Acquiring A New Dog

The decision to acquire a dog should not be an impulsive action. Shelters and Rescue groups are overflowing with dogs which were bought for the wrong reasons. Dogs are living creatures whose needs are the same as your own: food, shelter, love, and family. Most of the dogs bought on impulse or given as surprise gifts are dying by the thousands every day in shelters across North America.

Educate yourself on the breed you have chosen. Visit the specific dog breed clubs online, read books, go to dog shows and talk to breeders, talk to pet owners, talk to people doing breed rescue. Join an on-line discussion group for that breed. Meet as many dogs, pet and show alike, of this breed as possible. If you are
looking at a mixed breed, educate yourself about the breeds it came from. Do not choose a high energy dog if you are a couch potato, and vice versa.

Make sure your chosen breed will fit in with your family and lifestyle. A dog is a 10-20 year commitment, and you should be no less committed to your dog than to children. Both are dependent upon you for food, shelter and a loving environment.

Where Should you look for a dog?

The best place to acquire a puppy or adult dog is from an ethical breeder, rescue or animal shelter. Do not buy your future companion from a local pet store, newspaper or internet classified ad.

Puppies in pet stores come from big “puppy mills”. The puppies in pet stores are taken from their mothers too early, shipped across country at a very young and impressionable age, kept in little cages, and when they grow older, have physical, emotional and mental trauma from such a poor start in life.

No reputable breeder will send puppies to a pet store to be sold. Most responsible breeders will require you to "qualify" before allowing you to adopt a pup. If you have your heart set on a purebred puppy, make sure you do your homework and check the breeder out thoroughly.

Rescue groups make every effort to ensure their dogs are healthy and free from defects and that they have a good temperament. If they have a health problem the potential owner will be told right up front. Adoption applications are usually required, as are personal interviews and references.

For an extensive list of Purebred Dog Rescue Gropus, visit All About Dogs and Cats - A Resource Center for Canine and Feline Lovers
http://www.allaboutdogsandcats.com