top of page

How to Pick a Puppy:

#1:  How to pick the right Breed:

        This is (in my opinion) the single most important question to ask yourself when thinking of adding a pet to your family or household. Every breed of dog was originally bred to do a job.  A lot of characteristics of some breeds are in their DNA, which means you cannot untrain these traits.  (example: shepherds are exceptional at herding livestock.  They may nip and chase small children. trying to "herd" them).  When picking a breed that is right for your family keep the following list in mind:

~ Size of the dog

~ Hair/Fur, Grooming and maintenance of the coat or hair

~ Energy level of the breed

~ General temperament of the breed (some breeds are better with other dogs or children)

~ Activities and hobbies your family enjoys doing. Can your dog enjoy these things with you?

~ Other pets in your house.  What will be a good fit for them

     

#2  How to Pick a Breeder

~ Find a breeder that breeds the breed you are looking for

~ How long have they been breeding for

~ Are they a legal licensed and inspected kennel/business

~ Are the parents on site to visit and see

~ Can you visit and meet the family, parent dogs and puppies (in person or virtually)

~ How do you get onto the Waiting list and how much is a deposit 

~ How many litters do they breed each year

~ Where are the puppies born and raised

~ Are there any genetic or health guarantees

~ What is the puppy pick process

~ What training and exercises do the puppies get the first 8weeks

~ What will your puppy come home with

~ Where does the breeder live? Will you be able to visit, virtual visits etc

#3 How to get ready for your Puppy

~ commit to your breeder by placing a deposit 

~ Make sure small toys, shoes and clothing are picked up and put away

~ Make sure your backyard is safe and will contain your puppy

~ Follow the breeder on social media for updates, newsletters etc. Ask questions, do virtual or in-person visits and enjoy watching your puppy grow and learn

~ Find and connect with a local vet and get an idea of fees for appointments and spay/neuter/sterilization surgery. Puppies get booster vaccines one month after going home, final booster one months after that. Get an estimated cost for spay/neuter/sterilization.

~ Start stocking up on puppy toys and supplies!

A list of Puppy Supplies:

~ Crate with a divider

~ Food Bowl and water Bowl

~ 6 foot leash (non retractable for puppies and training)

~ Collar or harness

~ Dog bed

~ Grooming supplies (brush, nail clippers, toothbrush)

~ Large bag of food. Here is the link and coupon to pre order your food: https://4strongpaws.com/?ref=249

~ Lots of toys and chewables for puppies.  **Small dog toys and bones are for adult small dogs, please make sure your bones are for puppies and puppy teeth**

~ Prepare kids and teenagers by connecting with a trainer or youtube some basic training tips.

~ Bell to hang at a door to help with potty training

​

Spay & Neuter

Spaying and/or Neutering your dog is an essential part in their health and longevity.  Traditionally the thought was to sterilize your dog ASAP (as young as 6months old).  This was the current research and advice from vets at the time. I am not here to judge anyone's decision about this.  I have always been a firm believer in spaying and/or neutering your dog if your not planning to breed them. Now, there is more up to date research and reasons to sterilize your pet for their health. There are also different options for sterilizing your dog now, that were not discussed as options back then. 

​

Some options are:

Traditional Spay and Neuter. This is the full removal of all reproductive parts (both ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus in females, and both testicles in males.)  

Vasectomies for males. both testicles are left for hormone and growth and both vas deferens are removed.  This will prevent unplanned pregnancy and keep the dog horomonally intact. ( as well as his keen nose and sense of smell!)

Tubal ligation for Females. This surgery ties/removes both fallopian tubes but keeps both ovaries and uterus in tact.  This female will stay in tact and cycle for their life, but will not be able to get pregnant.

Ovary Sparing Sterilization.  This is a surgery that removed the uterus (sometimes cervix too), but keeps one or both ovaries for hormonal reasons.  

​

What to Consider when making this Choice:

  •  Unplanned pregnancy can occur in less than 3minutes. A male dog can smell a female in heat from an estimated 1.5km away! Sometimes further.  This is nature. Some males are extremely driven by this smell and will jump fences, and become very distracted and focused on this response. For females, unplanned pregnancy is a big process for her and her body.  Pregnancy and whelping (birth) can be life threatening to some dogs. Unplanned dog pregnancy, by non-breeders, can lead to puppies being donated to the local shelter. This is something I would love to prevent from happening.  We understand that accidents happen, but prevention is key in all parts of owning a dog/pet responsibly.

  • Cancer.  Female dogs are at at higher risk of mammary and breast cancers if they are left with their hormones for life. They are also at higher risk for uterine infections and false pregnancies, if not spayed. Males are at a higher risk of testicular and prostate cancer and tumors if not neutered.

  • Growth and development. Males need their sex hormones' for their bone and muscle development. It is recommended that once a male dog is full grown (about 18months of age) then it is more safe to remove the extra hormones. If hormones and testicles are left after the 18months they dog may be more prone to marking (peeing on things/people), Roaming, protection/aggression and mounting behaviors. It is believed that hormones are responsible for these behaviors and can be reduced with traditional neutering.

​

At the end of the day, we want all dogs to live their best and healthiest life. We feel that sterilizing your dog in whichever way you chose is the best decision you can make for your dog.  We recommend sterilization to take place no later than at 19months of age. We feel so strongly about this, that we will return your $300 deposit to you once proof of sterilization has been completed by a licensed veterinarian, before the dog is 19months old.  

​

​

  

4Strong paws
4Strong paws is a completely Canadian Local dog food company. It uses high quality ingredients and has an autoship option for complete convenience. They offer a few different recipes for their food so every dog can be nourished and live a long healthy life.  Here is a coupon and link for your first order, or to take a look:




https://4strongpaws.com/?ref=249
bottom of page