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"Oh please, can we keep him? Pleeeease?"
Yes, I was that kid growing up. The one who would regularly bring home stray dogs or lost puppies and use my own puppy-dog eyes as I begged to keep them. I never outgrew my love of dogs and eagerly looked forward to the day when I would get my own.
As a marketing specialist for KSL Classifieds, I spent my fair share of time in the Dogs subcategory this year, in preparation for the launch of our changes to the Pets category. All those hours seeing the sweetest canine faces must have rubbed off on me, because I found myself perusing pups on my own time as well. I brought my husband into the search and after much research, planning and preparation we finally found our dream dog on KSL Classifieds.
Choosing a breed
Adding a dog to the family is a monumental commitment. It was extremely important to us to pick a dog that fit our lifestyle and our future plans. Because we are very active and like to spend a lot of time outdoors, we knew we wanted a medium-sized dog that could keep up with us in the mountains, on the water and on the go.
Considerations
Even though neither of us has dog allergies, we have many family members and friends who struggle with them. We decided we did not want to get a dog that would cause allergic reactions. No dogs are fully hypoallergenic, but some breeds tend to cause fewer reactions than others. We also discussed how our dog would fit into our future in other ways, such as with children and our careers. Once our priorities were established and aligned, we started researching dog breeds.
I found myself browsing the Dogs on KSL Classifieds regularly, just to get ideas about what kind of dog breeds are out there. I discovered many different breeds and hybrids that I had never heard of before. Catahoula? Shorkie? Xoloitzcuintli? After a great deal of research, we decided that the Samoyed was the right breed for us.
Choosing a breeder
Breed was not the only factor that influenced our choice. Unethical breeding practices are, sadly, very common and result in a variety of misfortunes and tragedies.
- Health issues
- Behavior issues
- Dog rehoming
- Overfull shelters
- Euthanizations
This is why we only considered responsible breeders that had all of the proper paperwork. We wanted to be sure our dog had received appropriate genetic testing for health issues, vet and vaccination records, and detailed information about their lineage and the health of their predecessors.
We also wanted to buy from a breeder who was fully transparent about their operation, allowing us to visit them in their home. Meeting the dam and sire and getting a good look into how the puppies were raised and socialized was a must for us.
A common sign of unethical breeding is when the breeder wants to meet potential buyers in a parking lot or other public place instead of their home where the dogs are kept. Breeders should not hide anything. For more details on what to look for in a breeder, check out this Responsible Breeders Guide.
Finding the right fit
There were a few Samoyed puppies listed on KSL Classifieds. As we explored each listing, we eventually decided to contact a breeder who matched all of our specifications — and who we felt confident was responsible. After exchanging information, they invited us to meet the puppies.
It was a truly special experience to be welcomed into their home where they acquainted us with their family, taught us about their breeding program and introduced us to their dogs and the puppies. This breeder was clearly intentional and responsible in every aspect of their breeding program — from choosing compatible parents to maintaining paperwork/certifications and appropriately training/socializing each new puppy.
Picking our puppy
The love the breeder and their family had for the puppies was palpable, and they informed us that it was their highest priority not just to find their puppies a home, but to find each puppy the right home. As we sat on the floor, the fluffiest, smiliest, most darling little marshmallow of a puppy waddled straight to us and rolled onto her belly, looking for a rub. The breeder closely observed our interactions and play with the puppy. They made sure that our personalities were compatible, that the puppy felt comfortable with us and that a bond had been established.
There may or may not have been tears shed by all parties as it became clear that we had found the right puppy for our family. Though it's not necessary to have a teary, emotional moment while picking your puppy, I do believe in the magic of finding the right fit. I was filled to the absolute brim with love, excitement and confidence as we left the breeder, knowing that we were bringing home a healthy pup who was a great fit for us in every way.
Bringing her home
What came next was a joyful, sleepless whirlwind. As prepared as we thought we were, we did end up making several trips to the pet store over the following days to grab supplies we had forgotten or not thought of in advance. We were thrilled to find a great deal for a brand new dog crate on KSL Classifieds — for less than half of what we would have paid in a store! We set up vet appointments to continue her vaccinations, began introducing her to our friends and family and started training.
Training
It cannot be overstated that puppies are an enormous responsibility and require so much work. It is absolutely vital that they be potty trained, and they are frequently up in the night needing potty breaks for the first several weeks. They need to be trained to express their natural instincts to chase, bite, chew and bark in safe and appropriate ways as they become a part of a human world.
Building trust
It is also important that they develop a loving and trusting relationship with their owners and each member of their family. They must be introduced to new sites, sounds, people and situations so that they can be calm and confident throughout their life. Check out this pet owner checklist for more considerations to keep in mind as you bring home a dog.
Resources
This list of responsibilities might seem a little daunting, but there are countless resources available to help you be the best dog parent ever. I highly recommend investing in a puppy training program and getting started right away. We have been using Baxter & Bella's Online Puppy School, and I can't say enough good about the program. Developed locally by professional dog trainer Amy Jensen, the online puppy school has given us a detailed framework for training, with step-by-step instructions, tutorial videos, podcasts and printable charts.
Though the responsibilities of dog ownership cannot be discounted, I can confidently affirm that dogs are worth the work. In a few short weeks, my life has been enriched by the addition of our puppy. I've become more physically active, made new friends while out on walks and put my minor in behavioral psychology to good use as we started training! I am eager to continue building this wonderful relationship with our dog and look forward to many happy years ahead of us.
Are you looking to add a canine companion to your family? Find your perfect match on KSL Classifieds.
Did you find your pet on KSL Classifieds? Submit a photo of your pet at https://info.classifieds.ksl.com/petsgiveaway for a chance to win $100 and to be featured on our social media channels!
