7 Questions to Ask the Dog Breeder Before Adopting a Puppy

Getting a new family dog from a dog breeder can be exciting for the whole family. However, bringing home a tiny puppy can be a stressful event for everybody involved. Before going ahead and adopting a dog from a dog breeder, consider asking a few questions to make the transition go more smoothly.

Ask for references.

It's a good idea to talk with one or two other people who have adopted a dog from your dog breeder to get a general idea of their experience with the breeder and how happy they were to do business with the breeder. While everybody wants to think the best of the dog breeder, there are dog breeders who won't be up to standards. It's best to be safer than sorry for both you and the new puppy.

Ask for the brand of food and the feeding schedule the puppy has been on.

Changing food brands abruptly can upset a puppy's stomach. It's best to use the same brand of dog food that the breeder had been using at first, or until you've transitioned the puppy gradually to a different brand of food. In addition, if the puppy has been eating at 6 a.m., 12 noon, and 5 p.m. with the dog breeder, then you can bet on the puppy being hungry at those times while living with you. Keeping the same feeding schedule will make everybody happier.

Ask the dog breeder for the puppy's potty schedule.

A puppy will tend to stick to the same schedule for going outside. Asking the breeder for this schedule will let you know approximately what times during the day to bring the puppy outside. This will also make potty training easier and leave less messes on your carpet!

Ask if the puppy has had any vaccinations.

Knowing what vaccinations the puppy has had will help you in determining what vaccinations the puppy still needs to have. It will also eliminate any chance of vaccinating the puppy twice, something you'll want to avoid! Also, ask if the dog breeder has vaccination records for the puppy. If so, ask for a copy for your own records.

Ask the dog breeder if the puppy knows any commands yet.

If your new puppy already knows how to sit, then that's just brownie points for you! Training the puppy will be so much easier if the puppy already knows a few commands.

Ask to if you can meet the puppy's mother or father.

It's difficult guessing how big your puppy will eventually become when he or she currently fits comfortably in the crook of your arm. Seeing your puppy's mother or father will give you a general idea for how big (or small) your dog will eventually grow to be.

Ask about potential health problems your puppy might be at risk for.

Some dogs are more prone to health problems, such as hip dysplasia, than others. Knowing from the beginning what sorts of health issues to watch out for can prolong the length and quality of your dog's life.