So youve decided you want a puppy. Somewhere in your mind is a mental picture of that puppy playing. It may be indoors or outdoors on the lawn. Its an idealised romantic picture full of warmth and affection.

Before you can turn that picture into reality you need to start planning.

The first thing to plan for is the type of dog you want. A puppy is only a puppy for a few short months and then its a dog for life. The puppy fits in with everybody but what sort of dog fits in with your family?

What size dog do you want? Large, small or medium? Do you live in a big house or a small apartment? How large is your family? How will a big dog fit into your house and family? How will a small dog?

What sort of character are you looking for in your dream dog? An enthusiastic, bubbly dog thats the life and soul of the party or something thats a bit more independent?

How much time can you devote to your dog on a daily basis? Do you have time to groom your dog and exercise him? Large dogs need lots of exercise, longhaired dogs need grooming.

Apart from these factors you also need to consider the potential health problems associated with different breeds of dogs. These are usually hereditary problems caused by the inbreeding required to develop a particular breed. Some examples of these problems are: canine hip dysplasia in Labradors or breathing problems in small dogs such as the Pekinese, Lhasa Apso and the Pug.

Many of these hereditary problems are not apparent in puppyhood. They only start to show as the dog matures and grows older.All of these factors will help to determine what the right breed is for you.

Once youve made a decision on which breed of dog you want then you need to double check by finding out more about that breed. Talk to people who own that breed, visit pet shops, and do research on the Internet. There are websites, e-books, forums and discussion groups that will provide the information you want or allow you to ask questions.

What you are looking for is advice and information about the good and the bad of your intended puppy. You especially need to know how to pick a good puppy, what to look for and what to avoid.

Once youve found the answers to these questions then it is time to find a professional dog breeder. Look for a breeder whos asking you more questions than you are asking him or her. A professional breeder has a vested interest in finding good homes for their puppies.

Look for a breeder who is willing to give you references of other people who have received his dogs and contact them, even arrange to visit if possible. People love to talk about their pets and they will soon tell you if there were any problems with the breeder.

Check the breeder has full documentation of all vaccination and health checks. Look around the kennels and check for cleanliness. Check the condition of all the dogs and puppies you see. Do they look well fed? Do they look well groomed?

If something does not feel right, then do not commit yourself. Try asking around animal shelters, pet shops and veterinary offices for a second opinion about the breeder. Some breeders are more interested in the money than the puppies well-being. If you get this impression then steer well clear. As mentioned earlier a professional breeder will bend over backwards to make sure his or her puppies go to good homes.

Choosing the right dog breeder will ensure you get a healthy, happy pup from a good, caring environment. Putting in the time and effort to find that dog breeder is the first step to fulfilling that dream of a playful puppy romping on the lawn.