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TMCA Puppy Buyer Checklist Be Prepared... Questions to Ask Yourself The TM is a wonderful companion but at times ownership can be a challenge. Please take the time to be sure this breed is the right choice and you and your family are ready to accept the responsibilities of ownership. The following is a check list to help you decide. 1) Do I have enough time for a dog? TM's need daily interaction with their human families to remain happy and contented companions. They also need exposure to a variety of stimuli and regular socialization with other animals and people to remain well adjusted dogs. 2) Do I have adequate space and housing? TM's tend to be relatively inactive inside and moderately active out of doors. However, a TM requires at least a yard that includes a secure fence. 3) Can I afford veterinary care,? Am I prepared to find a good veterinarian who is experienced with large breed dogs and to take my dog for a health check, at least once a year? Am I prepared to spend for spaying or neutering, preventatives such as vaccines and heartworm medication and take my dog for care if he gets sick or injured? 4) Am I prepared to feed a high quality diet? TM's are large breed dogs and have special dietary needs. Feed a high quality, soy free diet, formulated for large breed dogs. Do not supplement your dog with calcium unless directed by your veterinarian and do not allow your dog to become overweight or grow too quickly. 5) Am I willing to be patient with house breaking? TM's are naturally clean animals and house break quickly but accidents will happen. 6) Am I willing to be patient in training? TM's are intelligent and fast learners. However, they can be strong willed and stubborn. Am I prepared to find an obedience class? Although formal obedience is not something TM's excel with, obedience training is a highly recommended as a way to form a bond with your puppy and to set the right tone. 7) Am I prepared to deal with the highly, territorial nature of my an adult TM? TM's generally get along well with guests and strange animals. However, they must be properly introduced. 8) Am I prepared to deal with nocturnal barking? The TM has a deep, booming bark that announces his "on duty" status. Many owners bring their dogs in at night. 9) Am I prepared to be the top, alpha dog in my pack? TM's generally accept and get along well with people and other animals. However, they sometimes can display dominance. 10) The trials of puppy hood can last several years. Can I deal with my property being chewed or possible destroyed? A TM puppy loves to chew. Am I prepared to provide lots of safe toys? 11) Am I willing to assure my children properly treat, hold, care for and respect a puppy? When raised with children TMs are very good with them. However, children must be taught to care and respect their new family members. Am I prepared to take responsibility for this dog and its needs as this is NOT something that can be left to children? 12) Am I prepared to keep my breeder informed about the dog's achievements or problems? A good breeder wants to know how his puppies are fairing and is available to help and assist new owners with any problems or concerns. 13) What if I go on vacation, have to travel for my job, move or have a significant life situation change? Am I prepared to deal with the frustrations of finding housing that allows animals or find a suitable person to care for my dog while I am gone? Am I prepared to continue to accept the responsibility for the dog despite these changes? 14) Am I committed to this dog for its entire lifetime.? TM's typical live 10 years or more. Am I prepared to make a commitment for the life of the dog? Questions to Ask Your Breeder 1) Is the breeder knowledgeable about the breed? How many years have they been breeding dogs? To what breed organizations do they belong? Do they regularly involve their dogs in competitive activities-conformation, obedience, working trials? Will the breeder be available to answer questions you might have for the life of the dog? 2) Is there any guarantee against health and temperament problems ? 3) Are the sire and dam at least two years of age? Hip and elbow clearances cannot be obtained before that age. 4) Do the sire and dam have hip and elbow clearance from the OFA or Penn Hip? The vet saying the xray was ok is not a clearance. Do the grandparents and siblings of the parents have clearances? Do other puppies the parents have produced have clearances? 5) Are the parents available for you to meet? What is the general health and temperament history of the parents? Have any relatives died of a young age and if so from what? 6) Have the parents produced any puppies with any serious health problems? Be wary of the breeder that claims their lines have no health problems. 7) Have the puppies been raised in the home? Do the puppies seem healthy with no discharge from their eyes or loose stools? Are the coats full and clean? Are they active and energetic? 8) Have the puppies had their first shots and have they been wormed? Have they been temperament tested? 9) Does the breeder provide you with a 3 generation pedigree, health records and information on feeding, training and care? 10) Will the breeder be willing to help you re-home your dog if you cannot keep him? Will they take the dog back at any time if a suitable home can not be located? Please direct questions or comments to: Corinne Foster
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