Red Flags: 5 Things to Avoid When Choosing a Puppy

I think we can all agree that puppies are the best choice for a pet. We could be speaking unobjectively, but we certainly do love them. Sometimes there are red flags - either with us and our living situation or with the puppy itself.

How do we know what to avoid when choosing a puppy?

From new puppy owner regret to just not being ready, we’ll review our top five tips on what NOT to do. Let’s jump into it!

1. Know Your Breeds Before Choosing a Dog

A man's best buddy is his dog. They have been utilized as hunters, guardians, herders, and friends alongside us for many years. Over time, they have been bred and developed for particular jobs. Before you get a dog, it's crucial to understand the specifics of the breed you're thinking about.

“What kind of dog should I get?” is a question you may have asked yourself. There are several breeds to pick from if you're thinking about getting a dog. There is no right or wrong response to this question. Everyone has their own preferences.

Some breeds are more suitable for households with children, while others are more suitable for lone individuals. Additionally, there are some breeds that should never be purchased since they might not be appropriate for a city setting or they might not get along with other animals or people.

Your breeder, your veterinarian, and the plethora of online resources may all offer advice on the broad strokes of what to anticipate with each breed. Compared to other dog breeds, Pitbulls tend to be more hostile toward strangers and other animals. Not much has changed with Chow Chows. Doberman Pinschers are known for biting their owners or launching an assault at anybody who approaches too quickly or closely.

Related posts about choosing a puppy:

Best practices for picking a healthy dog

How to choose a good puppy from a litter

Is it bad to get the last pick of a puppy litter?

You may choose the dog breed that best suits your lifestyle and personality by being knowledgeable about different types of dogs and their personalities.

2. Don't Rush Into a Decision

A puppy is a significant addition to your home. And these little friends may be in your life for 10 to 15 years.

You must confirm the puppy's health, the breed's compatibility with your lifestyle, and your availability for the required amount of training time. Some breeds may need more frequent grooming than others or may not get along well with kids. You must determine if the breed of dog you desire is suitable with these restrictions if you have allergies or live in an apartment complex with a “no-pets rule.”

Make sure you're prepared for the responsibility by doing your homework and speaking to friends and relatives who own dogs.

Prior to making any judgments, take some time to learn as much as you can about what pet ownership consists of.

3. Make Sure Your Family is Ready for a Puppy

Speaking of family…

Puppies may be an excellent addition to yours and are a lot of fun. But there are a number of things to think about, though, before bringing one home.

First and foremost, it's crucial to confirm that your entire family is prepared to take on the burden of raising a puppy. If your family is searching for a dog that will just sit around all day while you are at work or school, then this might not be the perfect pet for you. Puppies need plenty of love, exercise and care.

Be ready for them to wake you up in the middle of the night, gnaw at your belongings, and use the restroom inappropriately. It requires work and responsibility to live with a dog. With your family, this will undoubtedly be a shared duty.

You may ease the adjustment for the puppy by starting out gently. Introduce family members one at a time, if you can, and give your new pet some time to investigate their surroundings. Inform him or her of their sleeping area, outside toilet, and crate, as well as food and drink bowls.

4. Avoid Choosing a Puppy Just Because They are Cute

Dogs are beautiful animals. Puppies are covered in cuteness. That may distract from the issue at hand, which is whether or not you should bring this specific dog home at this very moment.

Puppies are not just cute, they are also a lot of work. They need to be fed, walked, trained and groomed.

We have the ability to relate those adorable faces to other things in our lives. Maybe a puppy looks like a dog that you owned before. Maybe they look like a dog that you admire from a movie or TV show. But this shouldn't influence your decision to adopt them.

You wouldn’t buy a car based solely on its color, would you? Don’t make this same mistake with an innocent puppy.

5. Get to Know the Puppy Before You Buy or Adopt Them

What are you looking for in a puppy?

Do you want a giant dog to protect you? Or do you want a little dog that you could hold in your lap? Do you like a dog that is active or calm? Maybe you want a dog that is intelligent or energetic.

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Whatever you want from your dog long term, make sure you get to know the puppy first. In some places, you can visit and sit with them for an amount of time; see how they play with your or your family members. Even though they are exceedingly young, you can still see parts of their puppy personalities peeking through.

Not every place allows on-site visits, however. There are places - us included - that will give you virtual tours of the premises. Those same places should have some way to help match you with your future most prized possession. We are very proud of our Exclusive Matchmaking System!

Whomever you choose to help you set you up with your pup, make sure that you not only trust them but can get to know your dog prior to shuffling them home.

Picking a puppy is a difficult process. It's a significant choice that has to be made with careful consideration. Make sure you've thought about all the benefits and drawbacks of owning a dog, including yearly and monthly costs.

Puppy care requires a lot of labor. They require feeding, walking, and interaction. They also require having their nails cut, fur combed, and ears cleaned.

But, let's be honest, there isn't a nicer feeling than having a furry companion greet you at the door and with their tail wagging just for you. Avert the aforementioned while picking a puppy, and you're off to a good start!

Jenna and the JLDD Team