If you’re thinking about getting a dog and you’ve neverhad one, please do some research first. Learn aboutwhat’s involved in having a dog – basic dog care, medicalneeds, training and behavior. In particular, ask yourself thefollowing: 

• Do I have the time to give a dog the love andattention she deserves?

• Can I offer her daily exercise and interaction withpeople and other dog friends?

• Can I afford the costs of having a dog (food, routinevet care, and possible additional medical costs, suchas medication)?

• Are my emotional expectations realistic? (A dog isnot a furry little person.)

• Will she be living in the house as a valued family member? (Dogs are packanimals and don’t do well living alone outside.) 

Should I get a puppy? 

One of the first questions that people ask themselves is whether to get a puppy. Lots ofpeople don’t realize that puppies need almost constant attention. Do you have the timeor the inclination to raise a puppy? If you’re gone for long periods of time, are you willingto pay for daycare or a sitter? Do you have the time to properly train your puppy?

Allpuppies and dogs need to learn how to be well-behaved family members.To grow into emotionally balanced and safe dogs, puppies must also be socialized. Theymust be trained to act appropriately in different settings – around children and otheranimals, on busy city streets, in parks, around people who are strangers.Other considerations when getting a puppy: Think about how big he’ll be and how activehe’ll be when he grows up. If you live in an apartment in a city, a large dog may not bethe best choice. If you’re a couch potato, you may want an older or more sedentary dog. 

Should I get a purebred dog? T

he next question people usually ask is whether they should get a purebred dog. Ifyou decide that you want a purebred, please investigate the different breeds carefullybefore choosing a dog. Dog breeds vary quite a bit in their temperament, the amount ofexercise they require, and the amount of care (e.g., grooming) they might need.Almost every dog breed was created for a specific purpose – hunting, herding, andguarding are examples. Knowing the characteristics of the breed can help you decidewhether a dog of a particular breed will fit into your family’s lifestyle. Your plain old muttis actually a much more adaptable dog for the way that most people live today, sincemost people don’t need a dog who excels at hunting or herding! Also, mutts are often healthier animals, because of “hybrid vigor”; many purebred dogshave breed-specific health problems. For example, Labradors often suffer from hip andelbow dysplasia, and Chihuahas can have heart problems and hypoglycemia. 

Where should I get my dog? 

There are many wonderful dogs (including purebreds) at your local shelter. Statisticsshow that 25 percent of dogs in shelters are purebred animals. When you choose one ofthese dogs, you often get the added bonus of knowing that you have saved a life.We don’t recommend that you buy an animal from a pet store. Most pet stores buy frompuppy mills and “backyard breeders” – people who are just in it for the money and oftendon’t care about the health or well-being of the dogs. If you decide to purchase a purebred dog from a breeder, do some research and choosea reputable breeder.

All dog breeders are not alike – the top-quality breeders work hardto produce genetically healthy, emotionally sound puppies. They have an interest inensuring that each puppy has a happy life. Good breeders have a return policy if thepuppy turns out to be unhealthy; they offer support if you have questions or concerns.Some spay or neuter all their puppies to ensure that careless breeding will not occur.Some questions to ask to determine if you are dealing with a responsible breeder: 

• Can you visit their facility and see all their dogs? (If so, is the facility clean andairy? Do the dogs seem healthy and happy?)• Are they knowledgeable about the breed they are selling?

• Do they show their dogs? (The best breeders are serious about their breed andwant to show quality dogs who exhibit the best of the breed’s standards, and whoare healthy and well cared for.)

• Do they belong to breed clubs? (Belonging to breed clubs also shows commitmentto the quality of the dogs.)• Do they breed more than one breed of dog? (If so, breeding for profit may be theirmain motivation.)

• Have they tested their breeding dogs for genetic problems?Getting a dog from a breed rescue group is another option to consider if you havedecided upon a particular breed. These groups rescue purebred dogs that have beengiven up, for one reason or another, and find new homes for them.

Some breeders alsodo rescue for their breed. To find a rescue group for the breed you’re interested in, do asearch on the Internet (for example, search for “dachshund rescue”).If you feel that you are ready for a lifetime commitment to a dog, do your homeworkand ask lots of questions. If you ever have problems with your dog’s health, training orbehavior, get professional help from a veterinarian, trainer or behaviorist.