When interested in buying a dog, there are ample options. If you’re looking for a puppy, either a shelter or a reputable dog breeder can be of service. Despite all the bad press, puppy mills are still in full swing. Adopting a dog is a major commitment that will significantly impact your life, so the decision-making process should be treated with respect and careful consideration before rushing to bring home the first cute puppy you see in the pet store window.
Before you get your new little sidekick, ensure you can handle the cost of owning a dog. These costs can range from moderate to severe, depending on the health and behavior of the dog you bring home. Puppies, like babies, require several veterinary visits during their first year. They need to be immunized, treated for parasites, and checked to ensure there aren’t any hidden health problems about to surface. Buying a puppy from a puppy mill increases the chances of health problems by over 80%.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Dog
When looking for information on where and what type of dog to buy, dog breeders, dog owners, veterinarians, and dog clubs are all excellent sources. Not surprisingly, Labrador Retrievers are the most common type of dog, closely followed by Golden Retrievers in off years. However, when a dog breed grows in popularity, the likelihood of health problems also increases. Puppy mills create a surplus of popular dogs, then either sell them for testing or euthanize them when they are too old to adopt out—unless they can serve as breeding dogs. In that case, they live in cages with little human contact, never knowing the feel of grass under their feet.
Buying a dog should be considered a secondary choice if we want to eliminate the unwanted dog problem in this country. If all those who wanted a dog went to shelters instead of puppy mills or breeders for the next five years, over 75% of the dogs in shelters would be saved, and puppy mills would struggle to stay in business.
Dog ownership can be a beautiful experience for both you and the dog you choose. When seeking the right dog, consider factors such as the advantages of a grown dog versus a puppy, the size of the space you can provide, whether you have a backyard or will need to walk them, and how much time you can devote to training. These factors play a significant role when deciding on a dog. Additionally, whether you rent or own your home may also be a consideration. Renters typically know the size of their current living space but might not know the size of their future home. Moreover, pet fees for moving into a new apartment are often based on the dog’s weight. Thus, a smaller dog may be more appropriate for someone who doesn’t own their home. However, plenty of renters in the right neighborhoods own large dogs and live happily ever after.
While dog breeders are a great source of information, just like dog owners, it’s important to note that each is likely to be biased toward their own dogs. Breeders who are worth their salt breed dogs because they are in love with the breed, not just to make a living. Dog owners often downplay the challenges they face and present their mild-mannered pooches as the best thing since the invention of Booda Bones.
Most prospective dog owners either grew up with dogs or have always wanted one, giving them a basic idea of the breed they’re looking for. Those familiar with the breed they want are usually quite sure. However, if you simply admire a breed, it’s wise to do thorough research before making a decision. Every dog breed has inherent strengths and weaknesses, and understanding these is essential before bringing a dog into your home.
Playtime at the puppy park, walks in the rain, snuggling up on a chilly evening, and playing a wicked game of fetch are all joys of puppy ownership that can never be replaced, no matter how many times we experience it in our lifetime. Responsible dog ownership leads to years of life-enhancing enjoyment, making every moment of research before buying a dog well worth it.
