What You Should Know Before Adopting a Puppy

Adopting a new puppy is a lifetime commitment that needs to be taken seriously. The first thing to do before ever walking into a shelter or pet store is to read up on various breeds. Find out the traits for different breeds. Which of these traits are unacceptable to mix with the lifestyle and habits of the family?

Once you have selected several breeds that are compatible with your family, you will want to visit a shelter or pet store. Check the puppy's ears for dirt. Dirty ears are usually an indicator of ear mites or yeast infection. If the puppy has dirty ears, that should be a indicator to you that they were not maintained well. You will more then likely have to spend additional money on getting the ears healed. Dirty ears do not mean not to get the puppy. Just keep in mind that you will need to spend additional money on getting the puppy to optimum health.

Check with the pet store, breeder or shelter when the puppy had shots. Were the shots administered by a vet? Many breeders are not refrigerating their vaccines properly. This practice makes the vaccine useless. If the vaccines have not been administered by a vet, find out what type of refrigeration has been done.

Once your puppy is home, provide a safe spot for the puppy. It is best to only have one family member tend to the puppy during the first week. Dogs are pack animals and it will be important for the puppy to learn who the "leader" of the pack is. This will make the puppy easier to potty train and fit into the family's schedule and lifestyle.

Keep a close eye on the puppy. Many times a puppy will suffer digestive problems from chewing up puppy toys. If it is not a toy you would let a 1 year old child play with, do not let the puppy.

Find out what foods the puppy is used to having. A sudden change in diet can cause an increase in anxiety and upset the puppy's stomach. If you want to introduce a different dog food, mix a little bit in with the food the dog was already used to daily. Gradually add more and more of the food you are switching the dog over to.

Get the puppy checked by a local vet. Make sure the shots are up to date and the puppy has been completely de-wormed. If your puppy has a cough, have it checked for kennel cough. Over crowded cages and dirty living conditions prior to adopting your puppy could lead to kennel cough.

Are you willing to commit to a lifetime of love and devotion? Do you know the characteristics of your puppy's breed? Do you have time for a puppy? do you have patience for a puppy? Do you have living space for the puppy once it is full size?

Whether you adopt from a shelter, pet store, or breeder enjoy your puppy. They truly are man's best friend. Puppies grow quickly so make sure to have pre-purchased a camera for the new puppy's scrapbook.