by Lillian Joyce

Created on: February 19, 2009

That cute little puppy dog face, the scampering of a playful puppy, who could resist? They feel so soft and furry and they are so adorable trying to run and lick everyones face. Owning a dog is a big decision, one that should not be taken lightly. There are so many things to consider before deciding to purchase a pet. The most important thing to realize is that when you take a new puppy into your home you are making a lifetime committment to that pet. Before making the decision to adopt a puppy, answer the following questions honestly:

If you had to move, would you take your dog with you?
If you had a child, will you still be willing to commit time to caring for your puppy?
Will you regularly excercise and care for your pet?
Can you afford regular vet visits and check ups?
If you had obedience/training issues would you work to correct the undesireable behavior?
Are you willing to spend time with your new pet and incorpriate activities into your day to share with your new companion?
Are you willing to share your life with your dog for as long as he or she lives?

If you answered no or probably to any of the questions above, it's time to seriously reconsider adopting a puppy. If you can honestly say that you would be there for your new friend no matter what, then read on.

Now that you've made the decision to purchase a puppy, you will need to consider what type of breed will best suit you and your family. For instance, a small apartment in a large city would probably not appropriate for a labrodor retreiver or a Siberian Husky. However, a dog with a minimum exercise requirements, like a Lhaso Apso would be a better companion. If you enjoy the outdoors and exercise regularly, you will want to consider a dog with an abundance of energy to keep up with your pace. Another important factor to consider in selecting which puppy is right for you is temperment. If you have small children, a high energy dog will probably not be a good match at this point. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a guard dog, a Golden Retriever would not meet your needs. Research, research, and more research is the best way on finding which breed will fit in with your lifestyle.

Once you've decided on which type of dog you want, you will need to find a reputable breeder. This is not as easy as you might think. Pet stores are not the best places to purchase your new dog. Most pet stores are selling animals from puppy mills. They may boast about clean breeders, but this is rarely the case. Also beware

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