New Dogs

Choosing and bringing home a new dog or puppy can be an exciting and potentially nerve-wracking experience. For many households, choosing the right dog for your family is just the first step in the sometimes lengthy and complicated process of introducing your new dog to existing canine members of the household.

If you do your research beforehand and prepare your home and your family members for the arrival of the new dog, you are much less likely to have major issues when the big day comes.

The first part of the decision-making process is usually the question of whether to adopt a dog from a rescue shelter or to buy a dog from a breeder. If you choose the latter, there are many pitfalls to be aware of when looking for the right breeder. You want to be sure to avoid irresponsible breeders or anyone tied to puppy mills – a much more difficult road to navigate than many people are aware of.

Do not choose a dog based on his appearance, but rather on his energy level, size, and temperament and see how this matches what you are looking for.

From making the big decision to introductions to children, cats, and other dogs, you will have your hands full when you bring home a new dog. But if you do your homework beforehand, the transition will be much easier for you and your new companion.

 

Related Reading:

• Victoria’s Top 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting a Dog
• Picking the Right Dog for Your Health & Lifestyle