Where to Get a Puppy: Acquiring a new dog or puppy the responsible way

By Abbie Volpone, VSA-CDT

https://www.dogtrainerabbie.com/

Sometimes it seems like you could get a dog anywhere, that the world is literally handing you puppies. Maybe a friend’s dog had a litter, maybe someone picked up a stray. But where is the best place to look for a puppy? Should we really be acquiring dogs from just anywhere? Let’s explore the best options for adding a furry family member.

Option 1: A Shelter or Rescue

While there are many arguments for both sides of the debate, there is no right answer. In my opinion, one of the biggest benefits to rescuing is that most rescues offer a “foster to adopt” program, which is sort of like a trial run before committing to keeping a dog. You can choose any age, not just young puppies that are common from a breeder, and in many cases, you are saving a dog’s life. If the only thing stopping you from rescuing is that you’re looking for a certain breed, there are countless breed specific private rescues, and an estimated 25% of dogs in shelters are actually purebred.

Shelter dogs also are the more cost-effective way to go, as the majority of shelters complete necessary vaccinations, paperwork, and medical procedures before sending the dog home. Many of them also provide you with some starter supplies and food! Mixed-breed dogs also typically live longer and have less health problems. Here are some things to consider when looking at bringing home a rescue dog:

• This is a dog with an unknown history. The bonding period may take longer and require more patience on your part.
• Many of these dogs are sort of developmentally delayed when it comes to typical behaviors for their age, meaning that an adult dog may still be jumpy and mouthy like a puppy would.
• The dog may be unhealthy at first. Crowed shelters often end up passing around contagious illnesses like giardia and kennel cough, which are easily enough curable, but can be concerning at first.
• Stress hormones stay in a dog’s body for about a week. Take the first couple weeks very easy and relaxed to help them come out of the high stress environment and set them up for success in your home. Don’t rush things or expect too much right away.
• Be sure to ask the shelter for any information they have on the dog, the intake information, history, and veterinary records.

Option 2: A Breeder

It is my belief that we should look for rescue opportunities whenever possible, but a reputable breeder is the next best way to go, and there are plenty of reasons why one may want to purchase rather than adopt. Unfortunately, irresponsible breeders are one of biggest culprits of overpopulation, relinquishment, and behavioral problems among pet dogs. If you do choose to go the breeder route, it is important to ask lots of questions to ensure their expertise and legitimacy. Here are some example questions.

1. How long have you been breeding/how many litters have you bred?
2. Can I see the litter and the parents, and where they are housed?
3. At what age will the puppies be sent home?
4. How old is mom and how many litters has she had?
5. Have any of the littermates had any health issues?
6. What kind of health testing do you do?
7. Have the puppies been wormed or had any vaccinations?
8. Are you an AKC assured breeder, or have any other certifications?
9. Will the puppies be registered with any organizations?
10. Have you done any training with the puppies and if so, what kind?
11. What food are they currently eating?
12. What are the terms or your health and temperament guarantee? (often in contract)
13. Don’t be afraid to ask for references from vets, customers, etc.

But you must understand that bringing home a young dog from a reputable breeder is not enough to have the “perfect” dog. No dog is a clean slate, and you can still have behavioral struggles despite doing everything right. Puppies themselves are quite the challenge, and adolescent dogs (teenagers) even more so, regardless of if they came from a breeder or a shelter.

But here’s the most important question.

Do you really want a puppy? Are you prepared for the little dagger teeth, the potty training, the up at all hours of the night, the constant supervision? If you aren’t prepared to raise a puppy, appropriately training and socializing them, knowing and using important developmental stages, and being patient all while being used as a chew toy, then a puppy probably isn’t a great choice for you. If you feel that you are capable of these things, is everyone in the puppy’s life also going to be capable? Are there young children in the house who will also have to be managed?

All I’m saying is, don’t get sucked in by puppy cuteness and forget that you are bring home a toddler with teeth. There is nothing wrong with choosing a dog just out of adolescence at 1-3 years old if that is going to be a better fit for your lifestyle.