A PUPPY? Owning a puppy is like having a new child in the house. It will become the focus of the family's affections, but will bring with it extra responsibilities for many years ahead. Make sure, therefore, that you select a breed that fits into your lifestyle, but now and in the future. The amount of exercise , food, grooming, and general attention your pet needs varies with its size and temperament. Size can be deceptive: some small dogs need more exercise than their much larger relations. SHOULD I CHOOSE A MALE OR A FEMALE? Deciding which sex of puppy to acquire is largely a matter of your own preference, but remember: -- Young unneutered males can be a nuisance when sexualy excited. --Bitches are often easier to train. --Bitches go " on heat" twice a year requiring extra vigilance. -- Owning a bitch means attention from male dogs, and the possibility of unwanted pregnancies. LONG COAT OR SHORT? When you are choosing a puppy, consider its type of coat carefully. A long-coated puppy, such as an Afghan Hound , needs daily combing and a regular trim , while a smooth , shorthaired breed, is much easier to maintain and needs only a weekly brushing . A puppy with wiry hair, such as an Airedale or Border Terrier, required regular hand-stripping or clipping. |
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A PUPPY? if you are buying a pup, the best age would be between two-and-a-half months and four months old, and the best time to buy is spring. If you are buying from a pet shop, check to see that it is lively and not underfed or skinny.
If you are visiting a breeder, don't fell sorry for the runt in the litter. You might find a shy or retiring pup endearuing and pick it out of pity. But such a pup may grow up to be timid and anti-social. On the other hand, you should never pick an overly aggressive pup. PEDIGREE OR MONGREL ? A pedigree or pure-bred puppy comes with documentation, just a car , so you know what sort of puppy you are buying, and what sort of temperament it may have. You know exactly what to expect when the dog grows up-- the characteristics of pure-breed dogs are pretty much written in stone. With a cross breed of unknown parentage, there could be surprises down the road. |
With a mongrel , or random -bred puppy, it is often difficult to foresee how it will behave , or even what size it will grow up to be. the reason for choosing a non-purebred dog is usually economic, although some people prefer them. Some dog owners maintain that cross bred pets are hardier. If you are set on a mongrel, try and adopt one from a friend so that you know the percentage A DOG OR A PUPPY? Dogs are fairly adaptable animals , so full grown dog would have little problem settling into a new home. Besides, if you adopt an adult dog, you may giving it a home and even saving it from being put to sleep. Be aware, however, that dogs that end up in the care of a humane society usually have some kind of injury or behavioral problem. It is a good idea to let a vet check it over. A puppy will need more care and attention, but you will have an easier time toilet -training it from a young age and the bond between you and your dog will be closer. However, be prepared for some damage and disruption to the home
FROM THE BOOK "101 ESSENTIAL TIPS CARING FOR YOU PUPPY " BY DR. BRUCE FOGLE DVM,MRCVS AND " ME AND MY PETS " PET COLLECTION (guides &Virtrual Pets CD_ROM) |
WHY HAVE
Healthy signs include brighteyes, shiny coat
and clean white teeth with firm pink gums, Watch out for scabby nose, teary eyes, red skin
patches and tiredness. A puppy's active and alert behavios indicates inttelligence and
adaptivility.