| Bringing a puppy into your home can be | | | | human-to-puppy bond. Find out if the |
| an extremely rewarding experience, but | | | | puppies have had some contact and |
| is something that should not be done on | | | | interaction with people. |
| the spur of the moment. Choosing the | | | | When examining the puppy(ies), check to |
| appropriate puppy will best be | | | | see if they are healthy looking and |
| accomplished by taking your time to | | | | energetic, or shy and afraid. Look for |
| research your breed of interest as well | | | | any sign of discharge coming from the |
| as the breeder or individual of whom you | | | | puppy(ies) nose or eyes. Make sure |
| are considering a purchase. Before | | | | that they are up to date on all |
| making a decision, be certain that you | | | | vaccinations and have been de-wormed. |
| are committed to the lifetime care and | | | | If possible, ask to look at the parent |
| ownership of the puppy. | | | | dogs as well, making sure they appear |
| During the research phase, some of your | | | | healthy, move freely, and have sound |
| questions can be answered as you consult | | | | temperaments. Sometimes, in the |
| with other owners of your breed of | | | | interest of producing an exceptional |
| choice. Their experience and knowledge | | | | litter of puppies, a breeder will go |
| of the breed will help you in making a | | | | outside of his own kennel in search of a |
| more informed decision. Most dog | | | | suitable stud. If that's the case, you |
| breeds were developed for specific | | | | might want to request pictures of the |
| functions, and as a result, have their | | | | male and obtain the owner's contact |
| own defining characteristics. Consider | | | | information for future reference or |
| a breed's personality and traits, level | | | | questions. |
| of activity, and space requirements in | | | | Consider your comfort level with the |
| determining how easily (or difficult) it | | | | breeder as you communicate with them. |
| will be for them to adapt to your | | | | You should be able to express your |
| environment and lifestyle. | | | | thoughts and ask questions easily. And |
| Once you have made a decision on your | | | | they should be able to answer all |
| breed choice, you should begin looking | | | | questions, including those related to |
| for a responsible breeder. Since they | | | | training, grooming, and general health |
| can be found in both small and large | | | | care. |
| kennel settings, you should look for | | | | A good breeder will be just as curious |
| someone who consistently produces | | | | about you as you are of them, asking |
| healthy dogs. One way to find out more | | | | questions about your interests as a |
| about a breeder is by asking for | | | | prospective owner of one of their |
| references from their customers. Most | | | | puppies. Find out if they are active |
| individuals are happy to share their | | | | in a breed club or if they participate |
| positive or negative experiences | | | | in dog shows or any type of canine |
| concerning the selection and purchase of | | | | sporting events. If so, it would be a |
| their canine, especially with someone of | | | | good indication that they are keeping up |
| like interest. Another source of | | | | with changing views on health concerns |
| reference would be the breeder's | | | | and staying informed about their |
| veterinarian. They might be able to | | | | specific breeds. |
| offer some good information about the | | | | Last, but not least, a good breeder |
| history and practices of the breeder. | | | | should provide you with all of the |
| Remember, a responsible breeder is | | | | appropriate documentation, including a |
| someone who cares about each of their | | | | contract, registration application, vet |
| puppies (even after they are placed into | | | | health certificate, and a health |
| new homes) and should be willing to | | | | guarantee. |
| offer advice and support throughout the | | | | Choosing the right breed of dog and |
| lifetime of the dog. | | | | finding a good, reputable breeder may |
| Another important factor to evaluate is | | | | seem like a lot of unnecessary work, but |
| the breeder's kennel (or home if that's | | | | if you take the time to make cautious, |
| where the puppies are kept). If the | | | | informed choices before you purchase a |
| environment is not clean, go no further. | | | | puppy, you will have a more satisfying |
| Also, human contact is very important | | | | experience in your search for a new |
| in the first few weeks of a puppy's | | | | canine companion. |
| life, as it establishes the | | | | |