How to choose a puppy from a litter?
Posted by Prieur du Plessis on
The Short List
When choosing a new puppy you have some great options and choices. If you think it through and do a bit of research you will be off to a good start. So take a bit of time and watch the video's in the Before you Buy section. Dr Jeff Nichol has a wonderful way of making things practical.:
Here are some points to tick of before you get a Puppy
- Size Matters : Big dogs need more space and exercise, they also tend to live shorter lives.
- Breeds have Needs: When it comes to breeds we all have a special relationship either with a breed we had or friends and family had. In my experience it is best to stick to what you know from experience. Just reading about a breed will give you a biased opinion of somebody who loves that special breed.
- Background Check: See if your local pound has the type of dog you are interested in. It may be a bit of work training them but you will be making a positive contribution by adopting a pet. If you would like a puppy be aware that puppy mills are an reality and breeders who have litter upon litter is well cruel. You will be best served by a small operation that is not about the money but about the dogs.
- Checklist
- Make sure you have a money back guarantee and not just something that looks like a guarantee. Ask the hard questions.
- Make sure the puppy looks alert and happy.
- The coat is the best way to see how healthy a puppy is.
- Eyes, ears and nose should be clean and have no or little discharge.
- Check ears by clicking behind each ear.
- Nose should be cold and wet.
- The best is to have a puppy that chooses you, after all it is a relationship.
Getting a puppy means that you need to follow your heart. Listen to your intuition, or that still small voice. Love will find a way.