Many people want to get a purebred dog or cat but don't know the right questions to ask the breeder. In addition, sometimes potential pet parents don't know what they are getting themselves into by bringing a dog or cat into the house.
I found a good summary of the questions you want to ask a breeder and yourself about bringing a new dog into the house. It's focused on Golden Retrievers but I think it is equally applicable to other types of dogs and maybe even cats (except the exercise part).
The questions to ask yourself are very enlightening:
- Can I take full responsibility for this dog and all of its needs for his lifetime? (approximately 10 years) (not something to delegate to the children)
- Can I invest the time, money, and patience it takes to train my dog to be a good companion? (this takes a lot of time and devotion)
- Can I always keep the dog safe, not let it run loose, or ride in the back of an open pick-up truck, and not let it be chained outside?
- Can I make sure my dog gets enough attention and exercise? (a Golden needs several hours of both, every day)
- Can I live with lots of shedding, retrieving, drooling and activity for its entire lifetime?
- Can I spend the money it takes to provide the proper vet care? (not limited to vaccines, heartworm testing and preventative care, along with spaying or neutering and annual checkups)
- Am I willing to be educated about the proper care of this breed? (correct training and grooming)
- Am I willing to keep the breeder informed about the dog's progress and any problems that might crop up?
- Do I have the patience to accept the trials of Golden puppyhood along with its rewards and enjoyments?
- Will I be able to continue to accpet responsibilities for this dog despite life changes? (like babies, moving, divorce)
- Can I resist impulse buying (for a dog) and have the patience to make a responsible choice?
- Does everyone in the family want this dog?
