What kind of home is best suited for a puppy?

Question

I haven't had puppies in my home since I was a teenager. The dogs I've adopted as an adult have been adult dogs.


Breeders and rescuers: what are some of the reasons puppies are returned to you?

What kind of home would you consider ideal for a puppy?

What kind of a situation would you try to discourage someone from adopting a puppy? Why?

What kind of home is not quite ideal for a puppy, but could be workable? What are your suggestions?

What should people who are interested in a puppy think about before taking the plunge?

I'm not thinking about getting a puppy, I just thought this might be a good question for people who are thinking about a puppy to refer to.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Thanks for posting the question. I haven't had a puppy since I was a teenager either, because my lifestyle isn't appropriate. I wish more people would give careful thought to getting puppies.

The breed can make a big difference. But a small dog isn't necessarily "smaller" work.

That said, way too many people think it would be great to have a puppy, but fail to consider that they need exercise. That means having the space for him to run around and play or a routine walking schedule with his owner. Regardless of breed, most areas have lease laws and require you have your animal under control at all times. If you don't have acreage, don't just think you can fence in your yard and leave the puppy outside. It's cruel to the animal. Besides your neighbors, no matter how much they love animals, don't want to listen to constant barking, baying, or whining. When walking him, most laws rquire you pick up the poop. Don't just let them run into your neighbors' yards, take a dump, and walk away. It's filthy and inconsiderate. And illegal. You have to make a commitment to the dog AND your neighbors. If you can't, you shouldn't get a dog.

All dogs need at least some obedience training. You need to learn how to do this and devote the time necessary for the puppy to learn basic commands.

You also have to provide appropriate medical care, which can be expensive. At a minimum, a puppy must have all required vaccines and shots and, unless you want to breed (another story altogether), you MUST spay or neuter them. More court cases than you'd want to think about occur when a dog is "in season" and breaks out of their yard or off their leash and causes damage to property, people, or others' pets.

In short, think long and hard before getting a puppy. Not everyone has the lifestyle, space, or commitment necessary to be a dog-owner--in fact, most don't. You can get a gerbil or something else in that case.

Answer 2

Reasons puppies are surrendered to rescue: Getting too big, they didn't realize puppies were so much work, kids are allergic, too hard to train, barks too much, etc, etc.

Ideal Home: Any home that knows what the heck they are doing and knows what to expect. If the people understand what they are getting into, I have found that they will know how to make it work for the dog, no matter what.

When I would discourage someone getting a puppy: Someone that has never had a puppy and has small children or works full time. As I said before, I think these situations can be worked out if the adopters have had a pup and know what they are getting into.

Not ideal but workable: Really, anything is workable if the adopters WANT to make it work and understand dogs.

What people should think about before getting a puppy: Do they have enough time to watch this dog 24/7 or are they willing to crate train? Are they willing to properly excercise a puppy if it turns out to be really high energy? Are they willing to properly train this dog and hire pro trainers if the dog turns out to be a handful? Do they understand that despite their best efforts the pup will have regressions in training and probably make a few mistakes? Do they know how to train puppies to get along with kids and vice versa? Most importantly, are they patient and willing to work with a puppy?

Answer 3

For me, each puppy's personality is a factor in accepting a home for it. I had one wonderful family come to see my pups one day, and from going over their application and talking to them, I pretty much knew which pup they'd be happiest with. When they arrived, the parents fell in love with a totally wrong pup, a girl, but the kids and the boy pup *I* had in mind for them were totally head-over-heels for each other. I explained to the parents that the kids, while not rough with the pups, were very energetic, and the pup the parents wanted was too mild for that. Constant exposure to that energy level would make her into a nervous nellie. So they took the one I had already chosen for them home, and I get a letter or e-mail every few months now, and still baby sit him on occasion. They admit now that they were a bit peeved when I insisted they take the boy pup, but now are very glad I stood my ground.

Ideal for one dog may be hell for another. I have a rescue placed in a city where she has to be leash walked and she is fine there. I have a rescue here that I will insist on a large, fenced area for her to play daily.

I think the most important thing for a potential new dog owner to consider is finding a reputable source to adopt or buy their new pet. People who are responsible and ethical will help an owner find the RIGHT dog, even if it isn't the one they have available. They should think hard about whether they can afford the expense and time puppies entail.

I have only had one puppy returned. The couple had just lost their own dog to old age a couple of months prior, and thought they were ready. They took him home, and the wife called me the next day in tears. She said he was adorable, but she kept thinking of the dog that died, and had been crying all night. I told her no problem, I understood, and to bring him over. I refunded the whole purchase price. This would have been a good home if it was ready.

This is a great Q. Thanks for asking it.

Answer 4

puppies are usually returned because the "owner" didn't realize what a huge responsibility it is to have a puppy...potty training, teething, socializing...etc. it's a lot for some ppl to handle. it's much like having a newborn baby (and yes i know, i have 4 human children and 4 four legged children).
another reason is because the cuteness factor wears off as the puppy goes through it's awkward adolescent stage. they are still very much a puppy, but without that cute appeal impatient owners soon regret their decision on having a dog.
many come from first time owners that realize their lifestyle is suffering since they have something to be responsible for.
still another reason...the owner didn't realize how big the puppy was going to be. a St.Bernard is very very cute and cuddly as a puppy and the idea of having this breed was probably more fun that actually having it. they are large dogs, and they drool.
i would chalk most of it up to owners getting a dog based on the cute factor instead of knowing about the breed. or there are those that really want a dog that is on TV (oh that dog is so cute, i really want one...) can't tell you how many times I've heard that!
or they want a "fashion" statement...some live doll they can carry around in their purse as an accessory. (that is becoming a HUGE problem lately and the number of small breeds coming into the shelter system has almost doubled because of it!)
then there the ALL TIME popular reasons (and ones that make me MAD as HELL!)
1.we are moving and cant take him w/us...
had one couple tell me "we are moving to Oklahoma...and can't take our sweet boy w/us"...oh they don't allow dogs in OK? it's just a lame excuse. if you are going to have a dog...think about the FUTURE are you always going to be prepared to have a home for your dog?
2. We are having a baby.
this one really pisses me off. these are ppl that have dogs IN PLACE of children, and as soon as they have a baby, the tend to freak out that their sweet pooch will turn on the new baby...which is silly. dogs can be prepared to welcome home a new pack member. if you're too lazy to do that don't consider a dog at all.
(i have 4 dogs...they have seen me bring 2 of my 4 children home from the hospital because i have prepared them for it...my dogs LOVE their new pack members)


an ideal home is one in which the potential owners have educated themselves about the breeds they are interested in, and have decided on a breed based on their knowledge of what their family NEEDS. they can admire and respect a breed but not own one, because they know it wouldn't fit into their family (ex. i LOVE jack russell terrier...but i wouldn't own one. they are wonderful dogs...but way to much energy for my family).
a good owner is someone that expects to take care of the puppy for the rest of his life, and is prepared to cover vet costs for the next 10-20 yrs.

i would discourage someone getting a puppy that only wants one cause they think it's cute, or because someone famous has one, or because they think they need someone to love them...even if they do work 40 hrs a week and are rarely home, or someone that seems to only want the puppy for as long as it's a puppy..then they are on to the next dog.

a home that is not quiet ideal but could be workable: would be a home that a puppy is already in and the owners love the dog...BUT don't understand what the dog need, but are willing to learn. i would suggest puppy classes, and reasearching your dogs breed, talking w/others that own that breed and are pros at owning that breed.

think about this:
this animal, this living breathing creature will depend on YOU for the rest of it's life. EVERYTHING that you do, or DONT do for this animal will effect it's life. if you cannot or will not learn as much as you can about taking care of a puppy or a specific breed of puppy..get a gold fish! there are enough dogs in the shelter system as it is.
10,000-16,000 dogs DIE every day in shelters because there are not enough homes for them.

Answer 5

They are young and energetic and need room to play and run around. They should have plenty of toys and anything important should be out of their reach so it doesn't get torn up. I would also give a new puppy a food for puppies with all the vitamins and things that growing dogs need. I hope this helped.

Answer 6

You have to be committed, responsible, have time to exercise the dog, have finances to train and provide adequate food and health care. And patience, Puppies are notorious trouble makers because they are just like babies and kids, they have No idea of what behavior is appropriate and the rules of the house, so it is up to you to provide that structure.

Answer 7

since i have a baby puppy they need a wide space to run around and have fun and they need plenty of toys or theyll use ur shoes as toys