There are a few cardinal rules when it comes to buying a puppy, all of which can sometimes be broken.
1) Do not buy from a pet store: Puppies in stores are bought and sold as commodities, and breeders (using the term loosely) have little, or no knowledge, or concern about maintaining, strengthening or representing breed standards and qualities. The love of "trying to make some quick cash" is far above the love of dogs. The exception is the fact that even store puppies need a home. You will do yourself a huge favor by asking locals vets or breeders to help you find a puppy that is right for you and your family. Certain breeds and mixes may be your worst nightmare and others may be a perfect match. DO NOT BUY A PUPPY ON IMPULSE...EVER!
2) Don't buy a puppy from a roadside or parking lot stand. Little or no expertise and poor breeding habits and breed qualities are represented by this type of puppy sale. Don't support this kind of poor and unfair trade. Over and over again, local and national agencies are "busting" these kinds of home operations for abuse and neglect.
3) Buying a newspaper puppy. These are often the same kind of "sold as a commodity" breeders. Often, breeders will not even want you to come to their facility (or home) because it will be a tip off to authorities that something is not right. If you consider a newspaper puppy from the classifieds, make sure you visit the actually home and look for signs that the seller is maybe using another person's home to show the puppies. Sometimes sellers will even ask to meet you at a parking lot or a park somehwere. DON"T DO IT!
When considering a puppy purchase make sure you do at least one of these three things first!
A) Read up on how what breeds are best for your situation. Will you need a dog that requires lots of exercise? If you live in a house with a small yard, where will you exercise the dog daily? Is the breed(s) your considering an "easy" train? If not, how will you insure that your puppy learns basic obedience? There are a plethora of questions you should ask and there are as many books on the subject...read one.
B) Talk to your vet or local trainer. Many trainers will accompany you on a puppy search and do tests and determine breed quality and mature characteristics that will help you understand what to expect as your puppy grows.
C) Buy from a reputable breeder by researching local breeders or by asking your trainer or vet for names and contact information.Check with your local humane shelter.
Never buy a puppy or a dog without considering your local shelter! Visit your local animal shelter.
