By digger
Date 22.01.04 12:00 UTC
First you need to decide what breed or type of puppy you are looking for (and that will meet your requirements and fit in with your household - a Great Dane for example is not goint to work well in a small house with several children, nor a Peke for anyone with arthritis who can't groom them regularly). Then start looking on Champdogs breeders pages for breeders of your type of puppy, or in rescues for cross breeds. Make sure the Mum is of sound temperament (it's not important to see the Dad as well, infact it would put me off unless the breeder can prove that this particular dog was the best possible match for that bitch) and that the puppies are active, healthy (no running noses or eyes) and keen to say hello. Do not even consider taking on a pup less that 6 weeks old, and preferably 8 weeks, but not over 10 or 11 weeks.
Once you've got your puppy home the fun really starts - the best possible thing for your puppy is to get registered with a local puppy school who can help you socialise your puppy so it grows into a happy, sociable adult dog.
HTH