1) Did not research the breed you intend to buy. Some of us just want a very cute well-behaved dog for our families or ourselves. Researching the attributes and needs of your pet of choice is always smart. Your dogs will likely live with you for over a decade or more or so it is always good to know what you are getting yourself into. In your research, consider the following:
What is the dog's temperament and are they good with children?
What are their specific needs (diet, exercise, etc.)?
Is your breed prone to separation anxiety? If so, what alternate breed would you consider?
A little research can take you a long way in learning what dog is best for you.
2) The buyer did not consider the intension for the pet in relation to its physical attributes. If you are considering getting a Boxer for your family and have two energetic children, this breed would be a great choice. However, if you are considering a Boxer for your 85-year-old mother-in-law, a Boxer may be too strong for her to handle. This may be not a good match. Researching the attributes of your potential pet can help you make a better decision about the best dog for you or your loved one.
3) You have decided to purchase your pet from a pet store versus a reputable breeder. "Puppy Mills" often supply pet stores with their inventory. For more information on "Puppy Mills," see the HBO documentary "Madonna of the Mills." Depending on the breed of dog you are looking for, the price difference for a pet purchased from a pet store versus one from a high-quality breeder can be from $400 to $2800. Dogs can live for 12+ years. Although the initial cost of a purebred is more, the accumulative lifetime medical costs of a puppy from a pet store are likely to be greater. This does not guarantee that your purebred will be problem free, but having documented historical data of its health and behavior will increase the likelihood of owning a problem free dog.
4) You did not prepare for your pets' arrival. Before you bring you puppy home, you should have a place prepared for it. This should include perhaps a dog bed and a variety of toys. You do not want your puppy choosing things for itself like the base molding of your home or an expensive pair of shoes to chew on. Provide it toys to keeps it's attention away from other things. Puppies will also have accidents so keep this in mind when picking your location.
5) You did not puppy proof your home and yard. The best way I found to puppy proof you home is to get a perspective of what your puppy will see. This means getting down on all fours and crawl around. Look for things like: choke hazards, electrical cords in areas where they can chew on, out of your view. Look at the length of drapes and drapes or window blind draw strings. What you find may surprise you. Are there areas they can get into, that they cannot easily get out of? Do they have access to cleaning supplies or other household chemicals? Are there poisonous plants within their reach? For example, Sago Palms are used in landscaping and as houseplants. The plants and seeds contain a toxin called cycasin that can be fatal to dogs if ingested. Immediate medical care will be needed if they do. Check for these and other poisonous plants and dangers in your house and yard. Finally, look for other things like choke points and escape routes. You will be surprised how small an area that a puppy can squeeze under or through.
What is the dog's temperament and are they good with children?
What are their specific needs (diet, exercise, etc.)?
Is your breed prone to separation anxiety? If so, what alternate breed would you consider?
A little research can take you a long way in learning what dog is best for you.
2) The buyer did not consider the intension for the pet in relation to its physical attributes. If you are considering getting a Boxer for your family and have two energetic children, this breed would be a great choice. However, if you are considering a Boxer for your 85-year-old mother-in-law, a Boxer may be too strong for her to handle. This may be not a good match. Researching the attributes of your potential pet can help you make a better decision about the best dog for you or your loved one.
3) You have decided to purchase your pet from a pet store versus a reputable breeder. "Puppy Mills" often supply pet stores with their inventory. For more information on "Puppy Mills," see the HBO documentary "Madonna of the Mills." Depending on the breed of dog you are looking for, the price difference for a pet purchased from a pet store versus one from a high-quality breeder can be from $400 to $2800. Dogs can live for 12+ years. Although the initial cost of a purebred is more, the accumulative lifetime medical costs of a puppy from a pet store are likely to be greater. This does not guarantee that your purebred will be problem free, but having documented historical data of its health and behavior will increase the likelihood of owning a problem free dog.
4) You did not prepare for your pets' arrival. Before you bring you puppy home, you should have a place prepared for it. This should include perhaps a dog bed and a variety of toys. You do not want your puppy choosing things for itself like the base molding of your home or an expensive pair of shoes to chew on. Provide it toys to keeps it's attention away from other things. Puppies will also have accidents so keep this in mind when picking your location.
5) You did not puppy proof your home and yard. The best way I found to puppy proof you home is to get a perspective of what your puppy will see. This means getting down on all fours and crawl around. Look for things like: choke hazards, electrical cords in areas where they can chew on, out of your view. Look at the length of drapes and drapes or window blind draw strings. What you find may surprise you. Are there areas they can get into, that they cannot easily get out of? Do they have access to cleaning supplies or other household chemicals? Are there poisonous plants within their reach? For example, Sago Palms are used in landscaping and as houseplants. The plants and seeds contain a toxin called cycasin that can be fatal to dogs if ingested. Immediate medical care will be needed if they do. Check for these and other poisonous plants and dangers in your house and yard. Finally, look for other things like choke points and escape routes. You will be surprised how small an area that a puppy can squeeze under or through.
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