The decision to have a dog should be a family one. It is not one that can be made lightly and without a deal of thought. This is because it becomes an integral part of your family for so many years as soon as you get the dog. Therefore every member of the immediate family should want a dog and be prepared to accept the duties that responsible ownership entails.
If you decide to have a puppy, you should not buy one less than eight weeks old. Because having a puppy at home is as having a new baby, as it requires a regular feeding, play, Sleep and training.
If you want a pure-bred dog, you can choose from more than 150 breeds. It is very important to select the one that is suitable for your circumstances and whose needs you will be able to satisfy. Avoid the temptation of being swayed by the appearance of dogs you have seen on TV commercials or in glossy magazines. It is no use to think of the Great Dane, Afghan Hound, or the German Shepherd if you live in a flat or small town house. These dogs need plenty of room.
Other questions you should consider include:
. How much time can you give your dog?
. How much exercise can you give it?
. How much experience of dogs do you have?
. Do you want a male of a female?
. Do you want a long-haired of a short-haired breed?
When making your choice, look for a confident, enquiring puppy, a lively youngster with bright, sparkling eyes, a shiny coat, and a moist nose but free from mucus. It should be a firm puppy and not the one whose ribs stick out, or whose tummy is disproportionately large.
The breeder will supply you with recommendations about feeding, and with puppy's vaccination certificates. If the course of vaccinations is not complete, he or she will make sure that you know what other things the puppy is going to need and when.
The amount of exercise your puppy needs depends on its breed and living circumstances. If you have a large fenced-in garden or paddock and your dog is allowed to run freely several times a day, further exercise is not necessary. However, if you have any breed and no garden at all, then you must exercise your dog. It will need short walks to relieve itself (if it cannot do so at home) at least should be the first thing in the morning, in the middle of the day, and the last thing at night.
Puppies obviously need less exercise than fully grown dogs. This is particularly so with large breeds, as they take longer to mature.
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