Dan's Papers - June 6, 2008 - Pet Agree By Jenna Robbins

Just as most couples plan ahead for anticipated parenthood, you should also plan ahead before taking on the responsibility of a dog - be it a puppy, or an older dog. No matter what age, breed, or sex, he or she needs love, companionship, food, shelter and much more. If you think of your prospective dog as a family member, and not a disposable commodity, your life with your dog will be enriched. So get a highlighter, I'm about to give you the lowdown on how to find the right dog for you.

Before you begin your search, ask the following questions of yourself and your family. Does everyone agree that this is a good idea? Is this the right time to get a dog? Will someone be home to care for him or will he be alone all day? Are you getting the dog for the wrong reason? Can you afford the expense of the dog's care and training? Does anyone have allergies? Do you travel often? Will this dog be a part of your household, or are you planning to keep him isolated in a basement, garage or yard? And the obvious, million dollar question is, why do you want a dog?

If you still have that warm and fuzzy feeling, take the cap off the highlighter. In the next few columns, I'll cover topics like breeders and pet shops. But here are some issues - some harsh realities - to be aware when choosing a dog.

When you're first shown a dog, look at the whole group, - the adults as well as the puppies. Check their fur and skin. If the dogs are not well cared for, the adults will be in worse condition than the puppies. Look for matted hair, especially behind the ears, under arms, groin, and tail. Look closely at the skin and check for flaking, rashes, discoloration, or feces and urine stains. Is the hair thin or balding in patches? Are nails long and dirty or well manicured? Is the hair in between the pads (under the paws) matted and dirty? Are the tips of the paws discolored, a sign of possible neglect or allergies? Are the ears dirty or smelly? Are the tips of the ears hard and crusty?

Does the dog have fresh breath and clean teeth? Adult dogs with missing, broken or tartar encrusted teeth are not well cared for. Is there an overshot or undershot jaw?

You should also inspect belly and groin areas for discoloration, black or red rashes, bumps, or sores. Puppies that sleep on urine soaked blankets will have skin infections (staph) and need medical treatment. Is the puppy too thin or does it have an large protruding belly? Examine the rectum (yep) for any donut-like protrusions referred to as prolapsed rectum, which needs medical attention.

How does the puppy interact with you and with the other puppies? Is he too quiet or lethargic? Is the puppy frightened and submissive with his littermates? Don't be fooled by a "home" breeder who shows you 2 or 3 puppies in the living room. Is she going to the basement, garage, or trailer to bring you another puppy? Does she have 100 more dogs somewhere in the house? Also, unless you see a dog nursing or in the whelping box with the puppies, you really can't be certain that the female you're shown is the real mom. And what about that perfectly groomed male? Is he really the proud dad?

Of course, if you fall in love with a dog from a shelter or through a notice, and you see these problems, it is up to you to decide how much you want to invest to bring him to good health.

I never met a dog I didn't like. I never saw an ugly puppy. People like me are the first to take the puppies that are the most needy. So I'm right there with all of you who can't resist that wonderful feeling of picking up a puppy and holding it for the first time. I know your heart is open but keep your eyes open too.