Helpful Hints for Your Quest for The Perfect Puppy Companion

Pet stores are packed with a large assortment of cute and cuddly puppies. What you may not know is that the majority of pet stores are stocked with animals that come from "puppy mills." Such operations generally mass produce dogs with profit as the sole motive, and without concern for health, temperament or behavioral issues that may be present. Many breed these animals under abhorrent conditions, with the "breeding stock" being sick and often living in detestable surroundings. The puppies are usually not well socialized and may have serious health issues. In addition, dogs purchased from such establishments can be quite expensive!

Buying a puppy from a breeder is a better option, as long as you are sure that the breeder is reputable. Most breeders are interested in raising dogs that come from good bloodlines and strengthening the breed. Be wary when choosing a breeder from the Internet or an advertisement, as puppy mills will often disguise themselves as legitimate breeders to sell off their stock. It is always best to find a good breeder through word of mouth referrals if possible. Always ask to see the mother of the puppies and where they live to make sure they are legitimate.

If you go through a rescue group you will find that there are numerous breed-specific rescues. There are rescue groups for German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers, as well as for Chihuahuas and Cocker Spaniels. There are also just general mixed breed rescues. To go through a rescue, you usually have to fill out an application form, be approved and have a house visit to make sure you will make a good dog parent. Rescues usually have a large amount of adult dogs as well as many puppies. The dogs are not kept at a shelter, but are fostered by people in their homes. Being a dog foster parent is always another option, but we'll cover that at a different time!

Finally, there is the shelter dog. Thousands of unwanted puppies and dogs are dropped off at shelters daily around the country. Many of these dogs originally come from breeders and pet stores. A large majority of the dogs are unwanted because the owner never took the time to train or give any guidance to the dog, so the dog seems like a "problem dog." Most of the behavioral problems that dogs have can be corrected or mitigated to some extent through proper training. There are many sweet and adorable puppies and adult dogs that simply need someone to love them and take the time to show them the right thing to do to make them become well-behaved and happy dogs.

Remember that when making your choice for the perfect puppy companion, it is important to consider where your puppy is coming from. Do you want to add to the dog population by buying a dog from a pet store or breeder, or adopt an unwanted pup from an already overpopulated shelter or rescue?

Keep in mind that you should always train your dog either through books or established training classes, and ALWAYS spay and neuter your pet.