| So, You Want to Get a Puppy by Dika Golovatchoff, Ph.D.
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 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 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. 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. At a nearby show last summer, where
my Golden Retriever was competing in obedience, I spoke with the handler
of the Golden Retriever dog I admired the most in "Best of Breed".
Unknowingly, I had selected the number one Golden Retriever in the country
and subsequently obtained the owner/breeder's business card. This dog
went on to win "Best of Sporting Group". Please
also refer to our subsequent articles in AllOurPets.com
on selecting and training a puppy. The photos above of Genevieve were
taken at three months and five months. Buy "The
Art of Raising a Puppy " Now. Last Chance for Fleas No, it's not a Muzzle Hyperthyroidism in Cats Take Your Pet with You Home Page |
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And although many breeders of top-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
a year later she is happy that she did that kind of research.
To
get a puppy from a line of that caliber I could reasonably expect to
wait a year or more and pay a very substantial amount of money.