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      Part I: Puppy Basics

      Chapter 1: Selecting a Puppy

      So you are thinking about getting a puppy. Or maybe you have recently acquired one. Either way, the rewards of dog ownership are immense. After all, they say that a dog is man’s best friend, and a lot of studies indicate that owning a dog (or two!) can be good for your health. Lower blood pressure and increased exercise are noted benefits, as are unconditional love and companionship. Many owners refer to their dogs as ‘family members,” and many times, a dog is a person’s only family. Hopefully you are, or soon will be, part of the 72 percent of US pet owners who consider their pets as part of the family. However, before you rush off to acquire a new puppy, you need to keep in mind that puppies—despite their cuddly good looks and charming antics—are a lot of work.

      A puppy is an enormous responsibility that goes well beyond simply feeding your four-legged companion. Your precious bundle of fur will quickly grow into an adult dog who will live with you for ten to fifteen years or longer, which is longer than some jobs, mortgages, and marriages last. Your puppy will depend on you for his food, water, shelter, exercise, grooming, training, and regular veterinary care. He will look to you to provide companionship and affection and to never put him in a position where he can get himself into danger. In return, he will track mud through the house, refuse to come when called, commit unspeakable acts against your personal property, and provide plenty of opportunities for public humiliation. The good news is, if you open your heart, your puppy will change your life. He will touch your soul, provide you with years of unconditional love, fill your heart with joy and devotion, and make you laugh harder than you ever thought possible. Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)

      Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)

      Some breeds, despite their intelligence and trainability, have been labeled as “aggressive” or” dangerous.” The image of certain breeds, perpetuated in popular culture, has created a negative and stereotypical bad-dog reputation for many breeds. When negative stereotypes run amok, breed-specific legislation and dangerous-dog laws appear. From small towns such as Manly, Iowa, to large cities including San Francisco, Denver, and London, politicians are mandating how dogs must be walked in public or contained on their property—just because of their breed. Worse yet, many cities have banned pit bull ownership—making it illegal to own a pit bull, a pit bull mix, or any dog that resembles a pit bull. Be sure to do your due diligence before you choose a specific breed. You may find yourself facing an eviction or, worse yet, confiscation notice for your four-legged friend.

      The Right Dog for You

      Acquiring a puppy on a whim is never a good idea. You must consider this decision carefully because you will be making a commitment to provide for all of his needs and to love him for his entire lifetime.

      Responsible ownership starts with finding the right puppy to suit your personality, temperament, and living conditions. Think about all of the pros and cons of each breed—big or small, shorthaired or longhaired, energetic or low-key. You may be attracted to a particular breed, such as the turbo-charged Border Collie or one of the tenacious terriers. Maybe you have fallen in love with the shaggy coat of an Old English Sheepdog, the unique spots of the Dalmatian, or the petite size of the Chihuahua . It’s important to note that size is not always an indication of energy level. Parson Russell Terriers, for instance, are small, but they are dynamite in a small package! On the other hand, Saint Bernards are large but not high-energy dogs.

      While considering all of these unique breed characteristics, keep in mind that the puppy you choose could be around for ten to twelve years or even longer—so you want a dog who is compatible with your family and suits your lifestyle, and vice versa. Small dogs do not always make great lap dogs. Some breeds, such as the Chihuahua, are too delicate for rambunctious toddlers. Many herding breeds—especially Border Collies and Australian Shepherds—have become popular pets because they are fast, energetic, and enthusiastic with type-A personalities. These dogs like to go, go, go, and that’s terrific if you are equally energetic. However, all of this activity can be daunting, and your dream of dog ownership can quickly turn into a nightmare if your personality is bent more toward being a couch potato. If you prefer calm and quiet to boisterous and excitable, perhaps a slower paced dog, say, a Bulldog, is better suited to you.