Choosing A Dog - Assessing Breeders

So now you have made the decision to get a puppy! After taking into account any possible problems, you have chosen the breed of dog that will suit you and your way of life. The only problem now is where to get the dog from. You want to know that it has been properly taken care of in its first weeks, so you need to find a breeder who is reputable. But finding your ideal dog takes time and research.

Good Dogs come from Good Breeders

It is important that these first weeks of a dog's life are safe, stable and healthy and that he and his mother are well cared for. This will give the finest possible beginning for your puppy and make your relationship with him and his forthcoming training a good deal easier.

The top dog breeders do not need to advertise, their puppies are in such demand that there is more often than not a waiting list. Ask around - your vet, friends and neighbours - as word of mouth is the best way to get in touch with the good dog breeders. Even though dog breeders are frequently pretty 'quirky' and totally focussed on their breed and the dog world, they are usually very devoted to the care of their animals.

As soon as you have a source for a breeder, then get in touch with them and set up a visit. This is the first test of a good breeder. If they are not happy for you to go to see their operation, then walk away. What is it that they don't want you to see?

When you go to call on a breeder there are things you should check out. Clearly, clean sanitary conditions are a must, but if you have come from a dog -free home, be prepared for 'doggy' smells! This is not due to a lack of cleanliness but just many dogs and puppies about the place!

You can expect a good breeder to start checking you out as soon as you arrive to choose your puppy. They will want to be certain that their puppies are going to good homes so be prepared to answer lots of questions - they will expect questions from you too so don't hold back. The type of questions you should ask are: -

How long have you been breeding dogs? The longer the better! Good breeders will be long established.
Are there any specific problems with this breed? They should be frank with you and tell you about any issues.
Could I see the father of the puppy? This may well be a stud dog, but they ought to be able to show a photo and tell you the name of the stud/owner.
Where does the mother live when not breeding, and how frequently do you breed from her? In the home is the best reply as this produces happier more socialized dogs. Respectable breeders restrict the breeding to the recommended 4 litters in a life span.
Can I give back the puppy if there is a problem? The majority breeders would actually stipulate this and you may find it is a condition of sale with good breeders.
Can I talk to other folks who have your puppies? The breeder should be happy and confident about his breeding accomplishment and this should not be a problem.

Breeders who are thoroughly 'into' their dogs typically have a number of tell-tale signs about the place - look for ornaments of their breed on a shelf, blankets over sofas for their dogs to get cozy, show certificates, ribbons and photographs on the walls. These give you an idea about the kind of devotion and dog obsession, which creates a good breeder - doing it for love, not profit.

If you are thinking of buying a pure-bred puppy, then verify with your vet in advance which sorts of screening for inherited diseases, such as puppy eye disorders, should be done - then ask the breeder about it. They should be happy to provide all the information you need and be ready to give you help and advice.

Naturally you should have a good look at the pups and their mothers. Are the puppies happy, inquisitive and paying attention to their surroundings? If they are dull and quiet and reserved, then you should be wary. The mother should look healthy and well cared for if she looks fatigued and is not interested in the puppies take this as a warning.

Breeders to Avoid

Always avoid dogs from commercial 'puppy farms' or 'mills' where the pups are raised in terrible emotional and physical circumstances. These places are run exclusively as a commercial venture to make money and the welfare of the puppies and their mother are a low priority. Also steer clear of pet shops as these overwhelmingly obtain their livestock from puppy farms.

Don't use the internet too; while invaluable for general information it is very easy for 'farms' to dress up their operations on these web sites to seem like caring, reliable breeders. Be especially wary if a breeders offers to deliver a puppy to you so you don't go to their location - these are almost certainly puppy farmers.

Newspaper ads or notices in shop windows are also questionable. Good breeders as a rule have homes for their pups even before they are born so would never sell them in this way. If they did want a home for a puppy it would always be done through the vet not in a shop window!

Deciding on an Adult Dog

If you are happy to take on an adult dog, rather than a puppy, then make certain you choose carefully. Adult dogs could have behavior issues and you ought to investigate thoroughly to make certain you understand what you are taking on. However, the dog might need re-homing just because of changes of circumstance - a death, illness or house moves are the most usual causes

Well run dog shelters are a good source of adult dogs, as well as puppies, and you can find a whole array of pure breeds and cross-breeds. These places often have excellent websites describing the dogs presently in their care and any problems associated with them for instance barking or puppy separation anxiety. Some may suit particular homes - with or without children, quiet, busy - so look carefully at the dogs requirements.

Be certain that you have a clear impression of what you are looking for before you set foot in a dog shelter - and stick to it. All those appealing eyes looking between the bars can stir the strongest resolve! Make certain your head rules your heart when you go to find your ideal dog.

The personnel at the shelter will question you meticulously before they agree to you to home a dog. Often there are questionnaires to complete and a visit to your house, before they will even consider you. They have to be sure that the dogs go to the right home for them, so be honest and sincere with them about your daily activities and requirements. Bear in mind, these dogs have already lost one owner so the staff do not want the dogs to go through the distress all over again.

So, when you try to discover your perfect dog - either a new puppy or an adult dog for re-housing - make certain you take the time and research thoroughly before you make your decision. Get it right and your dog will be your friend and companion for life.