The Dos and Don’ts of Buying a Puppy from Your Local Free Paper

Introduction

Puppies are just the cutest, aren’t they? They’re so playful and full of life. But if you’re thinking about buying one, there’s a lot that goes into it. I’ve seen people get overwhelmed by their cuteness at the dog shelter or pet store and end up bringing home a puppy that isn’t right for them. So here are some tips to help you avoid these common mistakes:

Do Find Out About Their Breeding History

  • Ask about the parents. You want to know if the dogs are purebred, how long they’ve been in their current home, and what kind of training they’ve received.
  • Ask about the breeder. Is this person reputable? Do they have references or reviews from previous buyers? How long has she been doing this sort of thing?
  • Ask about health history (especially when it comes to something like hip dysplasia). If you’re getting a young puppy, ask what vaccinations he’s had so far; if you’re getting an older dog who was rescued from a shelter or found wandering on its own, ask for proof that he was neutered/spayed before being adopted out by the shelter.*

Don’t Fall for a Puppy That’s Too Young

Don’t fall for a puppy that’s too young.

Puppies should be at least 8 weeks old before you bring them home, and ideally 16 weeks old to be spayed or neutered (and 6 months old for full vaccinations). Younger puppies are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues as they grow older.

Do Check Their Personality

Before you start looking for a new puppy, it’s important to know what kind of personality you want. You may be thinking that all puppies are cute and adorable, but not all puppies will fit into your lifestyle. Some breeds are more energetic than others, and some breeds have more frequent needs for grooming or exercise.

You should also consider how much time your family has available to devote to training a pet before purchase. If you plan on keeping the dog inside most of its life, then it doesn’t matter if they need extensive training in leash walking or housetraining; however, if you plan on taking them out often then this will be an issue that needs special attention and care.

Don’t Base Your Decision Just on Looks

Don’t base your decision Just on Looks

Just like with people, good looks are only one small part of the equation when considering whether or not a puppy is right for you. While it’s nice to have a cute face and a fluffy tail, the most important thing to consider is what type of personality that dog will have. Are they friendly? Do they bark too much or are they timid? These are all things that should influence your decision before even looking at their pedigree information or finding out what kind of food they eat (which we’ll get into below).

Do Check the House the Puppy Was Raised In

  • The puppy should be well socialized and friendly
  • The puppy should be well behaved
  • The puppy should be healthy (no fleas, ticks, or worms)
  • The puppy should be happy

You can make sure that you choose the perfect puppy.

Now that you’ve done your research, you are ready to head out and pick up your new puppy. Before doing so, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • Make sure that the breeder knows what they are talking about. A reputable breeder will be happy to answer any questions that you have about the breed or their dogs’ health history. They should also be able to refer you to other people who have purchased from them in the past. This will help ensure that their puppies come from a good line of dogs and aren’t just bred by anyone with an internet connection and a computer (not cool).
  • Ask for photos of both parents if possible! If this isn’t an option for some reason then ask for photos of siblings instead – this way at least your puppy won’t end up being completely different from its siblings!!

Conclusion

There are a lot of things to consider when buying a puppy, but the most important thing is to remember that you’re making an investment in the future. The right dog can be your best friend for many years to come!

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