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Adopting a puppy is always a good thing, whether you do it from a shelter or from a breeder, but buying a puppy from a breeder has recently been frowned on by those who believe there are so many dogs up for adoption from shelters that no one should have to purchase a dog. While it is true that shelters are full of loveable dogs, there are still reasons why some people want or need to buy from a breeder such as those that use an adoption site like californiapuppiesforsale.com. The thing is, buying from a breeder really isn’t much different from getting a dog from a shelter. You’re adopting a new pet either way.

Special Needs

Not everyone can just go into a shelter and adopt the first dog that they connect with. Some people who really want to become dog owners have to have a specific type of dog for one reason or another. For instance, people who suffer from allergies usually can’t adopt a dog that sheds because they’re allergic to their dander. They need a dog that has a hypoallergenic coat and these dogs don’t come up for adoption through shelters very often, or if they do, they are adopted right away, especially if they are on the younger side.

Other people may need to adopt a specific breed of dog to train as a service dog. Not every breed is well-suited for this purpose and those that are don’t often find their way to shelters. Plus, it’s harder to train an older dog to become a service animal even if they have the temperament to learn how to be one. You might be able to find an already-trained dog at a breed-specific shelter, but there’s usually a reason why a dog is at a shelter in the first place, and that reason may not make it suitable for the important work that a service dog has to do.

Health

When you get a dog at a shelter, you probably aren’t going to know its health history, which can be important if you don’t have the financial means to take care of a dog with a lot of medical problems. While you don’t know for certain that any dog that you adopt won’t have health issues, you can better understand what you’re facing if you get a dog from a reputable breeder. You can choose to adopt a pet with medical needs knowing you’ll be able to afford the medical care. But with a shelter dog, you may not know that a dog has a hereditary medical problem that will arise as it ages. 

Certainly, every shelter dog is carefully examined by a veterinarian, but they can only tell you if the animal is currently healthy or not. They can’t really clue you in on a condition that is going to develop in the future. Whereas a breeder will know this information and be able to provide you with tips to keep the condition at bay or what to do when it does arise. Knowing the puppy’s parents is also a benefit that you’ll get from a breeder. If the parents are both healthy, you’ll feel better knowing your puppy is likely to be healthy too.

Conclusion

Don’t let shelter activists deter you from buying a puppy from a breeder if that’s what you want or need to do. Only you know what’s best for your family and after all, you’re still adopting a dog whether you do it through a shelter or a breeder. Just make sure you choose an experienced breeder with a good reputation to ensure your puppy is as healthy as possible.

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If you’ve recently adopted a puppy from a shelter or a site like texaspuppiesforsale.com, you’re probably excited about taking it to a dog park. You might want to show off your new cute, furry friend or just want to ensure your puppy gets lots of exposure to strangers and other dogs. Whatever your reason is for taking your dog to a dog park, you’ll need to understand two main rules for any dog park. This will make sure the visit is enjoyable for you, your puppy, and everyone else who’s there at the same time.

Pick Up After Your Dog

This should go without saying, but when your dog does its business inside the dog park enclosure, be a good pet owner and pick it up. Most dog parks provide supplies for picking up your dog’s poop and disposing of it in a trash can. But you’d be surprised at the number of dog owners who conveniently “don’t see” their dog when they go number two in on the grounds. Perhaps they’re too engrossed in their phone or they’re busy talking to another dog owner, but whatever the excuse, there really is no excuse for not picking up after your dog.

The dog park is meant for everyone, so it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep it clean and poop-free. You would want other owners to pick up after their pets, so don’t be that owner who thinks the rules only apply to other people. If the dog park you go to doesn’t provide doggy doo bags, be sure to bring your own so that you can take responsibility for your dog’s mess.

Keep Your Dog in the Right Area

Most dog parks will have a written rule not to let dogs in or out of the enclosure so that owners can feel comfortable letting their dogs off leash inside the dog park. But one of the unwritten rules is to keep your dog in the right area for its size. You’ll usually find that dog parks have a separate area designed just for small dogs that keeps them away from the more energetic larger dogs. Even if you really think your dog would love to play on or with one of the structures in the small dog area, don’t bring your large breed dog into that section if small dogs are present.

The purpose of a dog park is to allow dogs of all sizes the opportunity to enjoy a yard-like environment without being on a leash and without the risk of other dogs hurting them. Although a large dog might not intend to hurt a smaller canine, it can happen accidentally, which is why most parks separate the two. If your large breed dog takes a while to warm up to other dogs, you might be able to use the small dog area to get it used to the idea of playing with other dogs, but be sure to ask any small dog owners first.

Conclusion

These rules are usually universal for all dog parks, but you should always check the specific regulations for any dog park you’re visiting before you bring your dog to the area. This will help you and your dog have a good experience at the park and other owners will welcome your return.

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You’ve been looking at all the cute puppies available on Uptown Puppies and you’re really leaning toward adopting one. But is it the right time? There certainly are better times than others to add a four-legged friend to your family, but when are those times? Here’s a short guide that can help you decide whether or not a new puppy is in your future.

 Can You Provide What a Puppy Needs?

This is by far the number one thing you must consider before getting a puppy. Are you able to provide food, shelter, exercise, company, and medical attention for a dog? If the answer is no or maybe, it’s not the right time for you to adopt a dog. You have to be in a financial situation that allows you to pay for the things your dog will need to survive. Obviously, they have to eat and they need a place to live that’s safe and comfortable. But the less obvious needs such as exercise and company are just as important.

If you live in a small apartment that doesn’t have an easily accessible yard, you should not get a dog or at least a large dog that requires a lot of exercise and outdoor activity. If you work 12-hour days and the dog is going to be left alone for that time, you’re not ready to adopt a dog. Puppies are very social animals and need to be around their human owners often for them to have a happy life. If you can’t dedicate a large portion of your day to their well-being, it’s better not to have a dog for now.

Medical attention is another requirement for dogs, but especially puppies. You’ll need to pay for a wellness exam, vaccinations, and tests to make sure your pet is healthy and stays that way. Plus, if your puppy gets into something it shouldn’t, you may have unexpected veterinarian bills as well. Be sure you can afford these services because your dog is depending on you to take care of it.

Do You Have Time to Train a Puppy?

Adopting a puppy means you’re getting a dog that is basically a clean slate. While this is an opportunity for you to raise it the right way, it also means that you’re going to have to dedicate a significant chunk of time training it. If you work a lot or have upcoming travel plans, it might be better to wait to get a puppy until you’re going to be home for a while so you can help your puppy develop good habits.

Are Your Kids Old Enough?

We’ve all seen the darling photos of a toddler cuddling a puppy, but having a young child and a young dog at the same time isn’t always a good idea. Children need to be old enough to understand how to treat and handle the dog and you might also want them to be old enough to be able to take some responsibility for the dog. You don’t want to create a dangerous situation for either your children or the puppy.

Conclusion

If you can answer “yes” to all of these questions, then you’re probably ready to get a puppy. Make sure you research the different breeds so you’re sure to get the dog that fits perfectly into your lifestyle and if you’re not 100% sure you want a dog, wait until you are.

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