Getting a new puppy or dog is an exciting adventure — but it can also be overwhelming and stressful. It is important to think things through BEFORE making the commitment to bring a new family member home. Puppies ARE an extreme amount of work. They are living, breathing, sentient beings who are full of sass and poor choices (it is true!). They may bark, whine, chew things, and have accidents in your home. They will test your patience. They require constant supervision, time, attention, rules, experiences, and our human assistance to help them reach their full potential. They are also a financial commitment; and you should not only consider the overall healthcare (vet expenses) of your puppy, but also the investment of supplies, food, professional training/classes, future boarding, the potential for insurance — and unknown expenditures popping up unexpectedly.
BEFORE bringing a puppy home:
Research appropriate breed choice for your lifestyle, environment, & goals — KNOW YOUR BREED! Read the standard and be familiar with the breed you are committing to.
Find a reputable and ethical breeder or rescue — KNOW YOUR BREEDER! Fancy websites, cute puppies, and someone trying to convince you to purchase a puppy is not what a responsible breeder will do. Most will come with a thorough contract and detailed information; one of which should include a clause in the rare instance for whatever reason, at whatever time, you are no longer able to keep the puppy or dog.
They breed their dogs to standard. Every breed has one. The standard is an inch by inch blueprint of what that breed should and should not be. An easy place to start is AKC.org or simply doing an internet search on the breed standard.
They health test their breeding stock.
Health testing goes beyond a vet telling you a dog is healthy or a breeder telling you their dogs are up to date on shots or come with a DNA test
Breeders health test to ensure they are producing only the healthiest of dogs. Both mom and dad should be tested for a lengthy list of conditions prior to breeding to make sure that nothing unwanted will be passed on. Each breed has different health problems that they are genetically predisposed do, so health testing requirements are going to greatly vary on a breed by breed basis.
You can find which tests your breed needs by visiting the National breed club website. OFA.org is the overseeing registry of all health testing, and this is where you can find results. This is a public registry, all you need is a dog’s registration number or registered name to find their health testing results. IF A BREEDER DOES NOT HEALTH TEST THEIR DOGS, THAT IS NOT AN ETHICAL BREEDER. Run.
Titles their dogs in conformation showing as it allows them to have their stock evaluated for conformation, movement, and temperament.
Many breeds are also still expected to perform the tasks that they were originally bred for. Many working, sporting, and herding breeds will have additional performance titles
Finding a vet who is willing to get to know you and your puppy — get a health check right away! KNOW YOUR VET!
Setting up your household and having appropriate supplies on hand; puppy-proofing your household
Finding a reputable trainer BEFORE you bring the puppy home — training starts as soon as you get that puppy (really before if the breeder has done their job with proper neurological stimulation, socialization, etc.). Find someone who can assist you in setting up your household and go over the foundational steps of having a young puppy
Make sure the members of your household are on the same page and everyone is familiar with the rules! Consistency is incredibly important! If there are young children in the home, teaching appropriate interaction should be discussed BEFORE the puppy comes home. Children are not adults and should not be responsible for a puppy. They are an important part of the journey but they are learning what life is all about…just like the puppy!