It is very important to choose a reputable and trusted breeder when you are ready to buy a puppy. If you do not, then you may end with a sick or a dead dog. A good breeder will provide you with a well adjusted, healthy dog to enjoy for years to come. Here are some tips to help you find a breeder that is responsible and information you need to know before you begin looking at puppies.
They Are Willing to Provide Advice and Guidance
Any breeder you meet with should be happy to sit down with you and tell you what to expect from the breed you are interested in. They should let you know about any potential problems (common to the breed) that might pop up later in the dog’s life. Even pure breeds have the susceptibility to certain health problems or diseases.
Questions Do Not Bother Them
A breeder should be willing to answer your questions with a good attitude. You can count on the owner/breeders at Little Puppies Online to help you out with any questions you have before you buy a puppy from them. They want to make sure that you feel comfortable to approach them with your questions at any time during the dog’s life. Any breeder you are interested in should have the same attitude.
Puppy Returns Are No Problem
Good breeders understand unexpected situations happen in life sometimes that make it necessary to return a puppy. Maybe a military family gets stationed outside the country and cannot take the dog with them. Time constraints and financial issues when someone becomes ill is another instance when the puppy might have to be returned. You should not approach buying a puppy with the expectation that it can just go back to the breeder if you are not happy, but extenuating circumstances may make it necessary.
Expect Waiting Lists, Deposits, and High Prices
It is common for a good breeder to have waiting lists and a high demand for their puppies. Watch out for puppy mills where the dogs are overworked to produce many litters. Expect to pay a deposit on a puppy, and understand that producing a litter of a specific breed is expensive for the breeder. You get what you pay for.
Check Vaccination Records and Health Testing
If you want to purchase a large dog breed, check to see that the breeder has a OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) score. The animal’s elbows, hips, and other orthopedic categories are tested within the breed. An excellent breeder will share these scores on their website. This is expensive testing. Make sure to ask about puppy vaccination records. You should be provided with documents and evidence that the puppies have a clean bill of health and have been to regular vet visits.
Puppies Should Not Be Available Until They are Eight Weeks Old
Studies have proven puppies taken away from their litter mates and parents when they are too young have a tendency to develop unpleasant characteristics. For example, they may develop aggression toward other dogs, or have issues with fear. A responsible breeder will know this information and not be willing to separate the puppy from its parents until it is age appropriate. Your patience regarding this issue is important to avoid long term problems with your new dog.
Keep in mind that dogs will bond with you even if they are a few years old. There is a myth circulating that you have to get the puppy very young to bond with it. Do not fall for this.
Socialization and Neural Stimulation
An excellent breeder will make sure that their litters of puppies are properly socialized. You do not want a dog that has not been around people or other animals. From the third day after they are born, a good breeder will work with your puppy to make sure that they are a good companion.
About Jammie Morey
Speak Your Mind