The time to think about identifying your puppy is before he or she has an opportunity to become lost.  There are three ways to identify your puppy:

·          A collar with name tag is the easiest way to identify your dog.  Tags can be obtained in pet stores and should have your name and telephone number inscribed.  In order for this method to be effective, your dog must always wear its collar and tag.

·          A permanent form of identification is a tattoo.  The tattoo is generally made on the inside thigh of the dog.  Usually, the dog's AKC number or the owner's social security number is used as the tattoo inscription.

·          An increasingly used form of permanent identification is the microchip.  The microchip is the approximate size of a grain of rice and is inserted between the shoulder blades.  A microchip scanner can read the unique identification on the chip.  The microchip manufacturer and AKC each maintain a 24-hour service through which a connection can be made between the finder and the dog's owner.  Discuss microchip identification with your breeder and/or veterinarian.