For dog lovers, owning a dog doesn’t just mean getting a new pet. It means getting a new family member. And if you ever decide to add a new family member, that means the whole family gets to decide. Start by talking with the rest of your family. Ask if it’s okay to have an additional member. The next question is, what dog breed would you get? And where will you find one?
To find the right puppy, you should start at a local rescue shelter. Many abandoned fur kids in there are waiting for the perfect family to adopt them. But if you do decide to get a puppy from a breeder, you need to look for a responsible and reputable one.
You’ll recognize a responsible breeder if they’re willing to answer every question you have. They treat the dogs as part of their family, and they’ll know if you’re the right person to bring one home. If this is your first time looking for a dog, here are some of the things you need to do when searching for a breeder:
Meet The Breeder
So, you’ve finally decided to get a puppy. Now you’ve got to search for a breeder. But how are you supposed to find one? Start by talking to local veterinarians and certified dog trainers around you. These people are the experts when it comes to dogs. Make sure to tell them what breed you want. Chances are, they’ll know which reputable breeders to recommend in your area.
Bear in mind, responsible breeders don’t sell their puppies in a pet store. It’s important to them to meet you personally. They’d want to make sure that the prospective family can take good care of the puppy. It’s a big deal for them that the puppy they took care of for a few months will have a loving home.
Moreover, a legitimate dog breeder will most probably have dog breeder’s insurance. So, try to deal with breeders who have one.
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Visit The Kennel
Before buying a puppy, visit where they’re born and raised. A good breeder will allow you to do kennel visits and tour you around the facility. It’s important to check out the location’s condition. See if the area is clean, odorless, and well-maintained because puppies are susceptible to diseases and viruses.
Remember, having a clean environment can keep the dogs from contracting diseases like canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine parvovirus (CPV).
Don’t forget to ask the breeder for permission before touching or petting the puppies. Be cautious because some of these dogs aren’t fully vaccinated yet, and there’s a possibility of disease transmission. You can also tell if the puppy’s healthy without handling it. You can tell by its coat, eyes, and behavior. Dogs tend to be energetic and eager to socialize, and that’s a good sign they’re healthy.
See The Puppy’s Parents
When you visit the breeder’s kennel, you might as well ask to see the puppies’ parents. Typically, you’ll only see the mother (dam) with her babies. In some cases, breeders use stud dogs (father/sire) to pair with the dam.
The male dog may come from a different kennel; that’s why they aren’t always available for viewing. In that case, ask them about the father’s physical characteristics and health information together with the mother’s record.
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Breeders should provide the dogs’ information with all honesty. They must also be knowledgeable about the breed, especially what genetic diseases, strengths, and weaknesses the dog may have. Once you’ve chosen a puppy, you may have to wait for some time before you can take it home.
You can only bring home a puppy at around 8 to 12 weeks of age.
A puppy needs to be with its mother for some time because, during this period, it still needs to mature and socialize with its dam and littermates.
Ensure Puppy’s Health
The dam and sire of a puppy should be screened for possible breed-related issues. This is because some dog breeds are prone to genetic disorders. That’s why tests are done on the parents. Dogs with such conditions shouldn’t be bred because puppies might carry genetic disorders. A responsible breeder would want to ensure the dogs they’ll have are as healthy as possible to avoid further problems.
A healthy puppy that came from a responsible breeder has complete documents. It includes the necessary paperwork, such as a change of ownership paper, pedigree paper, and a microchip. In addition to that, a care kit is provided by some breeders to the new owners.
In there, you can find more information about how to take care of your fur baby. The kit can also include dog food and toys for your puppy.
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Final Thoughts
Choosing the right breeder is important, especially for first-time dog owners. Take your time choosing among the list you have because looking for a puppy might take some time. Remember that a kennel visit is vital when looking for a responsible breeder.
You can see how a breeder is dedicated to caring for the puppies when they have a well-maintained area. Lastly, a responsible breeder should have the parents’ and puppies’ health as their top priority. Be a responsible buyer and only transact with a responsible breeder.
