I want to get a puppy, but I don't know anything about dogs?

Question

I want to get a puppy, but I dont know anything about dogs. All I know is that I want a puppy that does not grow into a huge dog. Can someone help me?

Answer 1

Hi,

Great you want to get a puppy, you took the first step information required.

first, do you want to put in the commitment and time into your pup.

A puppy is not for a couple of weeks and then you get bored and want to get rid.

What are your living arrangements, do you have space, time to walk the pup, company, garden, Do you live in a house appartment, flat, have a room.

How many hours are you from home each day, and in weekend and time off, will you spent that with friend away all the time or do you acctually want to spent it with a pet.

I am not saying you should give up your social live, but you do have something that requres looking after.

write down why you want a dog, then write down what space you have and how often you can walk the dog.

The next you want to decide is do I want a small dog or a big dog, they all require looking after, however if you are limited in space you may want to get a smaller dog.

Get a dog book and start reading up on the caracters of the dogs that you like. Look at the size, caracteristics, i.e. friendly, active ( a active dog needs more walks and attention) good for children, good dog books will give all that information. Pick the dog that you think meets all you requirement.

The next step is look at reputable breeders, go visit some, if you like the cicumstances the puppies live in and they are content and you can see the mummy, and maybe the daddy (not always possible) then buy the pup. Before you take pup home, ask the breeder the food it gets at the moment and if you can bring some home with you (seven days food would be great) If you can get the same food great if not gradually change the diet.

Beware a pup is being taken from its mum, security safety, and will be upset and if you put the time in form the moemnt you get your pup, it will pay of in the future and will develop a happy contented dog.

If you have to go away esspecially in the beginning make sure that your pup has its own living space. i.e. basket, rug. with constant fresh water, and lots of play things something like a teddy (furry) from day one, this will be a comfort item. Something to chew (save item esspecially for dog) as puppies love chewing.

Make sure you pup got all the innoculations that are needed and the follow up thata is/are requierd. If the breeder is reputable, this will be done already and you will get a puppy pack wich is full of advice. The record of what injections the pup had, when the next is due etc.

Food requirement when a puppy may be several time a day and this needs to be brought back to one or two (depending on dog breed) eventually. remeber puppies sleep, wake up and they will have to go to the toilet immediatly, a great trick is if you have grass bring them there each time they have to go. This will assoiciate the dog with grass having to go (to the toilet) and your pup is house trained in days. If you feed your pup his stomach will expand and to make room will have to go again, they learn fast and I have trained loads of dogs and the longest it has taken me to house train is 10 days.

Accidents howevr may happen, but that is what they are accidents.

Above are just some guide lines, this will make it an easy transformation into the doggie world and will give you years of fun and pleasure as they will al be idividual caracters.

You can however go to a dog pound, or puppy rescue and just take the pup that you fall for, listen to teh advice however of the people wether is is a big or small or medium sized dog, do go to the dog pound, puupy rescue, with in mind what size dog you want.

You will have lots of fun and laughter and you will have a happier life that you will share with mans best friend. Have camera with you as you will want to make foto's

Have fun, enjoy. the above is a guide line is just that but it will make the experience a pleasurable one.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Your best resource is the local animal shelter!

Talk to the people who run the shelter about what caring for a dog means. Even better, volunteer to spend some time helping the shelter out. You'll get a good idea of what a dogs daily requirements are.

Don't make the mistake and think that a small dog doesn't need as much exercise as a big one. Sometimes it works in inverse and while much of their energy level depends on the breed, once in a while you'll get the exception to the rule.

Once you make the choice and do get a dog, invest some time in classes. The local shelter and PetSmart are some great places to find classes for every level of dog ownership and every level of dog. These classes will help you in the learning curve of bringing home a puppy and are an invaulable resource as you will meet other owners who can become part of your support network.

Answer 3

Melli,

I know pretty much about dogs. Here are two things to consider
.
One, puppies are like babies. They require a lot of work and time.They chew things because they have teeth coming in and it feels good and also because they get bored easily. An older dog will love you faster and learn things faster. They will be instant
friends with you. Is that what you may be looking for?

Two, pure bread dogs have more medical problems that mixed
breeds. That is because there may be a weakness such as
a hip problem in a certain breed. When you breed two dogs of
the same breed the chances are good the puppies will have
that medical problem.

My best advice to you is before you consider a puppy go to
your local animal shelter. They will let you handle the dogs.
See if one doesn't pick you out.

And remember a dog or puppy is a lifetime commitment.
Dogs have feelings. Good Luck.

Judi

Answer 4

worked with animals for over 2 years and going to school to be an animal behaviorist. my best suggestions for you are...... Corgi, Spaniels for medium dogs. DO NOT GET : Border collies if you have small children, they have a very stron urge to herd and nip at their heels and round up the kids, they are too high energy and need too much attention. No Jack russells. Too hyper if you like a more relaxed lifestyle. remember the smaller the dog the smaller the bladder so if you arent home a whole lot. a toy breed wouldnt be a great idea because of housebreaking. I mean it can be done but you really have to take the time and have consistancy. I would definatly get a breed book and if you told me alittle bit more about your lifestyle I could help you more....but I am not able to go on much. if you dont know anything about breeds, please research before hand and dont just go to a shelter or breeder and get just anything. know what to expect especially health issues. and if you ever want a big dog..Newfoundlands are EXCELLENT with KIDS!!!!!!! :) thats my favorite dog. hope that helps some if you have any questions about a particular breed. E-mail me at [e-mail]. I will be happy to help you out.

Answer 5

I think it would be best for you to buy a good book about puppy and dog care. I have a few really great books, but my favorite is the Encyclopedia of the Dog. This book helps with knowing about care for dogs and puppies, and it also has pictures and descriptions of most of the different dog breeds out there. This way you will know about caring for you puppy before you get it, and also what kind of materials you need (crate, toys, food bowls, collar and leash, ect.). Also make sure you can afford a puppy. Vet visits can cost a lot for a puppy because they need to get all of their shots. I think you should look into different vet offices in your area, and call and ask them how much it is for a puppy. A lot of vet clinics have a 'puppy plan' or something like that, where all of their care is packaged into one price, and that way you get a discount. You can also look on http://dogbreedinfo.com/ to see all the different dog breeds, and it also has other helpful information. I hope this helps, Good Luck on getting your puppy!!!

Answer 6

Actually, unless you specifically want a pure bred then I would recommend going to your local humane shelter and adopting an adult dog. That way you will know the actual size of the adult dog. Also the personnel at the humane centre can match you up with a dog right on you. Most shelter can let you return the dog if it is not working out. Generally, the only fee you will have to pay is to bring the dog up to date on his shots. There are many great adult dog who need a good, loving home and most make excellent pets. Good Luck!

Answer 7

The first and most important question u have to ask urself is do u have the time and energy to commit to a new pet they are a very big responsiblity and need lots of care and attention especially a puppy and then there is the cost ,food,vet care,toys things like that .Another thing to consider is do u have the space for a dog i,e, big yard for lots of exercise,anyway i hope this helps good luck .

Answer 8

I would recommend adopting an older dog - not a puppy - so you don't have to worry about housebreaking when you don't know anything about dogs. Plus and older dog means you know how big it will be when it grows up.

There are lots of dogs in rescue who are a year or two old out there who need good homes - please consider saving one of them.

http://www.petfinder.com - click "Shelter and Rescue Groups" in the upper right.

Answer 9

There is lots and lots of info on the net. First decide on a breed (do plenty of research!) and then once you have a shortlist of 3 or 4 possible breeds do more research on each of those and choose the one best suited to your needs. It isn't and short job and if you really want a puppy that badly you will do it.
It really isn't possible to give the info you need here!

Answer 10

then you better read up on it ,dont get a dog until you know what is involved ,talk to people who have had dogs all of their lives ,too many people get dogs ,who know nothing about them ,
and then when they get probñlems discard them .often in cruel ways

you better have a yard ,get a dog house ,can you afford to feed one ,eats about the same as a child .
needs his injections ,some times the vet (this costs money)
needs to be trained
plenty of small breeds around
get one of those .like a dachshund ,or mini poodle
etc.