Let us talk about pets

Let's choose a dog

Ruwini Jayawardana

Never be fobbed off with excuses about a condition a puppy is in or its behavior and never buy a puppy because it is the last one left and you feel sorry for it.

It is often said that puppies choose their new owners rather than the other way round. There is much truth to this claim. An overly shy puppy may have socializing problems later. The puppy that comes forward from the nest, asking to be chosen, is probably the right companion for you.

Here are a few hints for you to take note of when choosing your puppy.

The puppy must be alert and have bright, clean eyes.

Its nose must be clean.

Its ears must be free of wax

Its coat must be clean, and pleasant to handle and smell

There must be no signs of sores or grittiness on the skin and coat

The puppy's skin and coat should feel loose and soft.

Make sure that there is no discharge from the eyes. Forgive a scratch or two on the face. Remember that puppies in the nest do not always agree

The inside of the ear should look pink and shiny, without inflammation or dark-coloured wax. It should not look sore.

Sturdy, strong limbs are a must for any breed.

Soreness or inflammination of the eyes or eyes that are not completely clear can be signs of potential or present desises.

Puppies should have a clean bottom. Signs of diarrhea are obvious from a quick examination behind. The whole litter should be examined.

Examine all the puppies carefully and make sure that they have all been well cared for. A puppy is delightful, especially if you've got children in the house, but there may be reasons why an older dog is better.

If you're looking for a good companion right from the start, a young adult dog may be best. A puppy requires someone around all day to properly house train and to develop a good relationship. If you choose an older dog, make sure it is house-trained, a dog that has been kenneled for a long time may not be.

Dogs seek out people and take obvious pleasure in their company. They often fulfill a childlike role and are dependent in their owners for most of their life. This dependency works both ways and your dog becomes part of your family. It makes sense to try to match your lifestyle and preferences to the temperament and needs of the dog.