article by Lauren Trebbin
As with any expensive purchase, buying a pure-bred puppy requires a great deal of forethought. You must consider the care, attention and exercise required, also the costs of feeding and medical care. Remember, like most things in life, purchasing a pet has both an up side and a down side. Playing ball with your dog in the park is fun, picking up after it is not.
Getting a pet is not a decision to be taken lightly. Ask yourself the following questions (and be honest with yourself!) before you do anything else:
CHOOSE THE PET THAT BEST SUITS YOUR LIFESTYLE AND YOUR HOME (even if it's NOT a Dobermann!)
Consider the following before deciding:
SIZE:
A large Dobermann is not a good idea if you live in a small town house or flat filled with knick-knacks. One bounce and Grandma's porcelain will be history.
COAT: Perhaps you are allergic to dog hair? There are some breeds that do not loose their hair at all and are clipped instead on a regular basis.
WHY PURE-BRED: The advantage of a pure-bred is that they are bred to meet certain standards of size and temperament. Be sure that you choose a reputable breeder.
WHAT BREED IS BEST: By familiarising yourself with your breed, you will avoid any surprises. Be sure to research your particular breed in advance. Different breeds have their own characteristics and temperament.
SHOP AROUND: Shop around at different kennels before deciding on a puppy and try to resist the first pair of appealing brown eyes. The condition of the dogs in the kennel and the kennel itself will be an indication of the quality of the breeder. Buying a puppy is a very risky business these days. Phone as may breeders as possible;
make use of the internet, magazines, your local Veterinarian and KUSA breeder’s information department. Under no circumstances should you EVER buy from a pet
shop. Not even because you feel sorry for the animals.
As with any expensive purchase, buying a pure-bred puppy requires a great deal of forethought. You must consider the care, attention and exercise required, also the costs of feeding and medical care. Remember, like most things in life, purchasing a pet has both an up side and a down side. Playing ball with your dog in the park is fun, picking up after it is not.
Getting a pet is not a decision to be taken lightly. Ask yourself the following questions (and be honest with yourself!) before you do anything else:
- Who will feed and walk Puppy everyday?
- Do you have the time and desire to train a dog?
- Can you afford the cost of food and vet bills?
- What happens to Puppy when you go on holiday?
- Can your home accommodate a pet?
- Are you prepared for an 8-10 year commitment?
- What are your needs and is the Dobermann the right breed?
- Have you had a Dobermann before (a Dobermann is like a busy child for the rest of its life!)?
- Do you have another dog or pets?
- Do you have the commitment required to dedicate to your new puppy or dog?
- Have you done a thorough study of the breed? Health, temperament and conformation etc
CHOOSE THE PET THAT BEST SUITS YOUR LIFESTYLE AND YOUR HOME (even if it's NOT a Dobermann!)
Consider the following before deciding:
SIZE:
A large Dobermann is not a good idea if you live in a small town house or flat filled with knick-knacks. One bounce and Grandma's porcelain will be history.
COAT: Perhaps you are allergic to dog hair? There are some breeds that do not loose their hair at all and are clipped instead on a regular basis.
WHY PURE-BRED: The advantage of a pure-bred is that they are bred to meet certain standards of size and temperament. Be sure that you choose a reputable breeder.
WHAT BREED IS BEST: By familiarising yourself with your breed, you will avoid any surprises. Be sure to research your particular breed in advance. Different breeds have their own characteristics and temperament.
SHOP AROUND: Shop around at different kennels before deciding on a puppy and try to resist the first pair of appealing brown eyes. The condition of the dogs in the kennel and the kennel itself will be an indication of the quality of the breeder. Buying a puppy is a very risky business these days. Phone as may breeders as possible;
make use of the internet, magazines, your local Veterinarian and KUSA breeder’s information department. Under no circumstances should you EVER buy from a pet
shop. Not even because you feel sorry for the animals.