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How to Select a Puppy That's Right for You

How to pick a puppy that is compatible with your home and family.

Patricia Kime

Page 4 of 4

With all this help, you're likely to find a new friend. You've done the research, did the tests and are ready to take the plunge. Buy the dog. Take it to a veterinarian for a once-over. Then take it home to name, nurture and love. You'll need to begin house training immediately, and you should consider starting light obedience training. Most of all, spend time enjoying your new pet. The time you invest now will reap you dividends as it ages.

Once you're at home sitting with a puppy in your lap, you'll wonder how you ever managed without such a loving friend. New dog owner Patty Goebner of Lower Gywnedd, Pa., said she made the right decision in buying Ranger, now an 8-month-old yellow Labrador Retriever.

She fell for his soulful eyes and goofy grin, but in reality she and husband Mike watched a multitude of videos, read books, saw a veterinarian, visited several breeders and looked at many pups.

"I just adore him. He's the greatest dog," Goebner said.

And, of course, he is.

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Reader Comments
we woould like a dog
kim, muskegon, MI
Posted: 10/22/2009 7:58:05 PM
RE: Newfies.... can you consider going through their rescue organization? Personally, I would never get a dog where the breeder is not a member of their breed specific national or regional club. In certain breeds in some instances it is a red flag that they might be a puppy mill. The breeders are not making much money on a $1,000. I realize that this is a lot of money but the costs associated with a careful breeding program can include: stud fee, several progesterone tests on the bitch to determine best time for optimal breeding, artificial insemination (semen collection and assessment), several trips to the vet for dew claw removal, tail docketing, 1st wellness check, 1st shots at 8 weeks, industry standard whelping boxes (which include heating units), plus food. I know some breeders and they come out sometimes with just a couple of hundred in their pocket, which they probably have to paid taxes on, in addition to taking time off from their 9 to 5 jobs! 20 years ago I breed and came out with a profit of $80 per puppy after all was accounted. One other consideration… some breeders will “co-own” just to place a puppy in a home and make room for the next litter. Co-owning is becoming more and more popular. You might be obligated to let the breeder use him for breeding or semen collection, or having a puppies.
Susan, Milwaukee, WI
Posted: 8/26/2009 5:07:09 AM
good article thank you
janet, bethlehem, PA
Posted: 8/14/2009 4:32:00 AM
My wife and I love Newfoundlands, had three in our early years of marrige. Then you could afford one and now it is almost the down payment on a car! Then another problem is they want you to have a fenced yard. I looked into this for our area and the lowest quote was $10,000 not including gates. You can't touch a newfoundland anymore unless you have won the lottery! The breeders say they are not in it for the money, So, why do they charge so much and if they are paying a vet that money they should look for a different vet. We just wanted a nice companion again but we like to walk our dog ourselve and not turn it out in a fenced yard. I know all about the car thing and letting them just run, But not everyone does that as people who breed Newfies have classified everyone in this group. My wife and I have seen some really bad conditions when we showed up to see a prospective Newfie puppy over the years. These peoople were supose to be registered with the 'The Newfound Club Of America' to, Oh well, I have let off my steam now. Some day we will find a breeder that doesn't want a housement of a $1,000 no matter what they are giving the vet.
TJ, Bethel, OH
Posted: 7/28/2009 9:04:30 AM
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