Before you can be a responsible dog owner you must first:

• THINK FIRST

• MAKE THE COMMITMENT

• GET READY

• BRING YOUR PUPPY OR DOG HOME

THINK FIRST

1.    UNDERSTAND THE COMMITMENT

Dog ownership is not something to be entered into by any one person or family lightly. It is a long term commitment both emotionally and financially. If you are worried about cutting costs when picking a new puppy or dog out for your family, you should not be considering purchasing a new dog or puppy
 

2.   TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR FAMILY'S LIFESTYLE

If you add a new dog to your family, it will become a part of that family and will share the lifestyle you have. If your an extremely active person or family you should get a dog that is also active. If your a very neat person you may want to pick a breed with short hair or a breed that doesn't shed as much. Most dogs that do not shed much are breeds that need to be groomed. If your lifestyle is slow and relaxed you want to pick a breed that tends to be more low key.
 

3.   MAKE A LIST

After evaluating your family's lifestyle, make a list of dog breeds that should match that lifestyle. Consider things like size, activity level, grooming needs and temperament. Do you have younger children? Is your family away from home allot? Would you want to bring your dog with you? Do you want a lap dog or a guard dog?

4. CHOOSE A BREED

Once you have made your list of characteristics, research the breeds that best match those characteristics. Go to your local library. Visit dog shows in your area. Go to the akc website at www.akc.org.

5. FIND A BREEDER

Find a responsible breeder. Refer to our "Puppy Buying Guide" for a description of a responsible breeder. Consider an adult. Adults can make wonderful pets for those that do not wish to train a young puppy. Many shelters and purebred rescue groups have pure bred adults for adoption. Shelters usually are very good about matching the right dog with the right owner or family. AKC has a breeder referral service and many breeders advertise over the internet. You must be VERY careful when purchasing a puppy as your puppy will reflect the breeders work. Its best to find breeders that have been active in their breed for a longer amount of time. Be sure to ask many questions of your breeder and expect to get checked out by your breeder. A good breeder is very careful to assure their puppies go to the best homes. Avoid back yard breeders and pet stores as most dogs sold from these sources rarely conform to the standard of their breed and many times are sold in ill health or with genetic problems that show up after you purchase your puppy.

If you find a breeder you are very happy with, but they do not have puppies at that time, consider waiting. Its best to wait for a quality puppy then buy on impulse only to face problems that can be devastating later on.
This page was created to give advise to puppy and dog owners on proper nutrition and feeding practices. Most of this information is based on the  breeding as well as articles,  and information gathered from the many people involved in dogs that I have had the pleasure of meeting and knowing.

make the commitment

1. PICK YOUR PET

When the time comes to select your pet, listen to your breeders referral as they know their dogs' best. Be sure to purchase puppies that have had their litter registered with the American Kennel Club if your buying a AKC breed of dog. Although papers themselves are not an indication of quality, a pedigree is and papers are necessary to guarantee that pedigree. Be sure to get some kind of contract that guarantees the health of your puppy at least until you can have your veterinarian check your new puppy's health. Many breeders with dog breeds that have known genetic problems will guarantee the puppy they sell against said problems. They go to the trouble to screen their sires and dams to help assure only the healthiest puppies are sold. If you rescue a pure bred dog ask for as much information as possible on the background of that dog or puppy. Sires and Dams that have been cleared by the OFA will have that ranking on their registration papers.

2. REGISTERING YOUR DOG

Many people that purchase a new puppy as a pet never register that pet. This has no effect on your dog. But if you desire to show your dog in any AKC event (the show ring, obedience, agility, tracking etc.) your dog must be registered with the AKC. If you adopt a purebred dog or puppy from a shelter or pound, you may be able to register that dog after applying to the AKC for a Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) number. This ILP number will allow your dog to compete in some AKC events.

get ready

I 1. PREPARE YOURSELF

Get ready for your new canine family member BEFORE he or she comes home! Be sure to ask for the brand of food your breeder is currently feeding the puppy or dog. If you choose to change it, do so after your new puppy or dog is acclimated to it's new surroundings. Be sure to schedule more time at home if you can for the arrival of your new puppy and try to keep visitors to a minimum at first. Purchase a leash, collar, stain and odor removers, puppy shampoo, toys, dog cage, beds, grooming tools and training treats ahead of time. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a health check and any vaccinations needed before you pick the puppy up. Be sure the breeder includes a health record of any medications, wormers and vaccinations your puppy or dog may have had. Vaccinations usually come with removable labels for a breeder to attach to a health record. If you do not see this ask your breeder for some kind of proof of vaccinations. If the vaccinations were given by a vet, be sure the veterinarian's contact number is included in the health record.

2. MAKE A SCHEDULE

You and your family members should decide who will be responsible for the care of your puppy. Be sure that everyone gets involved and list responsibilities as feeding, walks, training, cleaning up after the puppy etc.

3. DOG PROOF YOUR HOME

Just as you would with any new baby, you must dog (baby) proof your home before your new puppy comes home. You might want to get on your hands and knees and attempt to see things from the puppy's or dog's point of view. Remember puppies feel anything can be a toy. This includes your phone cord, wires, shoes, tissues, furniture and just about anything else your puppy can get to. Watch electrical outlets also. Buy gates for areas you do not want your new puppy in. You may also want to set up a containment system prior to your new puppy coming home. The safest system is a barrier fence that will not only serve to keep your puppy in your yard, but it will also keep other animals including unfriendly dogs out of your yard. Radio (electric) fences are available also but you should check with the manufacturer as to when and if it would be safe to use their product on a puppy. At the very least keep your puppy on a leash or long leash when you are outside with it. A puppy or dog allowed to roam loose will eventually run into a dangerous situation that may cost that puppy or dog it's life. NEVER ALLOW YOUR DOG OUTSIDE OFF LEASH ALONE.
 

BRING YOUR DOG HOME

1. WELCOME YOUR NEW CANINE FAMILY MEMBER

Your finally brining your new puppy or dog home! Try to pick up your puppy on a weekend to assure extra time with your puppy. If possible take a few days off from work. Keep things quiet as your puppy will need to adjust to his or her new home. Keep visitors to a minimum. Don't plan on vacations soon after your bring your new puppy home. Give your puppy time to adjust to you and to the fact that he no longer has his littermates to play or lay with. Name your new puppy or dog. Even if he already had a name, after he or she is adjusted you can rename him or her easily.

2. SCHEDULE VISITS WITH A VETERINARIAN

You should take your new puppy or dog to a veterinarian immediately after you bring it home for a health check. While you are there schedule your additional visits to complete any vaccinations needed, worming or anything else your puppy may need. Discuss the age your puppy will be spayed or neutered. All dogs kept as pets should be spayed and neutered not only for their own health and to prevent unwanted litters, but to help assure behavior problems do not develop that might if your dog is left intact. Be sure to schedule yearly checkups with your vet to complete any boosters needed. Your vet can also offer products to help battle fleas and provide important heartworm medication and tests.

3. SCHEDULE AN OBEDIENCE CLASS

It is important to schedule an obedience class as soon as your puppy has his or her vaccinations. Too many dogs are given up to shelters and pounds because their owners neglected training. Training your dog at a young age will help insure that he or she becomes a valued and loved member of the family with good manners! It also helps with house breaking and any other behavior problem you may encounter. Kyleewood Kennels also offers on line tutoring and behavior modification for a very reasonable fee for those who feel they do not have the time to take their puppy to a class. But, bringing your puppy to an obedience class is the best for your pup and gives him or her a chance to socialize with other dogs and puppies at an important age. As always Kyleewood Kennels is happy to have provided the information on this page. Please contact us for any further assistance or with any questions you may have. You can reach us by emailing: info@kyleewood,com or woobear98@yahoo.com.