1. For starters, your new puppy will need to have his own food and water bowl. The best types of bowls to get should be made out of stainless steel. Stainless steel dog bowls are hypoallergenic, clean easily, and can last a very long time. Be sure to avoid plastic food and water bowls at all costs.

I advise against plastic because dogs have a tendency to chew up the sides of plastic bowls which create sharp dents and can cause minor cuts and scrapes  to your dog’s gums.  And of course there is the danger of your dog biting off a piece of plastic and swallowing it. Make sure that both bowls are full and ready to go as soon as your puppy arrives.

2. Deciding on what to feed your puppy is an important decision and you should have put together a nutrition plan ahead of time before bringing your new friend home. Most new dog owners buy dry dog food because they think that it has all of the nutritional needs their puppies will need. Although dry food may be convenient, it is not the best source of vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats for your growing puppy. It is best to consult with an animal nutritional expert will talk with your local breeder as they are professionals at raising healthy dogs.

3. Be sure to have a place for your puppy to sleep.  Bedding is essential but does not have to be fancy or complicated.  In fact, it is best at first to pile some of your old clothes that still have your scent on them for your new puppy to sleep in.  This way he will fill a little more secure with your scent around. You can of course purchase a more elaborate setup but it is not necessary.

4. Toys are an absolute must for a new puppy to be occupied with. However, many new dog owners go a little overboard and bring home lots of different toys, most of which are unnecessary. And if you have too many dog toys lying around it really complicates trying to train your dog to not nibble on everything in the house.  It becomes confusing to your puppy to decipher what is his and what is yours. The best puppy toys are old socks, shoes, or small balls that are big enough to play with but not too small for your puppy to swallow.

Buying a dog or puppy requires responsibility. A well-informed, well-researched decision will lead to a happy dog, a happy owner, and a unique, close relationship with a loyal companion that you have dreamt of. There are a number of different items to consider when buying a dog, from where to buy it, to what kind of dog to buy. Remember, the more you know, the better buying decision you can use.

A prime consideration when buying a dog or puppy is exactly what type to buy. You must take into account the size of your home, yard, and the amount of time you can share with the animal. So, don’t just walk into a place and pick out the cutest little puppy, because he or she may just grow into a very large St. Bernard or Sheepdog. This choice might not be a bad one, but if you have a small apartment or house, your dog may very well outgrow you. Some breeds need more exercise than others, so consider yard size and the amount of time you have available in a day to walk him or her.

Time is another factor to think about when buying a dog. In addition to walking and exercising the dog, it will require grooming, training, and playtime with you. Do you have the time to fulfill your dog’s needs? Dogs are social animals by nature. They desire attention and need you to spend time with them making them feel a part of the family. In return your dog will care for you by loyalty and protection.

The AKC’s (American Kennel Club) Complete Dog Book lists pictures and descriptions of each recognized breed, and is a wonderful source of information when buying a dog. You can choose a breed whose characteristics fit your world. You can choose a pure bred or a mixed breed. When choosing a pure bred, you will know their size, coat, temperament, and what type of care they require. This will remove any of the guesswork when buying a dog.

Cost is also important when buying a dog or puppy. It may cost quite a bit to purchase a dog, and then there are training, feeding, and grooming costs as well as veterinarian bills. It can get costly and you should consider if you have the resources to adequately care for the animal.

A pet store is not the best place to look when buying a dog. These dogs can be diseased or come from puppy mills, which usually offer inhumane living conditions. A reputable breeder will not supply a pet store with his or her dogs. The SPCA and Humane Society adoption program is a good idea. You can obtain a purebred or mixed breed here. Another good place to look when buying a dog or puppy is directly from a breeder.

But, first investigate the breeder to make sure he or she is reputable. A reputable breeder is concerned for the betterment of the breed and will have conducted disease and genetic tests on their animals. Ask to see the dog’s papers. You can also ask to see the dog’s parents and the litter it came from. The breeder can offer you a wealth of information about the care and condition of the animal. The AKC Breeder Referral Website will list breeders you can contact when buying a dog.

Now you can see that the decision of buying a dog or puppy is not an easy or light one. Each dog breed was developed for a certain function, and this will determine if it is the right one for you. Each breed will require different attentions to grooming, exercise, training, and hereditary disease disorders. You should plan on buying a dog for life, and in order to make this a reality it requires a great deal of responsibility on your part.