BEFORE YOU BUY A DOG

Are you ready for a dog?
Dogs are a commitment for life and will affect your whole lifestyle.  The average lifespan of a dog is 13 years.  They are not like buying a TV, but are a part of the family with many needs.
They are like having a child, except that a dog never becomes self-reliant and ready to leave home; they are always dependent on you.
All dogs require: shelter, feeding, grooming (difficulty and frequency depend on the type of dog), exercise and play (they are not backyard ornaments), training (which is time consuming and requires consistency).  They need their “messes” picked up (both in the yard and while out for a walk), a fenced yard is a must if your dog is outdoors unattended, and there are by-laws to be familiar with and followed in the city.  If you are ready to do all these things…..

YES, WE ARE READY TO BUY A DOG

What kind of dog?

The best place to start is to get information on the various breeds at your local library or Canadian Kennel Club.  Then contact your local kennel club for assistance in tracking down the right breed for you.
Evaluate your lifestyle- how much time do you have to exercise and groom a dog; shedding or non-shedding- how big of a dog can you handle? (puppies do grow up) – how much room do you have outside; will it be an indoor dog or an outdoor dog- do you have children- have you had a dog before- have you considered the financial needs of a dog (large dogs may cost more to maintain, vet costs, equipment costs) – do you want a male or a female (each has pros and cons, and all pets should be spayed or neutered)- do you have allergies?  What are breed  traits that would be bothersome for you (barking, digging, high energy, herding).  Is the breed you want easy to train? (some are more so than others) Are there any hereditary problems that could develop?
All these things need to be considered when choosing a breed.

PUREBRED OR MIXED-BREED?

First decide if you want a purebred or a mixed-breed dog.
The Lethbridge and District Kennel Club recommends obtaining a purebred dog.  Although the purchase price may be higher, there are definite advantages to obtaining a purebred: size can be guaranteed (mixed-breed puppies may grow much larger than you expect; purebred dogs have height and weight standards), health and temperament can be predicted to a large degree and guaranteed by the breeder.  This is possible by extensive genetic testing by the breeder.  With a mixed-breed you have no way to reliably predict the health or disposition of the dog.  Breed traits are much more predictable with a purebred dog.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR A PUPPY

If you still elect to buy a mixed-breed (bichon/shih tzu, labradoodle) your options are buying privately through the paper or going to the Animal Shelter or Humane Society.  Do not pay a purebred price for a mixed-breed puppy.  The staff at the Animal Shelter or Humane Society are good sources of information and will help you in choosing the right companion for your family.
If you have decided to purchase a purebred dog, the following are guidelines to assist you in ensuring that you are dealing with a reputable breeder and will get a healthy and loving companion who will be with you for many years to come.
Reputable breeders do not place their puppies in a pet store to be sold.  Pet store puppies are often poorly socialized due to being separated from mother and littermates at a young age then kept behind glass for the majority of the day- their most active time when they need human contact.  Generally you cannot see the parents, which is of prime importance – all puppies are cute, but the parents give you an indicator of the disposition and overall health of the puppy.  The purchase price at a pet store is generally the same or higher than if bought from a reputable breeder.  The guarantees of a pet store puppy are generally inferior to those offered by reputable breeders/
Breeders will be there to help you even after the purchase, and because they know their breed, they can often assist you in dealing with concerns you may have regarding health conditions, training, socialization, and any other questions you may have.
Ask yourself, “Would I sell a puppy to someone I have never met and couldn’t be sure the puppy was going to a good home?”  Pet store puppies often come from breeders who are strictly looking at the cash value of the puppies and couldn’t care less who buys them!!

BUY FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER

To find a reputable breeder in your area, contact the Lethbridge and District Kennel Club.  We will assist you in finding a reputable breeder or put you in contact with someone who can.
There are many irresponsible individuals who are now breeding dogs and calling themselves breeders, to capitalize on the popularity of certain breeds.  If you are considering buying a purebred through the paper, contact the Lethbridge and District Kennel Club to make sure you are dealing with a reputable breeder and not someone just trying to make some quick money.
Be prepared to ask and be asked questions.  You know you’re dealing with a concerned breeder if he/she wants to know a lot about the type of environment their puppy will be In – it is much like placing a child in an adoptive home.