If you've decided to buy a new puppy, you may be ready to buy one right away. But hold on-you'll need to take the time to determine which breed of dog suits your preference, pick a puppy from a trusted source (good dog breeders, animal shelters, animal-loving groups), and prepare your home to welcome a dog. puppy. By doing this and learning about the puppy as much as possible, you and him will share a happy friendship that will last a lifetime.
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Part 1 of 4: Preparing to Welcome the Puppy
Step 1. Determine if you are ready to buy a puppy
Puppies are always cute and fluffy, but they require a lot of time, attention, and money than you might think. Don't be unfair - to both yourself and the puppy - for bringing him home when you're not really ready to take care of him. Ask yourself a few questions-and answer them honestly-to help you determine if you are ready to take on the responsibility of raising a puppy.
- Do I have time to groom, train and exercise with my dog? Puppies are very time-consuming-although some dog breeds are more relaxed than others, you should still spend a lot of time caring for your puppy. If you're busy or frequently travel out of town, you should reconsider whether you can take the time to care for your puppy.
- Am I financially able to pay for her treatment? Puppies are expensive to care for. Think about whether you're prepared to pay for all of his needs (food, necklaces, toys, bedding, etc.), as well as regular and non-routine visits to the vet.
- Is there anyone who is allergic to dogs in my household? If you don't live alone, you should seriously consider if someone you live with is allergic to dogs or other animal dander.
Step 2. Choose the type that works for you
Do some research on dog breeds based on certain characteristics (eg small size, calm temperament, etc.), which will suit the situation in your life. There is an online quiz you can take (https://www.akc.org/find-a-match) to help you choose a dog breed that suits you. Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Picking the wrong race can mess things up when you realize it doesn't fit into the environment you live in. Some examples of important factors you should consider include your living situation (for example, you live in an apartment or house) and your work schedule (regular working hours or having to travel all the time).
- Consider the dog's energy level. For example, if you don't like being outdoors, don't choose the Siberian Husky. Huskies love to jump and run, and these dogs need several hours of exercise each day. You're better off choosing a puppy that will grow into an adult dog who likes to sleep and stay indoors, such as the Cavalier King Charles.
- If you rent an apartment, the owner or developer may limit the breed and weight of the dog you can keep. Also, dogs that are large and need lots of exercise, such as the Golden Retriever, may feel confined if they live in an apartment. If your apartment complex allows you to keep a large dog, make sure you have easy access to a fenced area or dog park where he can run and exercise.
- Consulting with a trusted breeder can help you narrow down your choice of breed that will suit the situation in your life.
- In addition to doing an online search to find a suitable dog breed, consider buying a book.
- Know that you don't have to buy a particular breed. It could be that size is the main priority here!
Step 3. Prepare a budget for your puppy-related expenses
In addition to the cost of the first-time purchase, consider how much you will have to spend on food, toys, cleaning and grooming kits, and vet fees. By setting up a budget, you'll get a more realistic expectation of the monthly costs associated with raising a puppy.
- Depending on the size and breed, you can spend around Rp. 1,300,000,00 to Rp.1,650,000, 00 per month in the first year.
- Don't forget to factor in the cost of smaller items, such as necklaces, harnesses, identification tags, and treats.
- Buying a puppy from a breeder is usually more expensive than adopting from a local animal shelter.
Step 4. Prepare your house
Usually the house is in a state that is not ready to raise a puppy. Just as when you make your home safe for your kids, you should also do it to make your home a safe place for puppies. For example, keep or hide trash cans. You may have to purchase a childproof lid if your pup manages to learn how to open a cupboard.
- Place covers over electrical sockets so your puppy doesn't lick them.
- Keep all medicines, cleaning supplies, and other chemicals away. All of these things can be toxic to your puppy.
- If you have a garage, place heavy equipment in strong containers against the wall. Make sure you pick up any bolts that might fall off so the puppy doesn't eat them.
Step 5. Choose your veterinarian
You will likely need to take your puppy to the vet regularly for the first year of life, and at least once a year after that. Find a vet you feel comfortable with. Instead of doing an online search, ask local breeders, other dog owners, or local pet supply stores for recommendations.
Part 2 of 4: Adopting a Puppy from a Shelter
Step 1. Search online for the breed of dog you want
If you want a specific breed of dog, you can find online which shelters have that breed you can adopt. Internet resources such as Petfinder.org will provide lists of puppies as well as adult dogs in shelters. Once you get what you want, you can contact the shelter directly for further processing.
- You may have to go to another city to get the breed of dog you want. So when you're doing an online search, also consider the shelter you're going to so it's not too far from where you live.
- Some special breeds of dogs may not be available at the shelter. However, there are usually certain groups that focus on several dog breeds (even crossbreeds like the Labradoodle). Visit these groups to get the puppy you want.
- Rescue groups and animal shelters usually provide behavioral tests (also known as temperament tests) to determine if a puppy is a good candidate for adoption.
- Even after the costs of neutering, microchipping, vaccines, and deworming are taken into account, adopting a puppy from a shelter is usually cheaper than buying from a dog breeder or paying for all of these costs separately.
Step 2. Visit shelters around your area
If you're not sure what breed of dog you want, consider going to the venue so you can meet the puppies there in person. When you arrive, ask questions about the history and behavior of the puppies. Also try to observe activity at the shelter to see if the dogs have been well cared for.
Shelters can be a stressful environment for dogs due to noise levels, the number of other dogs, and high activity levels. Some dogs may experience behavioral problems while in the shelter. The staff who work there should be able to provide information on whether or not your desired puppy has behavior problems
Step 3. Ask questions while you are at the shelter
This is as important as asking a dog breeder a question. For example, ask where the dogs came from (for example, were they really stray dogs or were they handed over by their previous owners). You should also find out how long the puppy has been in the shelter.
- Ask questions about the puppy's medical record and how he behaved in the shelter. His behavior there may be different from what he would do in your home.
- Ask about shelter procedures for pets who get sick immediately after adoption. Since shelters have limited budgets for veterinary care, be aware that you may have to reimburse most or all of the costs incurred during the treatment period.
- You can also ask if the shelter adopts a "no-kill" policy. This means the site will not inoculate the animal even if it has been there for some time.
Step 4. Study the adoption process
Be aware that you may not be able to adopt a puppy the day you visit. Usually, there will be an interview, which will also be your chance to learn the complete history and medical record of the puppy. Shelter staff may also visit your home to determine if it's a good fit for the puppy.
- Don't be surprised if you get interviewed. Staff need to be reassured that you will be a responsible pet owner and take good care of your puppy.
- In addition to interviews and home visits, you'll need to complete the filing process and pay an adoption fee (usually around IDR 1,300,000,00-IDR 2,600,000).
Step 5. Don't despair
Rescue groups or animal shelters in your area may not have the breed you want. Luckily, the animals there usually change quickly, so it's usually just a matter of time before the puppy you want arrives. Make sure you contact them regularly to find out what breed of dog they just got.
Part 3 of 4: Buying Puppies from Breeders
Step 1. Learn about the different types of breeders
Not all breeders are trusted, so be careful in considering them and staying away from them. One type of breeder is a hobby breeder. These breeders have in-depth knowledge of a particular breed and invest time and energy in selecting optimal quality puppies to race in competitions. Breeders like this will usually only raise one or two dogs per year.
- Home breeders usually don't have an in-depth knowledge of dog breeds and just want to make some extra money. Avoid buying puppies from breeders like this.
- Commercial breeders usually breed several different breeds and produce many puppies in a year. The environment in which a commercial farmer lives can be in good or bad condition. In addition, not all commercial breeders are able to apply for a PERKIN certificate. The puppies sold in the store probably belonged to this type of breeder.
Step 2. Find a responsible breeder
Consult with veterinarians and dog organizations in your area to find trusted breeders who take good care of their dogs. Such breeders typically breed only a few breeds of dogs and have good relationships with veterinarians and animal-loving organizations in their area. Do an online search to help you.
Responsible breeders will ask you a few questions about why you want a dog, who will care for it, and where it will live. The breeder will not be easily tempted by money and immediately hand over the puppy to you
Step 3. Visit the location of the farmer
Never buy a puppy through a breeder without visiting the location first. You'll need to look at your future puppy, his friends, his mother, and where he grew up and lives. A responsible breeder will even advise you to visit several times so that you really feel comfortable with the location of the farm and its business practices.
Step 4. Ask the farmer lots of questions
Buying a puppy through a breeder can be expensive, so make sure the breeder is honest, knowledgeable, and ethical. There are many questions you can ask: How are puppies raised and trained to socialize? How do you select potential buyers? What procedures did you go through when assisting the delivery process? Have the parents of the puppies in your area been tested for certain types of diseases?
- You can ask other questions, such as how many puppies are on the farm and what medical treatment they have received (eg vaccinations, deworming, etc.).
- Request documentation regarding medical treatment, microchipping, and screening for race-specific health or behavioral issues.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. If the breeder is trusted, he will have no trouble answering all your questions about the dogs he breeds and raises.
- Be prepared to answer questions about why you want a puppy and how you plan to care for it. A good dog breeder will be very concerned about the welfare of the puppy he has raised. Establish a good relationship with the breeder so that you can easily get answers to questions that arise in the future, or if you want to enter the puppy in a race in the future.
Step 5. Get a stamp certificate from PERKIN
You must also sign a sales contract. If you want to enter a dog in a competition or breed it, you will need proof that the dog is registered with PERKIN and that you are the legal owner. However, be aware that the PERKIN files only tell the history of your dog's ancestry, and are not proof that he was raised well by the breeder.
Be wary of a breeder who tries to sell you a puppy just because he has an associated file showing the dog's pedigree
Step 6. Avoid irresponsible farmers, especially commercial ones
These breeders are notorious for breeding puppies in poor conditions. Breeders who go this route are usually more concerned about money than breeding dogs responsibly. Puppies raised in this environment may have genetic abnormalities that can produce physical and emotional clumsiness, which, unfortunately, you won't be able to detect right away.
- When you visit a farmer, check the condition of the farm carefully. If the dogs there look dirty, skinny, or unhealthy, don't buy puppies from the breeder.
- If the breeder is reluctant to show the entire location of his farm, then this means he may be running the dog farm badly and doesn't want you to see the condition of his breeding grounds.
- If a breeder doesn't ask a lot of questions and no longer cares for a puppy after he sells it, you should suspect that the breeder is running his farm irresponsibly.
- Farmers who claim to be successful in breeding a number of purebred or "cross-breed" breeds are usually dishonest and run farms in poor conditions. The dogs usually no purebred dogs or dogs from crossbreeding.
- You can report breeders like this to the local authorities in your area of residence. Report it to the police or your nearest animal lover's organization if you think a breeder you're visiting is hurting their dogs.
Step 7. Think twice before buying a puppy from a store
The puppies in this shop may come from irresponsible breeders. Be critical-ask shop staff about where they get their puppies and do some research to find out about the breeders they mention. If you're buying a puppy from a store, make sure it's from a trusted shelter or breeder.
Part 4 of 4: Choosing the Right Puppy
Step 1. Perform a physical examination
Puppies are usually ready for adoption at eight to twelve weeks, when they are weaned, can start eating solid foods, and have received their first vaccinations. The puppy may look healthy at first glance, but upon a more thorough examination, it is possible that he has physical abnormalities. If you see signs that your puppy is not in good health, you should reconsider adopting him. An effective way to check a puppy's physical health is to start at the head and end at the tail.
- There are many aspects to examine a puppy's physical appearance. If you're not sure you can do it, ask the breeder or staff at the shelter to guide you.
- Check his head. For example, a dog's nose should be cool and wet and not runny. The dog's gums should be pink and healthy-looking. The dog's eyes should be bright and light with dark pupils. The ears must be clean and in a place appropriate to the characteristics of the breed.
- Place your hand on his chest to feel his heartbeat. An abnormal heartbeat could indicate a heart disorder, which requires veterinary care.
- Check the puppy's coat. If the breed is pure, the coat must match the breed's standards. As a general rule, a dog's coat should be shiny and smooth, with no bald areas.
- Look at the legs. The dog's legs should be straight without any abnormalities (for example, legs bent inward or outward). You can ask your breeder or veterinarian to do a more detailed orthopedic examination on your desired puppy.
Step 2. Observe the puppy's temperament
Whether you're getting a puppy from a shelter or a breeder, take the time to observe his personality before you make a decision. For example, you could observe a group of puppies and see how they play. Children of the same parent usually have different personalities, choose the one that is most suitable as your pet.
- Puppies with the right combination of energy and cuteness are the best pets. Look for a puppy who is playful and excited, but who is not too harsh with other dogs.
- Avoid choosing a puppy that seems very aggressive or downright shy.
Step 3. Play with the puppy of your choice to determine if he is really the right choice
Make sure you have a good relationship with the puppy you have chosen before you buy it. If he's shy or tucks his tail between his hind legs as you approach him, he may not be a good pet. If you like his personality but aren't sure how he will behave around your children or other pets, you may want to keep him on a temporary basis to help make decisions.
Be aware that puppies can also choose their owners. The pup you want may also notice you if he feels comfortable around you
Tips
- Do not rush to buy a dog! The puppies will always be around again, so choose carefully. When you find the right one, you'll know for yourself.
- Some dog breeds have inherited behaviors, such as frequent or infrequent barking. Some breeds will enjoy running, digging holes, or trying to jump over fences. Find out about the characteristics of your chosen race before you fall in love.
- Never choose a race just because it's "in trend". Instead of doing it, think seriously and do some research to determine which breed is right for you.
- Make sure all the supplies you need are available at home before you choose a puppy (house/bed/kennel, food, bowls, cleaning supplies, etc.). Buying all of these things with your puppy can be a hassle.
- If possible, purchase health insurance for your dog to make visits to the vet cheaper.
- If you already have a dog, consider how he will react to the presence of a new puppy in your home. Shelters may require you to take your dog to a location to meet the new puppy, so they can see how your dog reacts to it.
- Consider sending your dog to school. The earlier he is trained, the better.
- Puppies love to chew on various things, so make sure there are plenty of chew toys available for them.
Warning
- Dogs can develop anxiety and act when they feel neglected. If your activity schedule requires you to travel for long periods of time, now might not be the time to buy a puppy.
- Puppies who are not fully vaccinated can get dangerous and life-threatening diseases, such as parvo. Don't take your dog on a trip until it's completely vaccinated.
- Puppies raised by breeders who breed animals irresponsibly can have serious health and behavioral problems, which can be emotionally difficult to deal with and can cost a lot of money.
