| If you take even a cursory glance at your local | | | | the expense of dealing with the issue. This would be |
| paper's classified section, Craigslist, or even bulletin | | | | a nasty and expensive surprise for you. |
| boards around your neighborhood, you will see ads | | | | #3 - Behavior problems |
| and info about free dogs and puppies. "Free to a | | | | Free dogs and puppies are usually in the 'free to a |
| good home", they often read. There are a number of | | | | good home' cycle from birth onward. In most cases, |
| reasons why people would give an animal away for | | | | no one has taken the time to properly train the dog. |
| free. | | | | Uncommitted owners are likely to give the animal |
| Often, intentions are good. The person doing the | | | | away at the slightest sign of trouble, from minor |
| giving might be in an unfortunate family situation | | | | issues that are easily solved all the way up to big |
| where they need to get rid of the animal in a hurry. | | | | problems that are going to cost you time and money |
| Or maybe their pet got pregnant unexpectedly and | | | | to solve. |
| they are giving away the litter. | | | | When it comes to free dogs and puppies, you get |
| But all too often, the reasons for giving away a free | | | | what you pay for. If someone cannot afford to pay |
| pet are hidden and secret. Beware of these. | | | | an adoption fee, how will they be able to afford the |
| #1 - Disposable pets | | | | regular expenses of pet care? Or vet bills when the |
| The main reason why people give away free dogs | | | | animal gets sick? |
| and puppies is because they themselves got the | | | | And if you are going to be serious about your role as |
| animal for free are unwilling to meet the level of | | | | a dog owner, your training is going to be a |
| responsibility and commitment that a dog requires. | | | | high-priority. You will want to make sure that your |
| The more often a dog is passed from one owner to | | | | dog is in optimal health and temperament before |
| another, the more difficult it becomes to train that | | | | beginning your training program. The best advice is to |
| dog and make it a member of your family. | | | | get a dog from a reputable breeder or adoption |
| #2 - Health problems | | | | service. You should only get a dog that is in good |
| Free dogs and puppies are rarely up to date on their | | | | health, fixed, and up to date on all its shots. You pay |
| shots and veterinary care. Many times they have not | | | | more right in the beginning, but the peace of mind |
| once even been to a vet. All too often, a free dog is | | | | you are buying is priceless. Then your training will be |
| one with a health problem that has been discovered, | | | | a breeze. |
| and the current owner is unwilling or unable to meet | | | | |