Do the entire family buy into this idea? Experience has shown that if one or more are against a pet, then bringing an animal into that environment can cause considerable family friction and stress. Have you weighed up the financial and time implications, these can be considerable, owning a dog is a serious commitment and should never be taken lightly.
You should not purchase a puppy if your are going to be at work for a number of days per week and the puppy will be left alone for longer than 4 hours. People buy puppies for many reasons, for some it can be a difficult and traumatic time. It can also be a very difficult and anxious time for the puppy. Suddenly taken away from the security of the breeder the mother and the pup’s siblings, anxiety and fear can set in deeply. They need your attention comfort and reassurance at this critical time.
Dogs are pack animals they take solace and comfort in the family/pack. If someone buys a puppy then leaves it for hours each day many behavioural problems can arise not least separation anxiety. Think long and hard on whether your life style and employment both now and in the foreseeable future will allow you to give the time, patience and security this little scrap of a puppy needs.
Puppies and adult dogs can become very depressed and ill if they are left for long periods. This is especially important when the pups are under 6 months of age. Sometimes re-homing may be a better option.
You should take into consideration your health, age and overall time constraints. Do you want an active or sedentary dog? Some dogs demand and require almost constant attention, lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Others are more laid back; therefore you need to research which dog will suit your family’s outlook and lifestyle that includes living arrangements. For instance if you live in a flat and had limited time, a Border Collie or Springer Spaniel type dog would be madness, and would most probably lead to serious behavioural difficulties.
Lots of people buy a dog because they like the look of them, ie for aesthetic reasons, without taking into account the needs and temperament of that breed. You need to research both the positive and the negative side of your chosen breed and make sure what you are looking for is suitable for your environment and lifestyle. Make sure you have fully decided on the breed before you start looking for your new addition to the family.
If you have decided on a Puppy then there are some fundamental things you must do and some places you should never buy from. There are rules that you must adhere to whatever the breeder or seller tells you.