photo credit: janiejonesmt
So you’re ready to get your next puppy, and have done your research in choosing a breeder. Or maybe you’re about to pluck a puppy from a shelter or rescue out of a litter that arrived with its mother. Of course you will want to know as much about your new puppy’s upbringing as possible, and when purchasing from a breeder, this includes meeting the sire and dam in person. As puppies aren’t ready to be placed into their new homes until eight weeks or so, that should leave you plenty of time to visit with the litter and parents, when possible.
Here’s what to watch for in the sire and dam of your new pup:
- Are they friendly? By friendly, we don’t mean tail wagging and sniffing and jumping all over you. That’s arousal. We mean, is the dog eager to be held, petted by you or interested in playing a game with you after an initial greeting? Or does he or she wander off and ignore you? (Or worse, stay in a corner and bark?) A dog with little social reaction to humans often won’t tolerate handling. If the dog is interacting in a gentle, attentive way with the breeder or foster person but not you, that’s fine — so long as the dog isn’t actively avoiding you or displaying overt signs of aggression, such as barking or growling.
- Do they live in the house? If either the sire or dam lives primarily outdoors, or in a kennel, beware. There’s usually a reason the breeder or foster parent doesn’t want the dog in the house — regardless of what he or she tells you.
- Are they mature? An immature sire or dam (younger than 2 years) may have hidden health problems that haven’t yet surfaced. When buying from a breeder, be sure the stock has been health tested for diseases common to the breed, and that the breeder’s contract covers the pup for inherited diseases for a minimum of two years.
- Do they appear to be in good health? Of course you will take your new puppy to the vet almost immediately after bringing him or her home, but picking a puppy whose sire or dam is ill or in poor condition means your pup’s immunity may also be compromised.
- Do you like the parents? Listen to your gut — if something seems off about either parent, or you find yourself worrying about either parent’s behavior, look elsewhere. While training and environment certainly play a part, your puppy will inherit traits from both parents! Don’t feel pressured to take a puppy whose parents you wouldn’t take home.
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The Athens County Humane Society is holding a registration session THIS Friday, March 6, from 5:45-7:15 p.m. at the Village Building next to the Shade Community Center on old Route 33 for spring low cost spay/neuter clinics. Because of high demand, the registration process may take approximately 30 minutes.
Pre-payment — cash only – is mandatory to be scheduled for an appointment.
Financial assistance with spay/neuter cost is offered to animals owned by Athens County residents, who also have qualifying proof of low income as defined by the Ohio Pet Fund. A copy of qualifying proof must be left with ACHS, originals will not be accepted.
Regular clinic prices are available to anyone who would like to utilize the clinic. Registration is still required.
Please see the ACHS website at www.athenshumane.petfinder.com for information on prices, requirements for qualifying proof of low income, and proof of residency documents that must be shown for financial assistance.
Rabies vaccinations are mandatory. If your pet is up-to-date with their rabies vaccination, please bring a copy of verification to leave with ACHS, so that the pet will not have to receive the vaccination again.
For additional information, messages may be left at the end of the ACHS recording by calling (740) 592-6047.
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