Are You Buying Your Puppy from a Good Breeder?

Choosing the right breeder to get your puppy from is as important as choosing the right puppy for your family. By doing your homework before you buy, you can avoid a negative puppy experience. Bringing home your new doggy baby should be joyful and will be with a little prep work.

Visit the kennel or breeders home. See for yourself what kind of environment the puppies are being raised in. Ask to see both parents. Some breeders may not have the dads on site. Ask the breeder information for the dad. The breeder should also be able to provide you with health information. Any breeder that doesn't want you visiting their kennel or home has something to hide. If they tell you that they only deal with pet stores and not directly with the public, the red flags should fly. Always ask questions. The more information that you have the better choices you can make. The breeder should be able to answer questions about the breeds health, personality traits, care needs, and training.

Bad breeders are easy to spot if you take the time to check them out. Some puppy buyers falsely believe that if you buy from a breeder instead of a pet store, that they avoid puppy mills. While that is mostly true, it doesn't mean that you automatically avoid bad breeders. Unfortunately there are people out there that are just trying to make a buck. They don't care about dogs or you at all. Learn all you can about the breed of dog that you are looking to buy. That way you will know when you see or hear something wrong.

When you visit a breeder ask yourself some questions.
Do the parents seem well feed or are they under weight?
Is there clean water available for them to drink?
Is there bedding/crate/kennel clean?
Do they have clear bright eyes?
Are the puppies interested in you?

These are just a few of things that can help you make a good choice. If at any time a breeders answers or actions make you feel uncomfortable that is a clear sign that you shouldn't buy that puppy. If you see clear signs of neglect or abuse, leave and call the Humane Society or ASPCA. I know that they always tell you not the buy any puppies from these places. In doing so, you are supporting their cruelty. It can be the most terrible feeling to walk away and leave a puppy behind. We have bought puppies from bad breeders, just to rescue the poor things. Remember that if the dogs to get taken by the ASPCA or whomever, they will need foster homes and people to adopt the dogs. That person could be you!