05 Puppies
Description
This article is from the Airedale Terrier Breed FAQ, by Kathy Dowd with numerous contributions by others.
05 Puppies
Look for a reputable breeder when selecting your Airedale puppy. If
possible, visit the home of your potential puppy. Remember that the
first 8 weeks of any puppy's life are very important. A great
companion/show dog begins at birth.
Make list of questions before talking to or visiting the breeder.
Observe the puppy's environment. How do the puppies react to the
breeders? How do they react to you? Is their area clean? Ask the
breeder if the parents have been checked for dysplasia? Has there been
a family history of allergies? Have the puppies been around children?
Have they been around cats? Will the breeder be available to answer
questions in the future? Does the breeder offer a contract? (It is
virtually impossible for a breeder to guarantee that the health of any
animal, but the breeder should be willing to take the animal back and
replace it! Responsible breeders will often require that the animal be
returned to them, if for any reason, you are unable to keep the
animal. This ensures them that the animal will be cared for in the
future.)What vaccines have been given? Have the puppies been wormed?
(various areas need various levels of worming, due to climates.)These
are just examples of some of the questions that you should ask.
If possible, go look at several litters and talk to several breeders.
Remember that you are selecting a companion for many years to come, so
take your time, make sure that your are choosing not only a compatible
breed, but also a compatible animal and breeder!! Expect a lot of
questions from your breeder. He/she is also selecting a companion for
an animal into which many hours of love, thought and energy have been
invested.
When you pick up your puppy, your breeder can tell you the puppy's
schedule, brand of food and can recommend a future diet. Then you can
gradually change the diet to suit your preferences. Remember that
sudden changes in diet can severely disrupt the puppy's digestive
system and cause gastric distress. The Airedale can eat quite a bit,
especially as a young and rapidly growing puppy.
For additional information on learning to live with your new puppy,
see the RPD FAQ entitled "Your New Puppy" written by Cindy Tittle
Moore.
NOTE: Remember in many cases, an older dog may suit your particular
situation much better than a young puppy. Many breeders place older
puppies and dogs. These dogs are often "show prospects" that didn't
mature as was expected or maybe were returned to the breeder for
various reasons. (My personal experience with adopting an older dog
has been very successful.) Every breed rescue organization is in
search of good potential adoptive homes. Rescue dogs often require
additional work but can also be very rewarding.
If considering an older puppy or dog, please read the RPD FAQ entitled
"Your New Dog" also written by Cindy Tittle Moore, for more
information.
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