So, You Want a Dog? Here's How to Find the Perfect Pooch for Your Personality and Home

Before Buying a Dog

It can be incredibly fun to own a dog; dogs bring so much joy and love into our lives. However,

before you take that first leap of faith by bringing home your new pup or kitten, it’s crucial that you do your research.

Even if you have no intentions of breeding your pet or competing in dog shows—or if you simply want an affectionate companion—there are quite a few important things you should know before committing yourself (and perhaps another member of your family) to having a pet.

Finding an Affordable Breeder

When you’re ready to take your dog search seriously,

it’s time to start looking into breeders. Finding an affordable breeder can be tricky but there are ways to find one that fits your criteria without breaking your budget.

Check out local pet adoption centers first—many will have dogs available from breeders who just aren’t quite ready to sell their puppies yet (for example, their females might still be nursing puppies or need more time before whelping again).

In addition, finding an affordable breeder is easier if you live in a rural area; many reputable breeders who have smaller breeding operations usually don’t charge as much because they don’t have as high of overhead costs.

Tips When Visiting a Breeder

Getting started is easy; all you have to do is find a breeder in your area. But before you start calling them,

here are some tips that can help guide your search. It’s best to take an entire day when looking for your dog. Even if you already know what kind of dog you want and what breed works best with your family,

it’s important not rush through such an important decision.

Visit at least three or four different facilities.

Take breaks between each one so that you don’t get overwhelmed or tired from being in unfamiliar places all day long—this will make it easier to pick up on differences between breeders, conditions at their facilities, how they interact with customers and how their dogs behave around strangers.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Puppy

If you’re considering purchasing a puppy from an animal shelter or pet store, take your time.

Look around first, go home and think about whether it’s really what you want. While there are many great dogs in shelters waiting for good homes, many of them were purchased as puppies from pet stores and brought back after they had grown too big or chewed up their owners’ shoes.

Also consider what type of dog would fit best with your personality—big dogs can be intimidating if you live in an apartment! And lastly, never buy a dog because it is on sale.

Dogs are living beings that require responsible ownership. Always make sure that both you and your family have time to dedicate to training a new dog before bringing one into your home.

Rescues are Great!

The best place to look for a dog is from one of many reputable animal shelters. These organizations have plenty of dogs in need of good homes. After all, what’s better than rescuing an animal who is stuck in a shelter or whose owners can no longer care for it? Plenty of breed specific rescues exist as well.

Most animals available through breed-specific rescues are purebred or mixed breeds that don’t meet breed standards. Still interested in adding a purebred dog to your family but want one that won’t break your bank account? Consider contacting local breed clubs or national rescue networks.

They often offer discounted rates on purebreds that don’t meet their parent club’s physical standard.

Look at Their Parents

Canine breeding is still often a best guess process,

but there are ways to minimize your chances of ending up with an unhealthy dog.

Look at both of your potential new pet’s parents if possible; check their health records (to make sure they have no history of genetic defects) and ask about any temperamental issues that might crop up in their offspring. And, yes,

you should avoid any breeder who won’t let you do these things.

What Else Should I Ask About My Puppy?

Any reputable breeder or rescue organization will offer you detailed information about their dogs.

Ask them anything you need to know—the health of their breeding stock, whether they screen applicants looking for puppies,

how many litters they breed per year—so that you can determine if they’re a responsible breeder who cares about what happens after their pups leave home. Also make sure that your puppy’s

parents have been screened for health problems (like hip dysplasia or heart disease),

and ask if both parents are available to meet so you can make sure they get along. And be prepared: If you’re going with an ethical breeder or rescue group,

your new pup may be just one of dozens of animals in foster care waiting for forever homes.

Homework Checklist

Remember that time your mom made you clean your room before you went out with friends?

It turns out she was on to something: Making sure your bedroom is in order reduces stress and gives you fewer things to worry about later.

This same logic applies to your office. Make sure there’s nothing hanging over your head by tidying up right now.

Better yet, get a project buddy and make it a competition! When you’re done with each item on your checklist, walk away feeling like an entirely new person—and be happier knowing that when life gets busy again (and it will), you’ll already have cleared some space.

Tips on Introducing Your New Best Friend To Other Pets & Kids in the House

Before you bring your new dog home, make sure that any other pets or children in your house are ready to meet him.

In particular, be sure that your cat is safe by making sure there are no edges on tables where kitty could fall off or get stuck and hurt herself. And once he’s home,

don’t leave them alone together unsupervised until you know they’re getting along—and make sure any kids in your house understand how to be gentle with a puppy so they don’t accidentally squeeze too hard or poke him with something pointy.

It’s also important to remember that dogs see cats as prey animals; when excited or surprised their natural instincts might kick in — which means playing gently with your dog is a must!