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TIPS WHEN BUYING A DOG
There are many things to think about when it comes to buying a dog. First of all, you need to think about whether a dog fits into your life and whether you fit into the dog's life.
Then there is choosing the dog breed, if you want a purebred with a pedigree or an unregistered mixed breed? Do you want a puppy or older dog? Do you want to buy from a kennel, take a relocation or do you want to adopt a dog? The Swedish Kennel Club is the club for breed clubs - if you want to buy a purebred dog. But if you are interested in buying a cavapoo, labradoodle or some other kind of mixed breed, then you have to look elsewhere. If you are thinking of relocating, contact Hundstallet, for example, to find dogs for sale.
Our most important tip comes here: don't buy a dog based on looks. Instead, buy the dog based on its characteristics - and make sure that these characteristics suit you.
WHICH BREED FITS ME?
There are almost any number of different breeds and it is important to find one that has the characteristics that you are looking for. If you don't like dogs that bark and make noise, then maybe a spitz, chihuahua or pumi is not your thing. If you live in a small apartment and are not at all in the mood for a lot of activation, then maybe you should not buy a working dog such as a border collie or belgian shepherd. If you want a dog that you can have loose in the forest without it stalking game, then perhaps a hunting dog is not preferable. If you want a cute lap dog, then don't buy the mix with the benner sennen and german shepherd.
Think how much time and commitment you can imagine putting into a dog. Then reduce that number. And also keep in mind that the doggy will hopefully live for quite a few years and that during these years quite a lot can happen in your life situation; changed family circumstances, change of job, move to another residence. Be realistic when thinking about how much time you can imagine spending on the doggy. Because neither the dog nor you will be happy that you overestimated your commitment.
BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU CHOOSE A DOG
Common requests are that the dog should be calm or perhaps active, that it should be child-friendly, easy to learn or easy to handle. We think that it can certainly be fixed. With the choice of the right breed and the right individual and, above all, the best conditions.
What is a good family dog? Which dog is a good first dog? It is a question that is almost impossible to answer. It depends so much on all that we have already mentioned. What do you want? And what can you give a dog? Many dogs can become good family dogs and good first-time dogs, if their owners give the doggy the opportunity to become just that.
Are there allergies in the family and you are looking for an allergy-friendly dog or perhaps a dog that does not shed fur? There are no allergy-free breeds, but there may be individuals to whom allergies react less. Sometimes it can be enough to regularly wash the dog with an allergy shampoo for it to work.
Some dog breeds have breed-typical diseases, so a tip is to check the breed's health. Because no one wants a furry friend who has diseases and anatomical problems that affect both the wallet and the quality of life. For example, the French bulldog, which is considered a brachycephalic breed, which means that respiratory function is affected. Or Dalmatians who have kidney problems or Havanese who have patella. The breed club can help you here. And another tip could be to check the insurance premium with the insurance company. A low premium may indicate a breed that is relatively healthy.
But if you do your homework properly before buying a dog, then both the dog and you have a good chance of getting along well.
TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO GET A GOOD DOG
And when the dog has then come home to you, then the fun (and the hard) begins. To build a relationship and get to know the dog. Keep in mind that the doggy will not become well-behaved and well-functioning by itself, it requires work. If you want the dog to be able to run loose on the farm, then you have to train it. If you want the doggy to walk nicely on a leash, then you just have to start working for it. If you want the dog to be able to be alone at home, you have to train him to leave the dog.
Do you want to come up with something with your new family member? If you are testing agility, rally obedience or tracking, contact your local dog club. If you are interested in practicing tricks, such as teaching the dog to back up or walk between your legs, check out the book "Hundkul" for more tips. There is so much you can exercise with your four-legged family member.
Dogs are amazing. They learn quickly and they are often willing to learn things. But then you have to give the doggy the conditions for that. Because it is your job to give the doggy a good dog life together with you.
BUY DOG CHECKLIST
- Choose a race and individual that suits your level of ambition- Think about whether you can give a dog what it needs
- Make sure the whole family is involved in the decision to buy a puppy or adult dog
- A dog knows what you teach (and don't teach) it
- Buy a dog based on its characteristics not on how cute it is
SHOPPNING LIST BEFORE PURCHASING THE DOG
- Leash, harness/collar- Food and water
- Dog bed
- Toys and chewing bones
- Dog food
- Insurance
