Getting your dog

There are several means of acquiring a dog. You can buy the puppy from breeders or pet shops. Alternatively, you may want to adopt, and local pet shelters will be very grateful to you for that.

Where your dog comes from can determine its habits. For example, dogs acquired from pet shops may be cooped up in a cage or showcase the same place where they eat, defecate and urinate. It will certainly take some effort to break that habit. Also, as the parents are not present, you won't have an idea how your puppy will look like when it grows up.

When buying from a breeder, don't hesitate to ask questions and check if the environment they have been living in is well kept. Having registered Malaysian Kennel Association papers helps ascertain the puppies lineage, and reduces the chances of inbreeding.

Overall, when choosing from a litter, keep an eye out for the puppy's responsiveness. Check its paws, snout and overall build, and look carefully at its mother. Your puppy will inherit many of her features.

When you bring your puppy home for the first time, let him sniff the surroundings and familiarize himself with the place. It can be disorientating to be taken away from mommy, brother and sister for the first time.

Do expect some whining and wailing because of loneliness for the first few nights. Be patient and be there for your puppy; he will appreciate it and soon get accustomed to his new home.  


Allan