1) Do you have the money to take your new pet to the veterinarian for shots, an initial checkup, and if an accident should occur? I'm not saying if your poor you shouldn't have pets, but if you don't have a lot of money try to find a vet in advance. Explain the situatuion and find out about payment plans in advance to any accidents.
2) Do you have time as well as patience to train and housebrake a puppy? An untrained puppy turns in to an untrained dog. It's easier to prevent a bad habit in a puppy, than to correct it in a dog! Frustration is not fun. You cannot hit any animal, for it ruins the trust between you. They learn to fear your hand, and eventually you yourself.
3) Can you provide a good home environment for a puppy? Will the puppy be a "burden"? Is your home puppy-safe? Do not bring a puppy in to your home during a major family prolem. The puppy will not help the situation. You need to have a home without constant yelling and where someone is home most of the day. You should not buy a new puppy if you work a twelve hour shift. The puppy cannot hold his bladder or bowels for that long! He should be out of his crate, if you decide to crate train, as much as possible!
There are also some breed specific questions you must ask yourself.
1) Have you researched the breed?
I can't stress this enough: RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! I am still researching the Shiba even after owning one for two years. Many puppies are bought because they are cute. Once they are deemed "untrainable" they are placed in a shelter where they will more than likely be "put to sleep" or they are put outside on a chain and often ignored. They are not untrainable, they need an owner whose lifestyle they fit into. The only way to be sure the breed will fit is to research!
2) Are there a lot of diseases found in the breed?
If there are do you have the money to treat them if they occur? Every breed of dog is prone to something. Find out what before you buy a puppy. Just because a puppy looks healthy, doesn't mean they will stay that way as they age. Ask about BOTH parents health.
3) Can you afford the puppy? Purebred dogs can be bought, depending on the breed, anywhere from $50-$5000. If you can't afford the puppy, you can't afford the vet bills if an accident should occur.
Shiba Specific Questions
