All Our Pets August Newsletter

So You Want to Get a Puppy

If you are thinking about getting a puppy I can give no better advice than to read The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete before going any further. These Orthodox Catholic monks have dedicated themselves to breeding and training German shepherd dogs at their monastery situated in rural upper New York State, and have written a prior book entitled How to be Your Dog's Best Friend. Both these books communicate a philosophy of relating to "man's best friend" that is based on their keen understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the canine species. You must understand, as they point out in this excellent book, that "Caring for a dog is a lot of hard work. Canis familiaris, the pet dog, cannot take care of itself. From the moment of its adoption until the day of its death (which, barring accident or illness, can be after fifteen years or more), it is a highly dependent creature that will count on you for all the essentials of canine living: food, water, shelter, exercise, training, and periodic veterinary care. But beyond these, the principal need a puppy has throughout its life is social. It requires an owner who is a companion in the fullest sense of the word. Can your see yourself or your family in such a role?"

If you can truly answer affirmatively, then begin the learning process to determine which puppy might best fit your personal and family situation and needs. Reading chapters 7 through 11 of The Art of Raising a Puppy would be the best place to start. If you think a mixed-breed pup is right for you, follow this reading by visiting your local animal shelter or humane association. In many cases the trained staff and volunteers should be able to assist you with identifying the right kind of puppy for you. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are very likely saving the puppy from being euthanized. If the puppy is very young your condition of adoption may include paying for the spaying or neutering in advance. However, in many cases you will not have any information on the history or prior care of the puppy, and will have to make a very careful decision based upon the way the puppy interacts with you at the shelter.

On the other hand, you may already know that you want a dog with certain breed characteristics, such as a shepherd, hound, terrier, retriever, etc. The web pages of the American Kennel Club www.akc.org would be an excellent place to start for an education on the six general breed categories and the specific breeds included in the categories. From this site you can also contact specific breed organizations, and from these, specific breeders.

If you decide that you want a particular breed of puppy, the last place you would want to locate a puppy would be at a pet store in your local mall, since these puppies will almost indubitably come from "puppy mills", located primarily in the American Midwest, where dogs are jammed into filthy kennels and bred as often as possible with no consideration for their health or the quality of the offspring. A "cute" puppy caged in a pet shop has certainly spent its earliest weeks in cramped and fetid quarters with a lack of proper nutrition, veterinary care, and socialization. Such a puppy will frequently exhibit signs of nervousness, hyperactivity, shyness, and even viciousness, and may have any of a number of inherited defects. The price you would pay for such a puppy could easily be comparable to what you would pay a reputable breeder.

If you are determined to get a puppy of a certain breed I cannot overemphasize the need to talk with a number of reputable breeders. The best breeders will interview you carefully to determine if you will provide the kind of home they desire for their puppies. And although many breeders of top-of-the-line dogs wish to place their puppies with individuals who will show the dogs and potentially earn titles in conformation or obedience, often these breeders will have a puppy considered to be of "Pet Quality" rather than "Show Quality". A good friend of mine recently decided after very thorough research that she wanted a Westhighland White Terrier puppy. After speaking with half a dozen breeders she located a woman who had just the right puppy available to meet her specific needs, and I am happy to report, that years later she is happy that she did that kind of research.

Visiting a few local dog shows is also a very good way to learn about individual breeds of dogs and sometimes a way of meeting breeders. Be cautioned however that breeders and handlers at dog shows are frequently preoccupied with the mechanics of grooming and preparing their dogs for their best performance in the show ring and may seem inattentive to questions from a spectator. However, persistence and consideration may get good results.

The Monks of New Skete have in recent years also developed a three-hour videotape based on their over twenty-five years of raising and training dogs that can be purchased from their web site at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com. While at the Monks' site you can learn about their technique of "inseeing", which is "being conscious of how your pup sees the world." "Inseeing is standing inside your dog's psyche, putting yourself at her center, where she is a unique, individual creature, and understanding her from that perspective."

Buy "The Art of Raising a Puppy " Now.

Flint River Ranch has recently introduced a 9 pound size of its very popular Dry Water Ultra for Dogs, the dry food that replaces canned food when a little bit of water is added. This food is perfect for dogs (and also puppies) who have difficulty chewing as a sole food source - and great to add to other Flint River Ranch kibble as a warm and moist treat. Remember - there is no can to put back in the fridge, and no waste. Use only as much as you need for a meal.

We recommend the Puppy and Adult Kibble from Flint River Ranch for young puppies as an all purpose food - water may be added or mixed with the Dry Water Ultra.