notice

Purebred dogs seem to attract a lot of interest lately, and that fact is
definitely a concern to us. They are so cute at first, but as they grow up,
they need more and more attention and training, and some people get annoyed
with them. Once the new puppy becomes a burden, it is discarded, like a
disposable item.

People have to understand that getting a dog is the beginning of a
relationship, not a one way ticket. The dog is not there only to answer your
needs, you have to understand it has needs too and you have to be able to
fulfil them. Make sure you choose a breed that will fit your lifestyle, do
not chose a dog on the sole basis of its looks. Yes, Danes are beautiful,
regal animals, but choosing a Dane for that sole reason could spell problems
down the road. Keep in mind that even though Dane puppies start out small
and cute, they rapidly become very large animals.

Please read about the breed and about dogs in general before you make your
choice. Different breeds have different needs and temperaments. The Internet
is a good source of information about dogs; ALL breeds of dogs. It is free
and easily accessible. Be a responsible dog owner, don't just think about
what your wants are, take into consideration what your dog's needs are and
whether you can give it a good home. Will you be to treat it right?

Please keep in mind that ALL breeds need exercise. Even if giant breed dogs
tend to need less exercise, they still need some sort of exercise every day.
Make sure you have access to a fenced in area so the animal can get its
daily exercise in a safe environment.

Our domesticated friends still retain to a certain degree the pack mentality
of their wild cousin, the wolf. You have to establish yourself as the leader
of the pack. Your dog will be far happier if it knows its rank within your
family. Strict rules are important so your dog does not overrule any member
of your family. Not knowing his place in your "family pack" will only
confuse it and create problems. Know what to do and how to react so your dog
knows where it stands, and be consistent about it. You are the dominant one,
the alpha dog, the leader of the pack. You are the one who makes all the
decision, not your dog. Be firm, but caring. A good leader knows when to be
firm, and is always caring.

Once you have answered the questions "Why did I chose this breed?" and, most
important of all, "Why do I want a dog?", and are satisfied with the
answers, you are ready to get your puppy. The breeder may be able to help
you pick the right puppy or the right breed. But if two or more serious
breeders refuse to sell you one of their puppies, you may want to reconsider
getting a dog of reconsider your choice of breed. Serious breeders are used
to dealing with people wanting to buy a dog for the wrong reasons. They have
learned the hard way that, sometimes, certain people are better off not
having a dog at all or having a dog of a different breed than the one
chosen. If that is the case, for the sake of the puppy, they will refuse to
sell you a dog...