Buying a puppy

by Ruwini Jayawardana

Let us assume that you know more or less the type of dog you feel you can best live with. Dog shows are places that are best to visit when making up your mind. Talk to the people who are taking part in the show and find out what their views are about their breed. Many of the exhibitors may be quite frank about the drawbacks as well as the virtues of their breed. In the long run it pays them to be so.

The next step is to look for the right breeder, not necessarily the top one in the breed, who would, quite fairly, expect a premium price for puppies of show standard. Top breeders, however, will often be the most genuinely encouraging to the potential new owner.

Many puppies are still sold at pet shops. This is not a suitable place to find the puppy you want because serious health problems may arise if the animal had been mistreated or not properly looked after during the first stage of its life.

Take your time and be prepared to wait to get the dog you really want. Hasty decisions may become a headache rather than a joy and comfort for you! When you visit the breeder, make your own mind up about the conditions in which the puppies have been reared.

There is some argument on the right age to buy a puppy. The most accepted age seems to be that about eight weeks is right. Much before that may be too early to remove the puppy from the nest and leaving it later may give rise to socialization problems.

The time between six and eight weeks is generally regarded by behaviorists as a critical period in the puppy's development. If the puppy is much older than eight weeks, you need to be satisfied that it has been exposed to a sensible social environment and not simply left in its rearing kennel.

Be honest with the breeder. If you are looking for a show quality dog, do not pretend that you are only looking for a pet companion, in the hope that the price might be lower.

Explain truthfully and carefully the life that the puppy will lead, especially its hoe environment. You may get much valuable advice and the breeder may suggest why it may not be suitable to rear a puppy in such a background. Never expect a guarantee that your puppy will be a show winner.

The breeder should provide you with the puppy's pedigree, and a receipt for its purchase. Discuss with your veterinary doctor on the routine of feeding your puppy.

Some breeders may also give the new owner some sample feed to start the puppy off in its new home.

You should expect a healthy puppy, which had been wormed adequately, probably twice, and is free from skin parasites such as fleas or lice.

You have chosen your puppy. Puppies are at their most venerable during the first few weeks in their new homes.