Is There a Puppy in Your Future?

With the arrival of spring and the coming of summer, people begin to think of a new pet. Puppies and kittens tend to be on the top of the list of pets to get.

If a new puppy is on your agenda and you are thinking of buying it as a gift for a friend, relative or someone in your family. There are many things to consider.

The important thing here is preparation for the new arrival.

Many pets often end up in an animal shelter because the person either buying it or receiving it was totally unprepared for the everyday outcome of raising a puppy.

First of all, if the recipient you have in mind is a toddler or a child under the age of 5 years, forget it.

Unless you or the parents have the patience of a saint and can handle 2 very active "in to everything children" it is a very bad idea.

Why?

A puppy by itself is a handful at best to raise.

Puppies require time and patience, children require time and patience and together they Mom or Dad can drive a wall.

It 'better to wait until the baby is a bit' bigger and better understanding of the care and responsibility with a pet.

If you think an animal helps to convey a sense of responsibility in your child are, think again.

Rule number one is do not believe that all promises made to a puppy will be held.

Do not give up if you are willing to accept some or all of the responsibilities of raising realpuppy.

Children have short-term memories when it comes to "pet" promises.

I am an authority on that subject, having raised six children.

Once you have given all of the above some serious thought and the end result is "there is a puppy in your future," let us continue with a few more thoughts.

What is the lifestyle of your family like?

Are you an active group that loves the outdoors or are you a quieter computer and book reading group?

It is important to take all this into consideration when looking for a puppy.

If you are active, do not want a "couch potato dog," but you want a dog that requires a lot of exercise, if your idea of family fun games.

Where do you live?

Are you an apartment or condominium residents or have a house with a fenced yard?

These are important considerations to think about before buying a puppy.

The puppies have been known to grow in largedogs and big dogs can be a problem in small spaces.

How much time do you have to spend with a puppy?

How much expendable money do you have to spend on a puppy's care?

Puppies cost money for vet bills, toys and grooming.

Do some research on breeds even a Heinz 57 variety dog has some definite breed characteristics.

There are dogs to match just about anyone's personality and lifestyle.

If at all possible try to meet the parents of your puppy, this will give you a better idea of what to expect your puppy to grow into.

Be aware that no matter what the parents are like the puppy can have a different personality.

Some puppies can grow up to be diggers, barkers, chewers and aggressive, like children, it is hard to know what they will be like when grown.

It is important that a puppy be socialized while it is still home with mom, check to see if the breeder allows his/her family members to handle and play with the puppies.

When looking for a puppy take a "squeaky toy" along with you to see if the puppy will play. It is an easy way to see if the puppy is inclined to play fetch or if it is too scared to play with the toy.

Scared and nervous puppies are prone to grow up to be nervous and timid dogs.

Here are a few other tests to try during your search for the "perfect puppy."

Try turning over the puppy to rub its belly if you can do that with out too much fuss and the puppy does not urinate on you that's a good sign.

Also, pick up a paw and play with its toes, most dogs do not like that, but if the puppy tolerates it, that too, is a good sign. Remember you will have to clip nails and brush legs at one time or another and a cooperative dog is a plus.

Watch how the puppy relates to its litter mates, is it too aggressive, timid or does it seem to get along nicely? Does the puppy try to chew on your fingers or anything else that is around? A puppy's teeth do not start coming in until it is about 12 weeks of age, so early chewing can be a sign of a dog that will grow up to be a chewer.

If you have done your research and found a breed compatible to your lifestyle.

If you realize that for about 18 months you will have a lively puppy to live with and if you have the time and are willing to make the commitment you, your family and the puppy should have a happy life together