There's nothing like bringing home a new puppy. Here's everything you need to know about choosing a Puppy in the Classifieds.
Which Breed is Best?
Carefully consider which breed would suit your family best. A toy poodle is adorable as a friend to a calm, older owner but may not be the best companion for your four small children. Hunting breeds are loyal and friendly but need lots of room to explore. Don't sentence a Dalmatian or Greyhound to a lifetime of confinement in a small apartment. And don't choose a quiet Basset Hound if you're looking for a running partner. Do your homework.
Where to Look?
If you're looking for a purebred Puppy in the Classifieds, let the buyer beware. Not all breeders are reputable and some may just be trying to rip people off. Be wary of phony pedigree papers and don't agree to purchase any puppy until
you've gone to see with your own eyes where the puppy's been raised. Is it clean? Are the puppies well-fed? Is the breeder helpful and knowledgeable or hedging around your probing questions? If you're not happy with the looks of the place, buying a puppy there is probably not a good idea. Stay away from puppy mills that are only out to make a buck. Not only are they unethical and distasteful but the puppies they breed are often inferior due to careless inbreeding.On the other hand, if you're reading Puppy Classifieds from a shelter or animal rescue organization, you can feel more confident that it will work out. Animal shelters are extremely committed to taking good care of their charges. In fact, be prepared to fill out some forms and answer lots of questions. Animal shelters do their best to make safe, permanent matches for their puppies. Enjoy the fact that shelter puppies tend to be healthier and are always spayed or neutered. They may even be housetrained, socialized and may have undergone some obedience training. Call ahead to ask a few questions about your prospective pup before going in person. The shelter should be able to tell you all about the puppy you're considering.
Taking Puppy Home
Try to be relaxed during your first day at home with a new puppy. But don't be too lax with training; constant supervision is required until your puppy pal knows the new house rules.
