FIRST STEPS IN OBTAINING A PUPPY

Thank you for your interest in our website and in English Setters! Your interest suggests that you are about to take a step, which can be one of the most rewarding experiences people can have. On the other hand--maybe not! What you do over the next several weeks or months will help determine your experience as a pet owner. No one can guarantee a pleasant, rewarding experience, but through effort on your part, you can move the "odds" in your favor. Below are some steps which we believe will assist you in your effort:

Step 1: Make the decision to do it as "right" as you can.

Step 2: Put your checkbook down and decide to slow down. Remember, 90% of being successful is in the work done before you meet your puppy.

Step 3: Time to educate yourself. There are countless books and endless information on this subject; buy a few and read them. Contact the AKC (American Kennel Club) at www.akc.org for free information.

Step 4: Determine the type of "dog" you want and determine if it will fit your lifestyle. Puppy time is very short and adult dog time can last from eight to eighteen years. Your personal needs and motivations are critical to your decision on obtaining a puppy:

• Do you have the room for the size of the pet you would like to have?
• Do you have a fenced yard or a place to "water" the dog, well under control? We know of people who raise dogs in downtown Chicago. You can do it if you want to. It just takes effort.
• Are the kids pressuring you? No, they will not take care of it and they will be bored with it very soon. They're kids. Bargain with them for an option like a special trip, and if they take that option instead, they really didn't want a dog that bad.
• Dogs are human companions. If it's to be tied outside or penned, please do not get a dog. They were not created to be alone, and often "voice" their displeasure at being left alone.
• Can you take some damage to your home and possible stains on your carpet? Hair! Some of these problems can be minimized.
• What is this creature going to bring to your life and can you make the commitment to it?
• Are you willing to learn how and to provide the ongoing grooming needs of the animal--brushing hair, clipping nails, cleaning ears and teeth?
• Can you meet the financial needs of the medical requirements of your companion: puppy shots, annual shots, spaying or neutering, and unforeseen emergencies?
• Can you afford a quality food, which can be as much as $28.00 for less than a 40-pound bag? Please skip the $5.00 supermarket brands. Your vet can be of assistance to you in all aspects of nutrition and ownership.
• The Westminster Kennel Club's dog show is televised on the USA Network in mid-February each year. A copy of the video can be obtained from the USA Network's website www.usanetwork.com. You will see every breed of dog recognized by AKC, along with a short commentary of each one. Also, The Animal Planet network frequently features dog shows.

Really, think about it. Has your personal history proven that you can be a responsible owner, companion, "put-out-the-effort" kind of person, or do you let things slide by? If you are the former, you are about to embark on what can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. If you are the latter, there are other less demanding projects than dog ownership for you to explore.

Thank you for reading this, and good luck!

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