| In America approximately 73 million people own a | | | | be alert, active, and energetic. They should have a |
| dog. A dog brings many moments of happiness into | | | | clean and shiny coat. There should not be any |
| your life. As they make great companions and give | | | | mucous filled discharge flowing from their eyes. Ask |
| unconditional love. Owning a canine companion can be | | | | the breeder about the test conducted on dog's |
| the beginning years of lifetime loyalty and friendship. | | | | parent to ensure healthy puppy. Pups should have at |
| Before buying a dog, it is necessary to decide on the | | | | least one set of booster dosage shots before you |
| kind of dog that will meet your expectation. Our | | | | take the pup home. When purchasing an adult dog, |
| article discusses valuable and informative dog buying | | | | keep in mind the same health issues as with puppy. |
| tips to lend you help for purchasing a dog. It would | | | | Besides that, also look for health, illnesses, and |
| be good if you discuss these points with everyone in | | | | vaccination records. |
| the family. | | | | - Maintenance: Dogs have regular and daily needs |
| - Age: When purchasing a puppy, ensure that it | | | | including food, shelter, exercise, grooming and health. |
| should not be younger than eight weeks. This is | | | | Depending upon time which you can exclusively |
| because during the initial few weeks, puppies go | | | | devote in taking care of the dog, you should select a |
| through lots of physical changes. A puppy's eyes and | | | | breed. For example, play dogs require more |
| ears open and they begin to taste solid food along | | | | maintenance than guarding or hunting dogs. |
| with the weaned. Few weeks with littermates also | | | | Particularly, guarding dog " Doberman " requires less |
| help in overall growth of the puppy. The young | | | | care and maintenance. Please remember that if you |
| puppy needs more attention, patience, care and | | | | are purchasing a dog, you should be willing to commit |
| medical-assistance. So ideally, no pup should be | | | | yourself to the pet. |
| purchased before eight weeks. It is also illegal at | | | | - Money: Money is also a consideration while |
| some places to sell animals less than eight weeks old. | | | | purchasing a dog. Some dog breeds are extremely |
| - Breed: Before selecting the breed, do some | | | | expensive, while some are quite affordable. Expenses |
| research on dogs to evaluate the right kind of dog | | | | would include adoption fees, vaccines, various tests, |
| for you and your family. Note the dog size, coat, | | | | basic yearly health examination, flea control, license, |
| care requirements and temperament. You should also | | | | food items, collar and leashes, brushes, combs, |
| evaluate your and your family members' health issues. | | | | shampoos, nail trimmers, etc. Evaluate your budget |
| For example, if you're allergic to fur or are asthmatic | | | | and ask yourself if you are ready to spend the |
| then select a dog breed which has less fur and sheds | | | | purchase cost as well as monthly expenditure. |
| less hair. If you are buying a dog for security or | | | | - Breeders: Selecting a reputable breeder is advisable |
| surveillance then you must go for an adult dog. They | | | | to ensure a healthy and active dog without diseases. |
| will immediately help you in or some specified | | | | It is important to screen the breeder about the |
| purchase motive. | | | | parent of the puppy or adult dog. If you are |
| - Health: Be sure to visually examine the puppy | | | | purchasing through club or dog seller, you should ask |
| before purchasing. Pups tend to spend lot of their | | | | for the contact information about the previous |
| time sleeping, but when they are awake they should | | | | purchaser. |