Research Before Getting a New Puppy

I have read so many times on here where people can't understand why their 3, 4, 5, or even 6 month old puppy isn't totally house trained yet. Do some research. Would you be surprised to find your 12-24 month old child still needs diapers? No, you wouldn't. If you'll do some research you'll find that a puppy is not totally trained either until it's around 2 years old. It takes a lot of time, patience, persistence, and, most importantly, understanding on your part.

People need to do a lot of research into the breed they want before they get one. Not all breeds are right for all people. Some breeds are definitely not right except for a specific type of person. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, to name a few, are all wonderful dogs. But they need a specific type of person to be able to handle them successfully. A lot of small dogs are the same way. Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, most terriers for that matter, and other breeds need the right type of person.

So do a lot of research before buying a puppy. Are you willing to put at least 2 years into housebreaking and other training? And to continue the training throughout their lives?

Don't buy a dog because he's a cute puppy. "Cute puppyhood" only lasts a few months. And don't buy him because he looks like a good watch dog or because someone else has one and he looks like a good dog. Each person is different and so is each dog.

Research the different breeds a lot before deciding which one would be good for you and your family. Research online, but also talk to respectable breeders, too, and not just breeders who are in the business to make money. If a breeder will sell you a puppy without learning about you and your family as people, then they aren't the ones to ask. A good breeder cares about who gets their dogs and will ask a lot of questions before allowing you to buy one. Those are the ones to talk to when researching.

Once you've done all this, and had a good talk with yourself about the type of person you are, then you'll be able to make an informed decision on the type of dog that is best for you and your family. There are plenty of breeds (and mixes) out there, so there is one for everybody. Once you've decided and have gotten one, please realize that the training (housebreaking and obedience) doesn't happen overnight. Training must be kept up throughout his life. You will have a friend for life, and there is no better relationship than that between a person and his pet.

By Cricket from NC