Where do I get a puppy? 
Now that you’ve made a decision to get a puppy, the next thing you have to decide is where from? There are many options when deciding where to get a puppy. This article will discuss several options and the pros and cons of each one. Before you decide where you will get a puppy, make sure you know what you will want to do with your puppy in the future; competition obedience or agility, retriever training, protection, or just a good family dog. What you decide your future plans for your puppy are going to be will influence where you get your puppy. Most all of these options apply to getting an adult dog as well, so if a puppy isn’t your speed, you can still see benefits and negatives of each option.
Option 1: A registered breeder.
A registered breeder is one who specializes in one or maybe two particular breeds. The dogs are most always purebred and are registered (meaning they have papers). A registered breeder is, in my opinion, the best place to purchase a puppy, especially if you are looking for a certain breed or are wanting to do some sort of competition with your dog down the line. Read More…
Option 2: A backyard breeder.
A backyard breeder is one who has a dog that they decided they wanted to breed to make money on the puppies. Many times the dog they breed is pure, but sometimes they aren’t. Read More…
Option 3: A newspaper ad.
If you go to the local paper to find a puppy, be prepared to ask a lot of questions about the puppies. Find out medical history of parents, ask to see the place where the puppies are being kept and also ask to see the parents. With a newspaper ad, you will often see “puppy free to a good home”. Be wary of… Read More…
Option 4: The local animal shelter, breed rescue, or pound
The animal shelter, pound, or breed rescue can be a great place to get a dog. Certainly, the dogs in these places usually have a history that is not great but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a great companion. Most dogs that end up in shelters or rescues are dogs that… Read More…
Option 5: A pet store.
I must admit that, of every place listed in this article, a pet store is my last choice for anyone to get a puppy. Having worked in a pet store, I can say from personal experience that the puppies in the store do not usually come from reputable, responsible breeders who care about the puppies they breed. They are usually… Read More…
