WHAT TO ASK YOUR BREEDER

Lately, I’ve been reading about many troubling stories of scams involved in dog trading. Puppies that are bred incorrectly, puppies being held and raised in terrible conditions, known sickness that is intentionally hidden from people buying the puppy, and more. The way your puppy begins its life will affect him forever, and this will also directly affect you. Most puppies are cute and can eventually be trained, but the way a puppy was treated and raised during its first few weeks since birth can have a tremendous effect on its future behavior patterns.

Once people make the decision of taking a puppy, they are eager to find one immediately. While this is understandable, this process should not be rushed. Take the time to look for the right puppy for YOU. Here are some tips you need to ask the breeder before making your decision:

1. How old is the mother and how long has she been in the breeder’s possession. How many litters has she already had?

2. Who is the father? Is he living with them? Can you see him? Can you get a picture of him? (Usually, the pictures in ads show that mother only).

3. Can he send you in advance the formal medical records of both the mother and the father?

4. Where do the puppies live in the house? Is it in the house with the owner (optimal)? Is it outside in a barn or kennel?

5. Ask the breeder if you can come to meet and see both of the parents, face to face (provided this is physically possible). If this is impossible, make an effort to at least see the mother with your own eyes. If the breeder is too far away, as for a video meeting to view the potential puppy’s parents. Also, ask to view the conditions how and where the puppy is being held.

6. Ask if there is a written agreement you have to sign before receiving the puppy. Look for a clause that says that the breeder will take responsibility and will accept the puppy back if it does not work out for you. Such a clause will show that the breeder is a serious one and is confident that the litter will be a good one.

7. Find out if the breeder is planning to give the puppy its first vaccine as well as any other medical checkups and treatments.

8. The most important thing to look for is to make sure that the breeder is reputable and authentic. Someone who is experienced and knows what they are doing and that this is not a scam. I also advise on “feeling out” the breeder and making sure that you have good chemistry with him or her. This could be beneficial in the future (I speak with Toni’s breeder regularly).