I have a few questions about getting a puppy?

I have two black lab brothers.  My husband found them three years ago, in the middle of our pasture in late December. We had prided ourselves in NOT bringing anymore dogs into our lives. We had both been through the heartbreak of losing special dog friend's. My husband had seen their mother, semi-feral, wandering around town, not soon after she had first given birth to the litter. Not all the puppies survived those early days. When it became necessary to wean the remaining two, the mother led them to our field and abandoned them. As my husband was going to work one morning, he saw her take off into the woods, leaving the two puppies alone and confused. He turned and walked away not wanting anymore dogs. "Dang it!" he thought. "Mebbe she'll come back for them."He left them there that night in hopes of the mother returning. She didn't. Next day they were still there. They'd made a small hollow in the dirt and huddled together against the cold,  biting each others ears for security and comfort. When he went back the morning after that, the mother still hadn't returned. That night was forcast to have record freezing temperatures in north Florida. It was either abandon  them  to the elements, or, bring them home. Reluctantly, he returned home, got me and introduced  us. I brought a bit of dog food which, fortunately,  I had handy from a  previous pet raccoon. I  whistled and they came running. I gave them a couple bites. It was love at first sight!  I didn't want to pick them up, they didn't look very healthy.  I didn't have to. They happily followed me home whereupon I picked off all the ticks, bathed them, gave them food and water and shelter. They never missed their mom, I doubt they knew who she was. Nature's cruel, humans don't have to be. I became their mommy! When they were six months old, I took them to the local vet to get their shots and neutered. I think it was fifty bucks each, and he was the expensive vet.Today, they are healthy, happy, friendly,  loyal companions. They listen reasonably well  and are great watchdogs. They live on the porch, after all, isn't that what country porches and country dogs are all about? They don't come in the house in the house. Even the night they came home, they slept in a dog house wrapped in wool blankets. I don't know much about spaniels, but, labs make great family dogs and they're both in the retriever family. They are natural born swimmers and retrievers. It's takes a couple years for them to settle down,  they're a little rambunctious. 

I don't know what these other posters are talking about. Backyard breeders? Aren't all dogs? Or, are you supposed to get them a hotel room?

You didn't even specify where you're getting your puppy. My husband bought our dachshund  in the parking lot at Wal-Mart. A dog is a dog. Dogs are individuals. The best way to judge their character is too meet their parents. But, they're amazingly adaptable to their enviornment. Buy it, rescue it, find it in a field or buy it in a parking lot... I'm more concerned with the prespective owner and their ability to make and keep the commitment of dog ownership. Not saying that I support puppy mills, but, without responsible breeders, we wouldn't find the diversity like we do in the specialized breeds. And  hey! Stuff happens....Like unwanted pregnancies. Especially in backyards! Lol! Don't we all want the results of these "accidents" to find loving homes? I thought "forums" were meant to help. But, too often, I find narrow minded,  judgmental , members forwarding individual agendas with extreme predjudice. At least on the subject of dogs, can we keep it light? My suggestion is that you make sure you're ready for the responsibilty of dog ownership. Especially, if you've never been owned by one. They are not goldfish. You can't flush them down the toilet if they're too much trouble. Feed them well with a nutritious brand of dogfood. Provide them with plenty of fresh water, exercise, and attention...Lavish them with love and patience and you're sure to have an develop an amazing friendship and have a wonderful companion for life. Best wishes in your new relationship.

Wait wait wait. Where are you getting this mixed dog from? It has no shots? The breeder won't keep it for you? These are major red flags! You're getting a puppy from a Back Yard Breeder. You do NOT want to purchase this dog. They are not healthy and can have temperament problems. If you're going to want a mixed dog you'd be better off adopting one from a rescue where the temperment has been evaluated and the dog is healthy. You don't know what you're getting into here and no one can tell you. You might be buying an unstable dog with alot of behavior issues.

Shot prices vary region to region and vet to vet. I find it a huge problem that the dog has had no shots. The dog should have already been given certain shots by now. This is not good.

The puppy will adjust in a few weeks and forget. For the time being you just spend time with it and comfort it when its crying.

It should be weaned and on hard food by now. You should be buying an 8+ week old puppy nothing younger. The puppy can eat puppy food (which is hard kibble). I feed Taste of the Wild to mine.

She can start to swim as soon as she's comfortable with you. Most dogs have no fear of the water and will go right in. Some may have to be coaxed in by you.

Please before you buy this puppy think about it. I don't think you're making a good choice by buying from a BYB. Please give it some thought. Good luck.

First of all, why would you PURCHASE a mutt/mongrel/cur when you can adopt TONS of them from a shelter ANYTIME and almost ANYWHERE.

With an adoptive dog, you can go to any rescue/shelter and adopt it.

I suggest you RESEARCH about dogs, dog behavior and what's best for dogs before getting one. That way you aren't trusted into a situation you cannot handle. NEVER BUY a dog on IMPULSE, and then weeks later, dump it because you cannot properly care for it and train it.

Buyer beware. Back yard breeder/ puppy mill. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved...