Buying a Puppy? Use This Puppy Checklist

So you’ve decided to buy a puppy? Dogs can bring joy, laughter,
love, loyalty, protection and companionship into your life.
However, there are a few things you need to be aware of before
you choose the puppy you wish to bring into your home. Use the
following checklist to ensure you purchase the puppy that’s
right for you.

The Breeder

* Is the breeder experienced with the breed of puppy you are
choosing? Can she answer any questions you have? Will she stand
behind the puppy if problems arise?

* Has the breeder explained all the pros and cons of the breed
you have chosen? Every dog has good and bad characteristics and
the breeder should make you aware of them.

* Has the breeder insisted the puppy be enrolled in obedience
school? Today many reputable breeders insist on this.

* Has the breeder offered you a starter kit? Many breeders offer
customers a package when they purchase a puppy. It should
include instruction on the care of the dog, at least one dog
care book for the specific breed you are purchasing, a sample of
the puppy chow that the puppy has been being fed, a list of
supplies you will need for your puppy and information on
obedience schools, dog trainers with experience in behavioral
problems and veterinarians in your area.

* Has the breeder discussed crate training with you? The breeder
should inform you on how important it is to crate train your
puppy, explain how useful crates can be and instruct you on how
to use the crate. Crates can keep your puppy safe from harm.

* Does the dog breeder have your puppy’s papers in order? You
and the breeder should have a contract that you both sign, as
well as a pedigree. Reputable breeders sell puppies with a spay
and neuter requirement. This means you don’t receive your
puppy’s papers registration application until the puppy has been
spayed or neutered. All stipulations should be specified in the
contract and explained to you so that you fully understand what
your responsibilities are. There should never be an extra fee
for your puppy’s pedigree.

* Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau, or an
equivalent to ensure the breeder that you are buying from is
reputable.

Health

* When a breeder takes you to see the puppies, take note if they
appear healthy and clean. Puppies should have bright, sparkling
eyes, a healthy looking coat, clean ears and no odor. They
should be active, frisky and full of life.

* Ask the breeder if the puppies have been de-wormed and
vaccinated. If they have, the veterinarian would have issued a
report stating exactly what was done.

* Ask the breeder if the puppies have been checked for
hereditary diseases and conditions. Ask if the pups have been
certified in these areas.

Socialization

* Are the puppies active, friendly and fascinated by people? Do
they come running to meet you when approached? Puppies love
being held, petted, played with and they should have outgoing
personalities. If puppies shy away when you approach, buyer
beware. You might want to consider choosing a different breeder.

* Is the mother dog attractive and friendly? Is she clean and
does she look as if she is well cared for? By the time puppies
are old enough to be weaned, the mother shouldn’t be
overprotective of them or act in an aggressive way when you
approach. If the puppy’s father is around, he should be friendly
and greet you with ease. Never buy a puppy if either of his
parents is aggressive. Dog aggression is often hereditary and
you don’t want a dog that has a bad temperament.

* Are the puppies old enough to be sold? Puppies should not be
separated from their litter until they are between 6 and 8 weeks
old; 8 are best. On the other hand, puppies should have homes
before they are 10 weeks old to prevent them from becoming
dependent on their mother and siblings.

* Has the breeder begun to socialize the puppies? If the puppies
have spent time with humans and have been given proper care,
attention and training, it will be obvious in the puppy’s
reaction to you. It’s imperative that puppies become socialized
at a very early age.

Your Responsibilities

* Are you committed to the dog that you’re planning on
purchasing for the rest of its life? Purchasing a puppy is not
something to be taken lightly. You are committing to the care,
training and health of the dog and to love it and tend to its
every need. Dogs, depending on the breed and life’s
circumstances, usually live 10 years or more.

It is your responsibility to make sure it is in good health and
happy as long as it lives. A dog is not a toy that you buy and
then toss it in the corner when you’re tired of it. Dogs are
living things that have to be nurtured. They have to be cared
for and take as much, or more, care as a child. Owning a puppy
is a very serious commitment and not to be taken lightly. If you
are willing to spend the next dozen or more years caring for
your dog, then by all means bring one into your life. You will
have a firm bond to each other and spend many happy hours
interacting together.