| Professional breeders argue a good point - that they | | | | with any facility you are interested in. Below are the |
| are protecting and furthering a particular breed by | | | | guidelines: |
| carefully mating dogs of high quality that will continue | | | | - May require that there is an adult home at all times. |
| the breed for future generations. But on the other | | | | This is to insure that a puppy is not left in a crate for |
| hand, it is also true that there is a problem in the | | | | more than 2 hours at a time. Puppies need a lot of |
| world at this time with an overpopulation of | | | | attention. |
| unwanted dogs. That is why many dog lovers say | | | | - There should be another dog in the family. This |
| that a new dog should be adopted from a shelter or | | | | helps with socialization for the puppy. Puppies learn |
| rescue group. | | | | quickly by watching another dog. |
| Dog shelters in general work with all breeds of dogs. | | | | - Fenced yard. |
| Therefore, if you are in search of a particular dog | | | | - Willingness to provide training |
| breed you may or may not find it in a dog shelter. | | | | Although shelters and rescue groups are set up for |
| But rescue groups often work with one specific | | | | the right cause it is still important to consider the |
| breed. This means that you can in fact rescue a | | | | type of place that you are adopting from. For |
| specific breed of dog. So you are essentially able to | | | | example, socialization is vitally important, puppies |
| choose a dog that will have certain qualities and | | | | should be housed with puppies and older dogs should |
| features that all dogs of that breed have. In a way | | | | have opportunities for socialization as well. |
| you are getting the best of both worlds if the breed | | | | Appropriate bedding, food, water, and toys should be |
| matters to you. | | | | in view. There should be a regular routine of the |
| Rescue groups, as well as shelters work hard to find | | | | puppies/dog having time out of the kennel to interact |
| the dogs homes - but that does not mean they are | | | | with people. And perhaps most importantly, the |
| not selective. In fact, many require that an application | | | | premises should be clean. |
| process be completed and they have guidelines along | | | | Staff should be friendly and knowledgeable. There |
| with strict restrictions regarding who can purchase | | | | should be information available about the dogs |
| one of their puppies/dogs. One such restriction is a | | | | puppies you are interested in; why they are there, |
| stable home - which also includes the fact that | | | | how long they have been there, as well as |
| apartments are often restricted. | | | | documentation of all immunizations. |
| In most cases potential adopters will need to | | | | Before making a final decision about adoption you |
| complete the application in person, however, the initial | | | | should be given an opportunity to closely inspect the |
| information can usually be given over the phone. | | | | animal. Check for signs of ill health or excessive |
| Below you will see some of the guidelines that are | | | | parasites. Also ask if the facility offers any health |
| typical of rescue facilities. Keep in mind that the | | | | guarantees. Plan to take your new pet to the |
| restrictions and guidelines vary from one | | | | veterinarian immediately for a wellness check. |
| establishment to another, so always double check | | | | |