Wow, what a ton of great advice you have gotten from your friends here. If I may, I have a post to refer you to. Perhaps it will be of some assistance. I'm new here so I hope this is acceptable. That post is located at: Choosing a Family Pet-Things You Should Know : Down Home Pets : Fun, Facts and Love Thanks so much and good luck. Pick well.

good choice on picking a rescue dog! there are so many dogs out there that need homes and that is the perfect place to find one. my dog is wonderful that i got from petfinder.com

Have updated puppy diary blog:

Puppy Diary - Visiting a Breeder? | Dog Star Daily

Chirag

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Also check out www.dogstardaily.com for lots more free videos and articles about all things dogs.

Chirag

Chirag Patel BSc (Hons), DipCABT, CPDT
San Francisco SPCA Certificates in Training & Behaviour and Dog Aggression
Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers #00923 (UK) #71093 (US)
Pets as Therapy Assessor

www.domesticatedmanners.com
cpatel@domesticatedmanners.com

Yup, i agree wholeheartedly! I also think each dog has a natural energy level that you should use your instincts and gut to find and recognise. If a litter of pups are healthy, vet checked, wormed etc and their parents are sound then it doesn't necessarily mean the first pup that clambers over the rest is the best one, or right one for you. Think about what kind of energy level you have and try to get a dog that matches or has a lower energy than you. At the end of the day a happy dog is a dog that knows where it stands and you are the pack leader. You are the one to determine your dogs rules! It will be very difficult to run/rule your pack when you are quite laid back and your dog is high-energy/bouncing off the walls! Just something else to think about too!!

I agree with Kirlynn. I would truly enjoy having a JRT or a Border Collie but I know I could never begin to give them the kind of regular exercise they would need. My 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are as laid back as I am. Also, I'm sure you are all the same way but in addition to all the other checks I like to put a lot of value on the eyes. Are they alert, tired, sick, sad, scared or excited. You can tell most times what's going on there. All the best.

Once we make our selection let's not forget Crate Training for that new family member.

personally i love dogs and would want to make sure that i would be buying a healthy puppy. yes the info here do really help. will make it easier to choose.

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Hi

I have updated my Puppy Diaries...

If your interested you can read them at:

Puppy Diary (Part 3) - Each Puppy is an Individual | Dog Star Daily

__________________
Also check out www.dogstardaily.com for lots more free videos and articles about all things dogs.

Chirag

Chirag Patel BSc (Hons), DipCABT, CPDT
San Francisco SPCA Certificates in Training & Behaviour and Dog Aggression
Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers #00923 (UK) #71093 (US)
Pets as Therapy Assessor

www.domesticatedmanners.com
cpatel@domesticatedmanners.com

I saw my puppy from two days old and I was fortunate enough to see Grand-dad and Grand-ma in the same house, so I knew from their lines how well bred my puppy was, but everyone is not as fortunate as me. Sally well written, but no matter how careful you are if the breeder is unscrupolous you will not escape, these money grabbing scum, who aren't fit to be near humans never mind animals, will get you, so do be careful and do your homework first.

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A Dog's love is unconditional! and wuff from Alfie Mini black Schnauzer, born 9/10/09. R.I.P Charlie, Harvey and Bobby.

Did you see it in the flesh of on photos? I wouldn't dream of letting anyone see one of my 2 day old puppies, plus the fact I never know what I am keeping so couldn't even promise one to anyone.

Having just had a ghastly experience with a unsocialised Labrador puppy that we bought before Christmas I would certainly check the breeder will take the puppy back if you find it unsuitable and this is backed up by a vet's certificate and GET IT IN WRITING. My experience was in France where we live but was truly awful, we gave the puppy back to the breeder as she proved to be so aggressive and dangerous and I feared for my children and all our neighbours' children. The cheeky sod promised a full refund in due course by bank transfer and then completely changed his tune the minute he had the dog back. He even tried to claim legal rights over the dog by fabricating a story that we had abandoned it on his doorstep (sure, who makes a 5 hour round trip to abandon a dog??) My children lost their savings and we spent weeks living with the guilt of not having been able to do anything about keeping the puppy. An unsocialised dog is not something you can easily spot in the breeder's home.