Dog Purchasing

by Michele Holt

You’ve decided to get a dog and there are a lot of factor to consider. Do you want a puppy or would you much rather have an older dog? Here’s some pros and cons for each.

1. With a puppy you raise it to do what you want and a puppy can adjust easily to situations.
2. A puppy requires more training than an older dog, such as potty training.
3. Puppies are fun and provide hours of puppy antics.
4. Puppies more often require more care than an older dog. They are more likely to chew on your furniture than an older dog.
5. Puppies need lots of activities, but most older dogs are already settled and will make a better companion.
6. An older dog may have been abused or have certain bad habits which are harder to break, a puppy however will start with no bad habits and only will develop them if you allow it to happen.
7. Older dogs may not be as affectionate to you as a puppy who grows up with you to love.
8. Older dogs may only have a few years left to live while a puppy should live a longer and more normal lifespan.

If you have decided on whether you would like a puppy or and older dog you need to think about breeds and your lifestyle. If you are the type of person who likes quiet and just wants a lapdog to cuddle with then an active dog should not be your first choice.

Millions of dogs are sent to the pound because the owner saw a cute puppy that didn’t match their lifestyle and didn’t want to take the time to train the dog correctly. Unfortunately a lot of people consider a dog as disposable. If you are looking for a dog I suggest looking at the pound or humane society. Many of these dogs are there because they are disposable and have minor problems that can be fixed. They may not be purebred but that doesn’t mean they don’t have love to give. The pound or humane society can ask you questions and match up the right dog for you.

Pure Bred vs. Mutts

Most people consider a purebred to be the best but that is not necessarily so. Many pure bred dogs have health problems that the mixed bred don’t. For example, German Shepard’s, Labs and Golden Retrievers are well known for having Hip dysplasia, and believe me a reputable breeder is not going to sell you one of their show quality dogs, not if they are a good breeder. If you choose a purebred, make sure you take the dog to the vet BEFORE you buy and get a health certificate stating the dog is in good health. You will save yourself a lot of problems in the long run.