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