subject: Want to Buy a Dog or Puppy? Watch for Pitfalls! [print this page] Want to Buy a Dog or Puppy? Watch for Pitfalls!
If you are looking for a dog or puppy for sale, there are many places you can look. For example, you may look in pet shops, media advertisements such as newspapers or trade letters, bulletin boards and on the internet. Having so many outlets to search through may make the task daunting, so be prepared to do a lot of research before deciding on a pet to buy. Another good place to start may be going to an animal shelter or pound and seeing if there are any animals there, you could adopt.
Many times, if you see ads in newspapers or flyers in a store window, individuals may have puppies out of a dog that has had several litters of puppies. You can usually pick these happy, healthy dogs up for a great deal less than the prices demanded for purebred dogs, but these dogs are usually mix-breed dogs.
So-called "puppy mills" are also becoming a more widespread source of puppies for sale. Though you may find a puppy at a reasonable price, these venues should be avoided. Places such as these are well known for disease and parasite outbreaks, and it is devastating to say the least to watch a pet you've picked out die at home within days or weeks of your purchase. A "puppy mill" is much like a factory that produces as many litters as it can in the least amount of time to make as much money for the owner as possible. The owners of such establishments are interested in only one thing, money, not the health or happiness of their dogs. Most of the time, many females are kept together in small, filthy cages, and the males are allowed to mate with them each and every time the female is in heat. Some mills don't allow for much exercise, which is extremely important in dog health. These conditions make it likely that dogs will get diseased, which can lead to the puppies getting sick as well.
Just because there are puppy mills out there doesn't mean that all puppy breeders operate this way though. There are many dog lovers out there that breed their dogs in the hopes that they can find dog lovers out there that will find happiness from their puppies. Puppies raised in such places are typically given great care and living conditions until someone comes to take them home. You may even find a waiting list when you call a true breeder, as most of the time they will only allow their females to birth one litter per year. This makes for happier, healthier dogs and puppies, and lessens the threat of disease among the dogs.
Regardless of where you buy your dog, it is crucial that you check them out first to make sure they are healthy. Some things to look for are shiny, bright eyes, thick, full, almost glossy fur, and they should appear to be in good health. How a dog acts towards you is also an indicator of how well the dog has been taken care of and how healthy it may be. Just because it is timid when you approach it isn't necessarily bad, but they should seem comfortable with others in their litter and should seem excited upon seeing the person taking care of them. Also make sure that the puppies are vaccinated prior to purchase. Always ask for proof of vaccines or vet records, and be wary if the owner says none are available.
Don't just jump up and impulsively buy a pet because you see an advertisement that says puppy or dog for sale. Many times parents will purchase a cute puppy for a child without thinking of the great responsibility that comes along with pet ownership. If you wouldn't consider taking care of another child for 10 or 15 years or more, you probably shouldn't buy a puppy.
