| Selecting your new pet dog can be quite a | | | | the dog look healthy? Ask to see the litter |
| task, especially since there are so many | | | | it came from and one, or both, of its |
| types to choose from. | | | | parents. A good breeder will want you to |
| | | | spend time with the puppy's parents. Also, |
| Some people want a dog with a disposition | | | | the dog should not be afraid of the breeder. |
| that will be a perfect fit for them, their | | | | It is wise to avoid a breeder who has a large |
| family and their lifestyles. When looking for | | | | number of dogs; this might indicate he is |
| a dog, the humane society is filled with many | | | | operating a puppy mill and not a dog breeding |
| possible choices that will yield an ideal | | | | service. A good breeder will only breed one |
| companion. But, if you want a more reliable | | | | or two types of breeds. They will usually not |
| indicator of temperament, health and other | | | | have any ready and will, instead, have to |
| factors, then a dog breeder can usually | | | | place you on a list for the next litter. |
| fulfill your needs. Perhaps the most | | | | |
| important thing to keep in mind when choosing | | | | Next is the questioning period. Ask the |
| a dog breeder is to take your time. It | | | | breeder questions, and expect him to ask as |
| shouldn't be a rushed decision, and you | | | | many in return. A good breeder is concerned |
| should make sure you are dealing with a | | | | with the welfare of the dog and will want to |
| reputable and established professional. | | | | be sure it is getting placed in a good home. |
| | | | He will ask questions about your lifestyle |
| In your search for a dog breeder, you can | | | | and will want to meet the whole family. The |
| seek the guidance of veterinarians, other pet | | | | breeder is very knowledgeable about breeds, |
| owners, local kennel clubs and boarding | | | | their temperament and feeding, as well as, |
| kennels. They know many breeders and can help | | | | possible genetic problems. Take advantage of |
| refer you to some of the better ones. Once | | | | this knowledge to become more informed about |
| you have established a list of possible | | | | your future pet. |
| choices, the interview process can start. It | | | | |
| is a good idea to contact and see as many | | | | A good breeder will also offer advice and |
| breeders as you can. In doing so, make sure | | | | guidance on raising your dog, and provide |
| you tour their facility and talk with them in | | | | assistance to you even after you have taken |
| person. | | | | it home. They will also offer a contract and |
| | | | a health guarantee, since testing on the dog |
| When you go to the breeder's home, there are | | | | will have taken place. They will present |
| many things to look for that will indicate | | | | medical records from veterinarian visits. |
| their qualifications. Initially, observe the | | | | They will also supply you with references |
| place where the dog is being raised. Take | | | | from other families who have obtained pets |
| notice if the dog is kept in the home, around | | | | from their service. |
| family, or in a caged area. A good breeder | | | | |
| will raise the dog in a healthy, clean, roomy | | | | Looking for a good dog breeder takes time and |
| environment, where it can interact with | | | | investigative work. By observing the |
| people, and not in a confined space. Examine | | | | breeder's living environment, and asking |
| the dog's appearance and its personality. Is | | | | questions, you will be able to pick a |
| the dog friendly and happy to be around new | | | | reputable breeder who can pair you up with a |
| people? There may be a problem with the way | | | | pet that will fit your lifestyle perfectly. |
| it was raised if it shies away from you. Does | | | | |