What to do before buying a dog from a breeder?

What to Do Before Buying a Dog from a Breeder: A Comprehensive Guide

Before bringing a furry friend home, meticulous preparation is key. What to do before buying a dog from a breeder? involves diligent research, careful breeder selection, and understanding your lifestyle to ensure a happy and healthy life for your new companion.

Introduction: The Importance of Preparation

Acquiring a dog from a reputable breeder is a significant investment of time, emotion, and money. It’s a decision that impacts not only your life but also the life of the animal you are bringing into your home. Unlike adopting from a shelter, where animals often come with unknown histories, working with a breeder allows you to gain insights into the dog’s lineage, temperament tendencies, and potential health predispositions. However, this opportunity also comes with the responsibility of ensuring the breeder is ethical and prioritizes the well-being of their dogs. This process isn’t just about finding a dog; it’s about finding the right dog for your lifestyle.

Researching Dog Breeds: Finding the Right Fit

The first step is to deeply explore different dog breeds. Don’t just focus on appearance; consider temperament, energy levels, grooming needs, and potential health issues.

• Consider your lifestyle: Are you active and outdoorsy, or more of a homebody? Do you have children or other pets? Are you allergic to certain dog breeds?
• Research breed-specific health problems: Certain breeds are predisposed to specific conditions, such as hip dysplasia, heart problems, or eye diseases. Understanding these risks is crucial.
• Assess grooming needs: Long-haired breeds require significantly more grooming than short-haired breeds. Be prepared to invest the time or money needed for proper grooming.
• Evaluate exercise requirements: High-energy breeds need a significant amount of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Be honest about your ability to meet these needs.
• Consider temperament: Some breeds are known for being more independent, while others are more eager to please. Choose a breed whose temperament aligns with your personality and experience.

It’s beneficial to create a table to compare a few potential breeds based on these characteristics.

Breed	Energy Level	Grooming Needs	Potential Health Issues	Temperament
—————–	————-	—————-	————————-	——————-
Golden Retriever	High	Moderate	Hip Dysplasia, Cancer	Friendly, Eager
French Bulldog	Low	Low	Breathing Problems	Playful, Affectionate
Poodle	Moderate	High	Hip Dysplasia, PRA	Intelligent, Active

Identifying Reputable Breeders: Red Flags to Avoid

Once you’ve chosen a breed, finding a responsible breeder is paramount. A good breeder prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs above all else. How you find a breeder is just as important as who you find.

• Ask for recommendations: Talk to veterinarians, groomers, and other dog owners.
• Attend dog shows: This provides an opportunity to see different breeds and talk to breeders.
• Check breed-specific clubs: These clubs often have breeder referral programs.

Red flags to watch out for:

• Always available puppies: Reputable breeders typically have waiting lists.
• Breeding multiple breeds: This often indicates a lack of expertise in any one breed.
• Unwillingness to show you the premises: This could indicate unsanitary conditions.
• Lack of health testing: Reputable breeders will perform genetic testing and health screenings on their breeding dogs.
• Selling puppies at a very young age (under 8 weeks): Puppies need this time with their mother.
• Refusal to provide references: A reputable breeder should be happy to provide references from past buyers and their veterinarian.
• Online market places like Craigslist: Always be wary of breeders found solely through online marketplaces with little to no vetting process.

Visiting the Breeder: What to Look For

A visit to the breeder’s facility is crucial. This is your chance to assess the living conditions of the dogs and interact with the puppies.

• Clean and spacious environment: The dogs should have ample space to move around and the environment should be clean and well-maintained.
• Healthy-looking dogs: The dogs should be well-groomed, alert, and active.
• Interaction with the puppies’ mother: Seeing the mother dog’s temperament can give you insight into the puppies’ potential temperament.
• Observation of puppy behavior: Look for puppies that are playful, curious, and well-socialized. Avoid puppies that are excessively shy or aggressive.
• Questions for the breeder: Ask about the puppies’ health history, vaccinations, and socialization. A good breeder will be knowledgeable and happy to answer your questions.

Understanding Health Guarantees and Contracts

Before committing to a puppy, thoroughly review the breeder’s contract and health guarantee.

• Health guarantee: This should cover genetic defects or other health problems that may arise within a specified period. Understand the terms of the guarantee and what recourse you have if a problem occurs.
• Return policy: Does the breeder allow you to return the puppy if you are unable to care for it?
• Spay/neuter agreement: Many breeders require that puppies be spayed or neutered to prevent irresponsible breeding.
• Clear and concise language: Ensure you understand all the terms and conditions of the contract before signing. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification.

Socialization and Early Training: Setting Your Puppy Up For Success

Early socialization is critical for a puppy’s development. Ask the breeder about their socialization practices.

• Exposure to different sights, sounds, and people: Puppies should be exposed to a variety of stimuli to help them become well-adjusted adults.
• Interaction with other dogs: Playing with other puppies helps them learn important social skills.
• Basic training: Some breeders start basic training, such as potty training and crate training, before the puppies go to their new homes.

Continuing socialization and training after you bring the puppy home is equally important.

Preparing Your Home: Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment

Before bringing your puppy home, prepare your home to ensure it is safe and comfortable.

• Puppy-proof your home: Remove any hazards, such as electrical cords, poisonous plants, and small objects that could be swallowed.
• Provide a safe space: Set up a crate or designated area where the puppy can retreat when it feels overwhelmed.
• Gather essential supplies: Food, water bowls, a leash, collar, toys, and a bed are all essential items.

Financial Considerations: Budgeting for Dog Ownership

Owning a dog is a significant financial commitment. Be prepared for the ongoing costs of food, vet care, grooming, and other expenses.

• Food: The cost of dog food varies depending on the breed and quality.
• Vet care: Regular checkups, vaccinations, and potential emergency care can be expensive.
• Grooming: Grooming costs vary depending on the breed and coat type.
• Toys and supplies: Toys, bedding, and other supplies can add up over time.
• Pet insurance: Consider pet insurance to help cover unexpected veterinary expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What specific health tests should I ask the breeder about?

Breed-specific health tests vary, but common tests include hip and elbow dysplasia evaluations, eye exams (CERF), and cardiac evaluations. For example, Golden Retrievers are often tested for hip and elbow dysplasia, while French Bulldogs may be tested for breathing problems. Ask the breeder to provide proof of these tests, and ideally, the results should be documented by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

How can I verify a breeder’s claims about health testing?

Ask for copies of the health certificates, and then verify the results with the organization that issued the certificate. For example, you can check OFA results on their website. A reputable breeder will be transparent about their testing practices and happy to provide documentation.

What is the ideal age for a puppy to leave its mother and littermates?

The ideal age is generally between 8 and 12 weeks. Puppies learn important social skills from their mother and littermates during this period. Removing a puppy too early can lead to behavioral problems later in life.

What questions should I ask the breeder about socialization practices?

Ask about the puppy’s exposure to different people, environments, and sounds. Has the puppy been exposed to children, other dogs, and car rides? Has it been habituated to common household noises? A well-socialized puppy will be more confident and adaptable.

Should I be concerned if a breeder has multiple litters at the same time?

Yes, this can be a red flag. Caring for multiple litters simultaneously can strain the breeder’s resources and potentially compromise the quality of care. It also raises concerns about whether the breeder is prioritizing profit over the well-being of the dogs.

What should I do if I suspect a breeder is unethical?

Report your concerns to your local animal control or humane society. You can also file a complaint with the American Kennel Club (AKC) if the breeder is an AKC member. It’s important to document your concerns with photos, videos, and written statements.

What is the difference between a backyard breeder and a reputable breeder?

Backyard breeders often prioritize profit over the health and well-being of their dogs. They typically lack knowledge of breed standards, perform little to no health testing, and may keep their dogs in unsanitary conditions. Reputable breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs, perform extensive health testing, and provide a loving and stimulating environment.

Why is it important to see the puppy’s parents?

Seeing the puppy’s parents, particularly the mother, can give you insights into the puppy’s potential temperament and health. The mother’s temperament is often a good indicator of the puppy’s likely temperament. Also, if the parents are present, you can assess their health and overall condition.

What are the potential risks of buying a puppy from a pet store?

Pet store puppies often come from puppy mills, which are large-scale commercial breeding facilities that prioritize profit over animal welfare. Puppy mill dogs are often bred in unsanitary conditions and may suffer from health and behavioral problems.

What is a breed standard, and why is it important?

A breed standard is a written description of the ideal characteristics of a particular breed. Reputable breeders strive to breed dogs that conform to the breed standard in terms of temperament, appearance, and health. This helps to preserve the unique characteristics of the breed.

What happens if a puppy develops a genetic health problem after I bring it home?

This depends on the terms of the breeder’s health guarantee. A good health guarantee should cover genetic defects that arise within a specified period, typically one to two years. The guarantee may offer a refund, a replacement puppy, or financial assistance for veterinary care.

What are the long-term benefits of buying a dog from a responsible breeder?

Choosing a dog from a responsible breeder significantly increases the likelihood of obtaining a healthy, well-socialized, and predictable pet. Knowing the dog’s lineage and potential health issues beforehand can help you plan for future veterinary care and preventative measures, fostering a longer and healthier life for your beloved companion.