The Timing Is Right
Spring is a great time to get a dog for your household. The warm weather lends itself to potty training your pup, along with getting in the habit of walking him and spending playtime outdoors.
Research Your Breeds
There are so many variables here, you really need to take time to do your research. Do you have enough room for a large breed? Do you have enough time to devote to a puppy? Are there small children in your house that could accidentally harm a toy breed?
I truly believe that the best place to start your search is the American Kennel Club. Their breed information pages will get you a great start to learning about the size, temperament & characteristics of any breed. Even if you’re looking for a mixed breed dog, knowing about the characteristics of the breeds in the mix is helpful.
You’ve Picked Your Breed, Now Find Your Dog
A perfect place to start is your local Human Society. With the downturn in the economy, animal shelters are filled with more animals than ever. Too many people simply can’t afford to keep their pet any longer.
Animal shelters are a great place to get up close and personal with many types of dogs, right away. Keep in mind that most shelters will require you to get your pet spayed or neutered when you adopt them.
If you have a breed in mind, animal rescue groups are a great way to go. These are often older dogs who are being fostered while waiting for a forever home. Simply Google “schnauzer rescue”, or “basset hound rescue” and you can find sites dedicated to your preferred breed, in your area.
If you choose to go with a purebred dog, research local breeders. Check to see if they are registered with the American Kennel Club. Visit the home of the puppies before commiting to any purchase to make sure the conditions are sanitary & loving. We chose to get our miniature schnauzer, Oskar from a breeder & visited no less than 3 times before we purchased him. We learned the frequency that the female dogs are impregnated so we weren’t getting a puppy from a mother who was simply a breeding machine, we got information on the sire, or father to make sure that he came from good living conditions, and we asked for references and contacted them to make sure that others were satisfied with their puppies.
We spent months determining the right type of dog for our family and I truly believe that is a major reason as to why Oskar has become a loved, if sassy, member of our family.
photo credit: thanker212, photo credit: yasmapaz & ace_heart
Glad to have you back, Pam! Thanks so much for bringing up the current overload in the shelters and rescue groups. I adopted both of my cats, and adult cats and dogs are wonderful additions to the family as they are usually calm and already potty trained. My son loves dogs, so I’m sure we’ll be adopting one through a rescue organization soon!
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We had several dogs growing up. We mostly had shih tzu’s. I still love them but I am really allergic to dogs so we can’t have one.
I wish we could! I wish my children could experience having a dog but that won’t happen!
Research is so important when looking for a pet. So many people – myself included – fall for the cute face and little babies – and then they grow up to be something entirely different.
I can’t even visit shelters anymore – i want to bring every one of them home with me! And there are some fantastic pets waiting to be adopted there!!!
Great tips here!
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Pam,
I just had to write and say I love that picture of the little white dog with the blue bow! It reminds me of our little lovable bichon.
Dogs are such great companions and can bring so much joy to a family!