Finding a reputable breeder who sells healthy pups is very important, but make sure that the breeder you choose is not only someone you respect but also someone with whom you feel comfortable. Your breeder will be a resource long after you buy your puppy, and you must be able to call with reasonable questions without being made to feel like a pest! If you don’t connect on a personal level, investigate some other breeders before making a final decision.
Now, about your home. Is it prepared to weather the effects of a growing puppy? Have you purchased baby gates to close off certain spaces in the house where you can keep the puppy safe from harm and the house safe from the curious puppy? Blocking off stairways is another important factor. The puppy can be taught to safely negotiate stairs, but it will take a little while and you won’t want your puppy to get hurt before he learns how to manage them.
If you have a yard, the puppy can be allowed to play there, providing it is fenced. The fence should be about 4 feet high and totally secure, without holes or small escape spots. Do not leave the puppy in the yard without your supervision, as he can get into all sorts of trouble when you’re not watching him.
All electrical cords and other wires, such as those for the TV, VCR and telephone, must be kept out of puppy’s reach. Given the opportunity, the pup is likely to find them fascinating and fun to chew on. Knickknacks and small items on low tables are an invitation to grab and chew. So are shoes left out and around. Trash bins smell inviting to dogs, and puppies love to tip them over and investigate their contents. You will need to be certain that all wastebaskets are placed out of puppy’s reach before he arrives home.
Make arrangements to have a veterinarian see your puppy within a week or so of his arrival home. Having a veterinarian that you trust and respect will be key to maintaining your dog’s health for his entire life. The vet should be well-known in your community and admired by other dog owners with whom you’ve consulted regarding their pets’ health care.
At the initial meeting with your proposed veterinarian, he will check the puppy’s previous shot record and administer whatever immunization shots are required at that time. Find out how the vet can be reached at night and on weekends when the office is closed. If an emergency arises, the last thing you want to do is have to search for someone to care for your dog. Keep telephone numbers and names in a handy place where all family members can find them quickly.
TEMPERAMENT COUNTS
Your selection of a good puppy can be determined by your needs. A show or working potential or a good pet? It is your choice. Every puppy, however, should be of good temperament. Although show-quality puppies are bred and raised with emphasis on physical conformation, responsible breeders strive for equally good temperament. Do not buy from a breeder who concentrates solely on physical traits at the expense of temperamental soundness.
While you’re waiting for your target date to arrive, in addition to all of these preparations, another important decision must be made. You need to decide whether you want a female or a male puppy. Once you’ve made up your mind, it’s prudent to call the breeder and let him know your choice. If you’re still not sure or have no preference, you can simply make your choice when you visit the litter. Usually breeders will let you see the pups a few weeks before they are ready to leave, and you can make your selection at that time. Maybe you’ll see one particular puppy whose behavior just speaks to you. The puppy seems to be saying, “Take me!” Many dog owners claim they didn’t pick their puppy—their puppy picked them!
Males are frequently more independent than females, though just as loving toward their owners. Adult intact males can be more dominant and often resent the presence of other males in their territory. To prevent aggressive behavior problems in adult males, this trait must be curbed when the dog is a puppy. A course in basic obedience can serve to teach the dog self-control and, in addition, to teach the dog what is and what is not acceptable behavior. Males are wonderful companions that demonstrate their love through their devotion to their family.
In a working breed like the AuCaDo, color is not a major concern and is a matter of personal preference when choosing a dog. Both Cattle Dog colorations are equally striking.
BOY OR GIRL?
An important consideration to be discussed is the sex of your puppy. For a family companion, a bitch may be the better choice, considering the female’s inbred concern for all young creatures and her accompanying tolerance and patience. It is always advisable to spay a pet bitch or neuter a pet male, which may guarantee your dog a longer life.
Females are usually more docile and quiet than males, though just as loving and devoted to their owners. Except when they are in season, they tend to stay closer to home and lack the instinct to wander. Once in heat, however, the female may run off if given the opportunity to search for available males for mating. Occasionally a female may be snappish during her heat cycle, so the owner will need to be careful with her around strangers at that time. For the person simply wanting a companion or helper, rather than a potential show or breeding dog, a neutered male or spayed female is obviously preferable to a sexually intact one.
Whatever your decision, you should plan right from the start to neuter or spay your pet puppy at the appropriate time to assure you have the best possible relationship with your dog. In addition, altered dogs, both male and female, are at a much lower risk for cancer than intact dogs. Neutering males helps them settle into their homes and not become neighborhood nuisances with wandering. Without the production of hormones, the male dog lacks the desire to breed, making him a more reliable and easygoing companion. Likewise, spaying females is definitely a must. Females come into season twice a year and the heat cycles last for about 21 days, during which time they attract males from miles around. Having a group of males parked in your front yard for three weeks and ruining your flowers and shrubs with urine is enough to convince you to spay, not to mention the accompanying health benefits for your dog.
Before your new puppy arrives, do some research into the availability of puppy training classes in your area. Often called Kindergarten Puppy Training classes, they specialize in socializing your puppy with other puppies and their owners. The puppies are taught simple basic obedience behaviors such as sit, down, come and heel (how to walk nicely without pulling their owners down the street). People who have experienced a puppy class often comment that it was fascinating and fun to watch all of the puppies grow and develop into pleasant, willing companions. The normal eight-week course should be well worth the price and effort for all concerned.
ARE YOU PREPARED?
Unfortunately, when a puppy is bought by someone who does not take into consideration the time and attention that dog ownership requires, it is the puppy who suffers when he is either abandoned or placed in a shelter by a frustrated owner. So all of the “homework” you do in preparation for your pup’s arrival will benefit you both. The more informed you are, the more you will know what to expect and the better equipped you will be to handle the ups and downs of raising a puppy. Hopefully, everyone in the household is willing to do his part in raising and caring for the pup. The anticipation of owning a dog often brings a lot of promises from excited family members: “I will walk him every day,” “I will feed him,” “I will house-train him,” etc., but these things take time and effort, and promises can easily be forgotten once the novelty of the new pet has worn off.
Once the
