“BUYER BEWARE”:
I am finally getting a new PUPPY!
So, I decided to write about how a trainer goes about getting a new puppy because I think you may find it interesting and I know it can help you get a good dog!
Knowing about all that could go wrong genetically and at the breeder’s, we trainers are control freaks, when it comes to picking a puppy. It comes from experience. But it’s not just that. While most people just need a good pet that fits their family, we need a good pet that fits our family but is also a striking dog that will call attention to us, one that is braver and more adaptable, in order to accompany us in as many different places as possible, a dog with “work ethic” who won’t tire or get bored easily, a dog that loves to please, learn new things and show off, a dog with self control that thinks before reacting to bad situations and will put his handler first, a strong and healthy dog that will be able to happily work for a long time and a dog that can do a few sports and get a few titles to his name.
It’s a lot I now. But after you’ve met and owned a few dogs like that, it’s very hard settle for less. I mean you can settle for less, if you absolutely have to when you are out of luck but you sure aren’t going to leave your puppy selection to chance and just hope for the best. So how does one begin to search for that elusive “perfect pup”, if this isn’t their first rodeo?
Step One:
The Orthoped Foundation for Animals at ofa.org is a public and free record of breeder’s health testing and has loads of information about each breed’s health issues and statistics. Put the breeder’s kennel name in the search bar and you should see a lot of health testing on a lot of dogs. A CHIC number means they have done all the testing ofa recommended for the breed. This info alone doesn’t prove a breeer is good but not being on their or not having done enough testing on the dogs that are on there is a red flag and a good reason to move on to a different breeder. What a time saver!
Step Two:
Meet the parents. Or least the dam of your prospective puppy. She should be confident, socialized, confortable and healthy. And because temperament is extremely hereditary in dogs, the more relatives of the puppy you meet, the better.
Step Three:
Titles. Ideally the breeder shows their dogs in AKC but if they do not, you need to see other ways the breeder has proven the value of their breeding stock. No titles means this breeder has little to no interest in breed preservation OR attracting the more knowledgeable buyer. They want uneducated buyers and thus, are only in it for the money and will offer no after sale support. They are careful NOT to invest money in their breeding program. Huge red flag.
Step Four:
Good breeders usually make you sign a contract. The one thing these contracts have in common is that they require you to return the dog, if you need to rehome, at any point. These breeders usually offer support for the life-time of the puppy you bought from them. Their puppies rarely end up in a shelter or rescue, if ever.
Step Five:
Talk to the breeder and visit them at their home. If they won’t allow a planned visit, move on to the next breeder on your list. Not allowing visitors near very young puppies is however a sign of a responsible, caring breeder.
Step Six and most importantly:
Study the breed your interested in, in depth. Focus on the DISADVANTAGES of owning such a dog. Calculate the cost per year as well. Don’t just focus on size and appearance but understand that temperament, instincts and behavior is what is most important. Its NOT all in how you raise them.
Magic Mountain K9 