Direct to Chapter: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22Chapter 10 - Finding A Dog
FINDING A DOG
It is essential not to rush into a purchase. A litter of puppies may not be available when needed. Or an older dog may not have appeared on the market. This does not mean that preparations cannot be made for the dog's arrival. The purchase of a portable kennel or crate will provide a haven for the new dog in the home and is a safe way of transporting it from its original home and to and from the vet. Holes should be plugged, fences repaired and if there is no fence, a portable barrier should be on hand so that the dog will get accoustomed to being enclosed. If a coated breed
has been selected, the necessary grooming tools should be puechased. A family Should decide in advance on words to be used in training the Pup, who will be the source of correction, as well as who will care for a rapidly growing Pup. It may take weeks, months or a year to find the right dog. Owners should feel comfortable with the breeder, have access to pictures of the parents of the dog selected, and have some idea of its genetic make-up. The rarer the breed, the longer the probable waiting period.
WHEN To BRING A NEW DOG HOME?
A well-socialized, correctly raised Pup should go to its new home no later than ten weeks of age. By this time it will have had at least its first two immunization shots, will know its name, and will have some idea of being clean in its quarters. Mentally, at this stage, it should be unafraid, become quickly used to a car, be ready to bond to its owner and learn very quickly what is expected of it. After ten weeks, if the pup stays with its litter mates, it will be more dog oriented than people oriented - a disadvantage for a dog that is to be a pet. At ten weeks, positive show qualities cannot be guaranteed but a good breeder should be able to make a qualified statement as to the good points of a dog and its less positive aspects. Questions about teeth, Mouth formation, growth and showmanship will have to wait
until the pup matures.
If acquiring an older dog, care should be taken as to how it has been raised to date. A totally kennel-raised pup seldom makes the transition to a house well. A dog that has been house-raised, taught a few lessons and has a good disposition is worth considering. Occasionally an older female may become available. She may have put in her time, been shown and completed her championship, been bred and had two or three litters, and is now ready be spayed and settled in a good home. Such a dog is a real find, as any such female will have learned much about life and will adjust comfortably into most situations.
The new pet should not be introduced to the home during times of stress or excitement.
For example, if it is to be a Christmas present, the gift may be announced on Christmas Day but the puppy or dog should be brought home a week or so later when the household has resumed its normal routine. Too much excitement for any animal will only muddle it and make adjustment difficult. it needs a stress free environment in which to settle down and adapt to a new regime in a sensible way.
ADVICE FROM BREEDERS
Each breeder should supply the new owner with instructions for care, a history of health problems, proof of testing and inoculations and a schedule for future immunizations. Good breeders will also give friendly, knowledgeable support from the day the dog is selected to the day the owner shares the dog's death with the breeder. The first three months will certainly require some interaction and caring breeders generally feel and act responsibly for each puppy they breed.
Courtesy of Howell Book HouseChapter List
Early Developments and Variety in Breeds
Breed Classification
Design & Function
The Development of Standards
The Size of Dogs
Simple Genetic Principles
Selection In Breeding
Breeding Systems
Selecting A Dog
Finding A Dog
The Cost of A Dog
Health, General Care and Feeding
Dog Breeding Part I
Dog Breeding Part II
Dog Breeding Part III
Stages of Dog Labor
Development and Training I
Development and Training II
The Competitive Dog
Types of Dog Shows
The Making of a Judge
Exhibiting for the FirstTime