Because the decision to bring a puppy into your home is one that will last the dog’s lifetime, it’s important to determine if the time is right. Is your home life suitable for having a dog? Also, how will you find the best place to adopt or buy your puppy? Let’s take each decision one step at a time.

Just because a child asks for a puppy for Christmas or on his or her birthday doesn’t necessarily mean that the time is right or that there is a capable person who will take responsibility for the puppy’s well-being. Will the dog be alone 8 or more hours a day? In this case, it will be difficult to educate, socialize and exercise this pup. Is your house dog friendly? Does your landlord, apartment building, or condo complex allow dogs? Are you as supportive of a pup as the one you started your search for, and do you understand the commitment, related expenses, and training requirements involved? Is your child the only one who wants a dog and he or she is supposed to do whatever is required? The answers to these questions are extremely revealing and important. It is very important that everyone involved in the purchase of the puppy knows that the puppy needs care throughout its life. Vet bills will need to be paid and accommodations will need to be adequate.

It’s also important to note that just because a child walks up to and chooses a particular puppy doesn’t mean that particular dog is the right fit for their family long-term. Shedding, exercise, size, and temperament vary greatly and are important considerations when choosing a breed. If the decision to buy a dog is made impulsively by a child, you probably have no idea what it will be like to live with the cute pup you see today as an adult. For example, a Yorkshire Terrier, a playful Maltese, a small toy poodle or a fluffy Pomeranian, while very attractive to a young child because they are so small, are not suitable for living in homes with young children. These diminutive breeds are fragile and cannot tolerate excessive handling, pushing or chasing and can be easily injured. Even if a young child does well with guinea pigs, for example, it doesn’t mean he or she is mature enough to handle a small puppy. Puppies don’t automatically land on their feet when they fall out of a child’s arms or off a bed or couch. This situation can lead to serious injury or even an aggressive pup biting or biting to avoid rough treatment.

On the other hand, a playful Golden Retriever, Boxer, English Mastiff, Bernese or stocky Labrador Retriever can often make very good companions for young children. These breeds enjoy outdoor games and games in a fenced-in yard. It should be noted that while these and other breeds can make good companions for children, they grow quickly, can be very boisterous, and chew for several months, making them good pets only if they are raised with responsible training. There are also many medium-sized breeds that adapt well to family life, such as Boston terriers, Pugs, Cavaliers, Westies, and Cockapoos, to name a few. If allergies are a problem, some of the breeds to consider are Poodles, Shih Tzus, Bichons, or Soft Coated Wheaten terriers.

After considering whether or not your current home life is right for a new puppy, the decision of where to find him can be overwhelming. Rescue organizations are a good option, especially if the selection of a specific breed or age are not of the utmost importance. If you have specific reasons for wanting a particular breed or a young puppy rather than an older dog, good breeders and even good stores may be considered.

There are good and bad breeders, as well as good and bad stores. This variation in quality and reputation is true across all industries, and it’s no different with puppies. Home breeders are not required to be licensed inspected or trained. The challenge is finding a compassionate breeder with experience, knowledge, and a good aftercare program that will provide reassurances and protections if an illness or problem occurs. It is never advisable to buy from a breeder without seeing it online! This is extremely risky as websites are unregulated, breeders do not have to have a license to sell online, and buyers are often very disappointed. They may buy a sickly puppy from a so-called poor breeder, or their money may be lost to an elaborate scam with a fake website or advertisement. Personal referrals to a breeder or store are the surest ways to find a puppy.

A pet store that has a long history, good health guarantees, and a good Better Business Bureau rating (which can be found at BBB.com) is often a great source and has many advantages for the customer. Most states require each store to have a veterinarian who oversees the care of the puppies and administers vaccinations. You can contact the store vet to ask questions about the store before making your purchase. A good pet store will have a wide selection of breeds to choose from and trained staff who can explain the characteristics and requirements of many breeds to help you find a good match for you and your family. Pet stores generally must be inspected and licensed by the state. Many states also have additional requirements, such as requiring that puppies be purchased only from licensed and inspected breeders. Stores must also provide adequate medical care and living conditions to maintain their licenses. The best stores will add additional guarantees to the state’s minimum requirements.

The bottom line is that wherever you choose your new puppy, the people you buy it from need to be experienced, knowledgeable, and sensitive to your needs. They should be able to provide complete vaccination records, purebred dog registration papers, feeding recommendations and basic training advice. Ideally, they should have basic supplies available to help you settle in with your new pup. They should be able to offer health guarantees in the event of a congenital condition leading to premature death or immediate illness requiring treatment soon after purchase. They should also be available to you by phone or in person for further questions or assistance. In general, they should be the type of people or places you feel comfortable referring other people to.