I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

Just a little inexperienced in some areas!!!

Do I need a license for a dog???

I'm getting a puppy for my mom...And I don't know where to begin...We've always had cats...
Anyone???

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!

you're 'supposed' to have a license for your dog but you DEFINITELY need them to have their shots and the little tag that proves they got their shots!

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!

When my dogs ran away last year and we had to go to Doggie Jail to pick them up the woman who we had to pay the bail money to said 'wow, people usually never have their dogs licensed', if they werent licensed we would have had to get them licensed after the jailing incident.

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!

I'm getting a puppy for my mom...And I don't know where to begin...We've always had cats...
Anyone???

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

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Posted by kptoys

When my dogs ran away last year and we had to go to Doggie Jail to pick them up the woman who we had to pay the bail money to said 'wow, people usually never have their dogs licensed', if they werent licensed we would have had to get them licensed after the jailing incident.

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Ha ha, who found them and brought them to doggie jail?

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

The doggie catcher. The were out for a morning stroll together and someone reported them. Of course it was JUST after they got back from the vet where they both got baths and the vet never put their collars back on them

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

Awwwwwwww how cute. I want a dog! They are just like kids.

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

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Posted by tp329

Awwwwwwww how cute. I want a dog! They are just like kids.

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Ummmm no...

If I left Emma outside overnight I would be thrown in jail

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

Uh people...a little HELP here!!!!

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

what type of dog do you want? You should buy from a breeder only- and try to go meet the breeder, check out where they raise the dogs, etc.
See if they socialize their puppies- b/c the more socialization they get, the better tempered they are...

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

Getting a shih-tzu puppy...Full breed...

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

did you find a breeder? I would do a google search.
Also- check the AKC website to learn what the breed standards are for the dog- so you can look for good breeding- make sure the dog is AKC- that way you can register it and trace its lineage.

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

no, no...i'm actually already getting one...my cousin bred hers with another (through a breeder)

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

I'm glad you posted this! We just got a puppy and I had no idea you had to register your dog (we haven't been to the vet yet though).

I found our puppy through the local Boxer club. I just contacted one of the members and she recommended the breeder that we eventually got our puppy from.
Oops, nevermind; just read your post.....

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

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Posted by Anniegrl

I'm glad you posted this! We just got a puppy and I had no idea you had to register your dog (we haven't been to the vet yet though).

I found our puppy through the local Boxer club. I just contacted one of the members and she recommended the breeder that we eventually got our puppy from.

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good. we can learn together...we're cat people and i don't even know what i should have for the puppy when he comes home on saturday!!

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

Oh, that's easy. You need a crate - it should only be big enough for him to stand up and turn around. Our crate is too big so we put big pillows in the back to fill up space (if you leave too much space they'll pee in the back and sleep in the front - not good if you ever want to house train them). I also put an old blanket on the floor of the crate to make it cushy and warm.
Buy some puppy chew toys, puppy treats, Nature's Miracle (for potty oopsies on the carpet), food and water bowls, food (we use Eukanuba), collar, leash.... that's all I can think of.
If you go to PetSmart they're really helpful with picking things out!

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

Thanks! That's the kind of info that I needed.

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

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Posted by BMD'sPeanut

Just a little inexperienced in some areas!!!

Do I need a license for a dog???

I'm getting a puppy for my mom...And I don't know where to begin...We've always had cats...
Anyone???

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Just a voice of reason here...

Does your mom WANT a dog?? They are a lot of responsibility. It's like having a 3 year old --for about 13 years.

Also think about the temperment of the potential puppy and your mom's personality.
A dog needs a lot of social interaction. They are pack animals and need to feel like they belong somewhere, and the more intelligent breeds need even more attention. A bored dog will chew on EVERYTHING and anything for entertainment. Go to the AKC website and check out breeds and temperments. Also - check on Adult size and weight. Will your mom be able to handle a big dog or a little dog?

Dogs need to have space to run in. Is the yard fenced? Will she be able to take the dog for walks or afternoons in the park? What about vacations? Who keeps the dog? It's not like cats that you can leave alone for 2 days.

Finally - Look into health insurance options from your vet. They have saved my bank account a couple times. Puppies like to eat. Whatever they can. Puppies also don't understand that the street is not dog friendly.

If after all that - you still want the dog.... Congratulations and enjoy. A dog's loyalty can not be matched. They love you no matter what.

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

Thanks for the things to consider...The puppy is not a surprise...We understand that it will be an adjustment to all involved...

Re: I'm really NOT an idiot!!--Soon to be parent of a puppy and I have NO CLUE!

The better food out there are foods that use human quality meat- I only feed my dog (and cats) wellness brand food- both wet & dry.
My puppy also LOVES her greenies chew toys (you can get them Target)