The Decision to Get a Puppy
Words & Images: Diana Andersen
Choosing a puppy on impulse is one of the biggest mistakes many people make, often resulting in the difficult decision to re-home their dog in the future. Dogs are a big commitment in time and money, and choosing a dog without considering whether the breed is suited to your lifestyle is fraught with potential problems. Remember the old song, ‘How much is that doggie in the window?’ The problem is that puppies are adorable, so often, when faced with a cute puppy in a pet shop, all logical decision-making goes out the window. Finding a responsible dog breeder can help you avoid the pitfalls associated with an impulse purchase.
Where should you go to get your dog?
While rescuing a dog from a shelter can give a dog a second chance in life, fewer dogs would end up in rescue if people made better choices when deciding to bring a dog into their lives. If you are interested in a purebred dog, you can avoid some pitfalls of making inappropriate decisions when choosing a puppy by researching the breed and selecting a reputable breeder. Being a discerning purchaser is the best way to put puppy mills and pet shops that support them out of business.
How do you know if a breeder is responsible?
The key is to ask questions and expect to answer some as well!
Firstly, good breeders care about their dogs and want them to go to homes where they will get the best care. So, many will ask you to complete a questionnaire to help them figure out whether you can provide a good home. The questionnaire will help them ascertain how much you know about the breed and your expectations. Therefore, it is best to answer these questions as honestly as possible, as they know their breed better than you and can help you avoid getting a puppy unsuited to your family.
Canine regulatory bodies like the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in Europe, the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the USA, and the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKS) are a good place to start when locating a breeder. However, while these governing bodies aim to promote high standards in the activities of their registered breeders, membership alone does not ensure that a breeder is ethical.
Ask questions!
It is essential to do your research and ask appropriate questions. These include determining how many litters they produce in a year, what type of health testing they participate in and how well-cared for their dogs are. Most reputable breeders do not produce large numbers of puppies, as providing excellent care for their puppies is both time-consuming and costly.
For responsible breeders, it is often more about improving the breed than making money, and good breeders frequently have a waiting list for puppies. It is worth the wait to get a puppy from a good breeder to avoid the pitfalls of buying from backyard breeders who are inexperienced in raising puppies and often breed dogs with unknown health issues.
Cardigan Welsh Corgi Puppy
What to expect after a breeder has agreed to sell you a puppy?
Once a breeder has agreed to sell you a puppy, many will allow you to be involved in the puppies’ progress, either in person or through email updates or social media. The health of puppies is their priority, so it is not unusual to be unable to see the pups in person until after their first vaccination. Be wary of breeders that allocate a puppy at birth or based on colour. Most would prefer to delay that decision until the personality and temperament of the puppy have developed. This delay ensures they are the best match for an individual or family.
Many breeders will also introduce you to the litter’s parents, which is an excellent way to get an insight into your puppy’s potential personality and temperament. However, meeting the father is not always possible if he is a stud dog from another breeder. Of course, if you have opted for a crossbred puppy or one from an unregistered breeder, these guidelines will not apply.
Boxer Puppies
Puppy Packs
When you collect your puppy, many breeders supply a puppy pack. While there are no hard and fast rules about what they include, they will generally have microchip and registration details, health testing results, and provide details of the puppy’s diet. Often, the breeder will also supply a sample pack of food to avoid a rapid change of diet causing stomach upsets. However, puppy packs should always include a vaccination certificate, information on when booster shots are required, and details of the pup’s past and future worming regime.
Many breeders require puppy buyers to sign a contract, agreeing to return the puppy to them if it proves unsuitable. Most good breeders would prefer to take the puppy back or assist you in re-homing rather than see the puppy go to another potentially unsuitable home. The contract may also include a sterilisation or non-breeding clause, so options are best discussed with the breeder and your vet when you go for your booster.
Puppy packs often include a toy and a blanket with the mother’s scent to reduce stress, but the most beneficial thing you will go home with is the support a good breeder provides. It can make the difference between having to re-home a dog that has become part of the family or experiencing devastating health or behavioural problems that cause you to regret your decision to bring a wonderful dog or puppy into your home.
Papillon Puppy
Siberian Husky Puppy
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