Bringing a new dog into your life is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. This lovable pet is the perfect companion, whether you prefer an adorable Maltese or a playful golden retriever. While it’s no secret that taking care of a dog requires hard work and commitment, there’s also a lot of work involved in the process of choosing a pet. It’s therefore crucial to ensure that you find a pup that perfectly aligns with your needs.
The most reliable way to find your ideal pet is to choose a reputable dog breeder. Not only can a good dog breeder help facilitate the process of finding your new best friend, but they can also serve as an invaluable guide throughout your dog’s life. To ensure that you’re satisfied with your breeder of choice, it’s important to do the necessary research. Here’s what you need to know about choosing a dog breeder that you can trust.
Meet the Dog Breeder
First impressions are important, and meeting with your dog breeder can help you determine whether they live up to your expectations. If you’re able to, arrange to meet your breeder in person to discuss their breeding process and how they handle dogs. If you’re unable to speak to your breeder in person, agree to meet them via video chat. This crucial step will allow you to get a feel for the breeder’s personality and the environment in which they keep their dogs.
In addition to learning more about the breeder and their practices, take this time to observe the dogs in their care and the way they behave. A pet’s behavior speaks volumes about the way they’re treated, which can give you valuable insight into the dog breeder’s manner of caring for their pups. Pay close attention to the way the dogs interact with the breeder and with one another. You should also confirm that the environment is properly maintained and that the dogs appear to be healthy and well-fed.
Ask Questions
While you can learn a lot just by observing the dog breeder’s environment, the best way to determine whether your breeder of choice is a reputable dog breeder is by asking plenty of questions. Remember not to be shy while you come up with questions to ask. The more ground you cover during your interview, the more confident you’ll be in your decision to choose your dog breeder—or to opt for a different breeder instead.
During the interview, be sure to pay close attention to your dog breeder’s behavior as well as their responses to your questions. For example, if they seem hesitant or unwilling to answer certain questions, this may be a major red flag. A good breeder will be open to all types of queries and won’t hesitate to provide you with all the details you need. Likewise, keep in mind that your breeder should answer your questions clearly and unambiguously if they’re serious about their job.
Request Medical Information
A healthy dog is a happy dog, and you want to be confident that your pup is in good health before you take him home. To clear this up right from the start, be sure to request any relevant medical information from your dog breeder. This can include CERF and OFA certificates, recent vaccinations, underlying health conditions, medications and any other pertinent details. It’s your right to learn as much as you can about your dog’s medical history, and a good dog breeder will be open to sharing all of this information with you.
In addition, it’s important to be aware of the way your dog breeder handles any underlying conditions or other issues that their dogs may be experiencing. A responsible breeder will be proactive in giving their dogs the necessary medication and taking them to the vet whenever something is wrong. Observe the state the dogs are in while you meet with your breeder and make sure the breeder answers your questions honestly to ensure that they’re caring for their dogs properly.
Talk to Your Vet
Your vet works with dogs all day, giving them useful insight into their behavior, needs and so much more. With all this experience under their belt, vets can give you the recommendation you’re looking for when it comes to finding a reputable dog breeder. Don’t hesitate to talk to your vet if you need help when deciding how to choose a dog breeder. Not only can they help you determine what to look for in a breeder, but they might also offer some helpful tips on building a strong, lasting relationship with your breeder. You can even discuss potential questions to ask during the interview with your vet to ensure that you’re fully prepared ahead of time.
Ask Friends and Family
Does your coworker or next-door neighbor have a pup that you wish was your own? If you’ve taken note of this dog’s healthy, vibrant personality and your friend’s exceptional pet parenting skills, it’s worth asking them where they got their pup. If they found it through a reputable dog breeder, they may pass their name along to you. Getting a referral from a trusted friend or family member helps take some of the guesswork out of the process, as you already know the breeder had a positive impact on an owner’s life.
Choose a Reputable Dog Breeder to Find the Right Pup for You
Choosing a dog breeder is not a one-size-fits-all situation. To get the most out of the process, it’s vital to know what your goals are when working with a dog breeder. This will allow you to determine whether your breeder matches up to your goals and meets your specific needs. Once you find a reputable dog breeder that you can trust, you’ll have the opportunity to provide your pup with the high-quality care it needs to thrive throughout its lifetime.