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