Purchasing a puppy:

If you take a dog into your home, it will become your responsibility for many years. Seriously consider that before buying one.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- do I have enough time for its daily care.
- what kind of dog will suit me best.
- do I have enough room for a large breed.
- and most important am I prepared to give up on a large portion of my free time.
Also keep in mind that food, grooming, and medical treatments don’t come free.
If you have a certain breed in mind, it’s advisable to read some books about it; An other possibility is visiting a dog school, you’ll probably find some of the dogs you prefer and you’ll be able to talk with their owners and learn about certain needs and characteristics.
Be patient and don’t buy impulsive, visit a few kennels and verify that the dogs are healthy and carefully kept.
A good breeder will take the time to answer all your questions, gives you information about needs and he’ll also talk about pro’s and cons of the breed.
Don’t let the price be the most important issue, best price doesn’t necessarily mean best buy.
Ask about the parent’s pedigree, in Belgium only a Saint Hubert pedigree is FCI acknowledged. (FCI = international cynologycal federation).
Check wether the parents have been examinated on genotypical diseases.
Most of the larger breeds must be x-raid to check on presence of hips-dysplasia, breeding is only allowed with dogs that have result A, B, or C.
If you like to be one of the first to choose your puppy, it will be best to reserve one a few months before you actually would like to have it.
It also gives you the possibility to follow up on the litter from about 3 weeks old and it’s an excellent manner to socialize the pups.
A puppy has to be at least 8 weeks old to leave the nest and must be accompanied by medical documents.

Finally at home:

The first days it’ll be best to stay at home with your puppy, that way he can get used to his new environment.
Ask friends and family to visit the little one at home instead of going outdoors yourself with it.
Let the doggy get used to its collar and leach for a few days and then start with a little walk, a walk should last only 5 minutes for each month of age (for example: a 3 months old puppy can walk 15 minutes at a time). It’s better for the dog’s health to make a few short walks a day then one large.
Gradually extend these walks to a maximum of 30 minutes, only when the age of 18 months is reached longer walks are justified.
Carefully learn your dog about traffic and home situations and sounds like vacuum cleaner, hair-dryer, etc. .......
Let him meet other animals but keep in mind that a little puppy didn’t get ALL the necessary vaccinations and for that matter isn’t fully protected, avoid places where lots a dogs meet during the first few months.
Don’t save money on food, a good balanced diet can avoid serious medical problems and (un)necessary veteranarian visites.
Regularly worm treatments are a must, the first 6 months once a month, afterwards twice a year will do.
Always let the dog out on the same spot, soon you’ll see that he is going there himself and the rest of the garden stays clean.
When a puppy is 13 weeks old, you have to see a vet for the yearly vaccinations.
A few weeks later it’s possible to start training in a dog school, the training has to be done with a lot of patience and by playing with the dog. That way it is a pleasure for both of you and before you know it, that little pup is an adult dog and your best friend for many years.