This text is a continuation of an earlier text. You can find it here. In this text we're going to talk about getting a dog - whether it's from a breeder, a local shelter or if you're buying from a person who rehomes their dog.

Be careful

When you have made the big choice of getting a dog, you should be careful and take all precautions you can. You want to avoid getting a dog that you can't handle.

Puppy mills and the lack of dog care

It happens again and again and again that people keeps buying from puppy farms or from people who doesn't care about dogs and only want a quick cashgrab. If you want to buy a puppy you should really be on the lookout. There are signs to look for.

• Never get a dog under the age of 8 weeks

• Don't pay in advance, you might get scammed.

• Find out where the puppy was born, whether it's in your home country or if it's in another country. You should be given all the legal documents regarding the import of the dog as well as vaccination certifikates if it was born outside your country

• Whenever you're going to meet the pup of your dreams, are you allowed to meet them in their home enviroment? Never ever buy a dog in a parking lot. Puppy farms/mills breed dogs under disgusting conditions, crowded and filthy enviroments that violates The animal welfare act. Obviously they won't show you the place where the puppies has been kept. Usually they are confined in small cages, covered in pee and feces, with no possibility to play or move around. Due to lack of socialisation and care they might end up with an array of health problems and it's a big possibility they end up developing behavioural problems.

• Don't buy a dog/puppy from a pet store. The dogs provided in shops are most, if not always, from puppy mills. Selling dogs in shops is banned in countries like Sweden.

• Always ask to meet the mother of the puppies. Is she healthy looking? Does she have a good temperament? Is she aggressive? If possible, ask to meet the father as well. Sometimes you can't because the breeder often uses male dogs from other breeders/people.

• Make sure that the mother is the real mom. Sometimes they might display a healthier female to convince you that they're the real deal. "A dog who has recently had puppies will show clear signs (visible teats) and have bonded with her puppies. If she seems wary of the puppies she may not be their mum" (psda.org)

• Ask for a purchase document where you can find the name of the breeder, their adress and their phone number.

• Don't buy a pup that has no vaccinations and doesn't have an inspection certificate older than 7 days.

• If the breeder tells you that the puppy has a pedigree but they'll send it to you later, more often than not, the dog doesn't have a pedigree. You should get the pedigree at the same time as you get your pup.

• If the puppy is a mixed breed, find out exactly what breeds where mixed in if possible. It can be important to understand your dogs basic needs such as exercise which varies lot depending on breed.

• Ask questions! A good professional breeder will be able to answer and give you advice/guidance.

• Make sure to get a good insurance for your puppy.

Read more: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/could-you-spot-a-puppy-farm

Adult dogs from shelters or dogs looking for new homes

It can be a very good idea to get an adult dog. You won't have to deal with all the work that comes with a puppy and the dog most likely already has an established personality. Since it's adult the person caring for the dog will also know more about it, like how much exercise it needs and if it's scared of anything.

Please ask questions and make sure you keep your head above water. Make sure that the person speaks the thruth and make sure that you are able to handle the dog. Many dogs have traumas, agression or other behavioural problems that needs to be dealt with correctly. Unless you are absolutely sure that you can provide a safe, helpful, guidance, don't get a dog with too much anxiety. Having a dog should be fun and not an everyday endless struggle that makes you miserable. There is nothing wrong with getting Help from a good proffessional trainer or a behaviourist, but then you have to be on board and fully commit!