What questions should I ask when buying a puppy?
Table of Contents
What questions should I ask when buying a puppy?
Things to check before buying a puppy
- Can I afford to look after my dog? There are lots of costs associated with owning a dog.
- Will my dog be left alone regularly?
- Can I give my dog the exercise it needs?
- Is my home suitable for my dog?
- Have I researched the dog breed I want, and understand their needs?
Read also: What should you ask a breeder when buying a puppy?
What should I look for when buying a puppy?
What questions should I ask about a puppy?
Try AKC Marketplace and have this list of questions handy to get to know your breeder, your breed, and your potential puppy better.
- Ask to meet the parents.
- Have health tests been performed on the parents?
- How long have you been breeding?
- How do you socialize your puppies?
- Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations?
How do you tell if a puppy is healthy before you buy?
Signs of Good Health
- Eyes: Should be bright and clear.
- Ears: Should be clean and free of discharge, odor and redness.
- Nose: Should be clean, without discharge or sores.
- Mouth: Should smell fresh.
- Coat: Should be shiny and clean.
- Weight: Active, playful puppies are rarely overweight.
What do you get from a breeder when buying a puppy?
Your breeder should provide medical history on the puppy. Depending on the age of adoption, this will include one or two sets of puppy shots or other care like routine worming. The purchase contract may require owners to maintain specific health care practices, feed recommended diets or other specific instructions.
Should I ignore puppy crying at night?
We would never recommend ignoring your puppy when they cry at night, especially in their first few nights. Firstly, they may need the toilet, so it’s important to take them out to check.
Where should a puppy sleep first night?
On the first night, and for about three weeks, have the puppy sleep in a dog crate next to the bed. Line the base with blankets so that it is cosy and drape another blanket over the top to help it feel more secure. Give the puppy the stuffed toy that has its littermates’ scent on it to snuggle up to.
How can you tell if someone is a backyard breeder?
The 10 Most Telltale Signs of a Backyard Breeder
- They sell on Craigslist, eBay, or pet stores.
- They offer minimal medical security.
- They don’t have proof of genetic testing.
- They don’t offer lifetime return policies.
- There are no veterinary records for the puppies.
- They sell puppies before they are 8 weeks old.
How do you impress a dog breeder?
These are broad and general, but hopefully will help anyone who is searching for a puppy.
- Don’t treat puppy buying as a financial transaction.
- Politely ask any questions.
- Show off your knowledge on the breed.
- Express your willingness to take guidance.
- Go visit.
- Be prepared to answer questions.
- Don’t hassle.
What should I look for in a breeder?
The breeder should encourage you to spend time with one or both parents on your visit. The parents should be friendly and socialize well with both people and other dogs. Their pups should have the same demeanor, be clean and energetic.
How do you settle a puppy’s stomach?
- Chicken and Rice. Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs.
- Shredded Chicken. Shredded chicken is easy on upset stomachs and acts as a huge eating incentive for dogs with decreased appetites.
- Pumpkin.
- Bone Broth.
- Baby Food.
How can you tell if a puppy is from a puppy mill?
9 Signs That Your Dog Came From a Puppy Mill
- Puppies Are Unclean or Unhealthy.
- Puppies Aren’t Vaccinated.
- Puppy Mill Owners Won’t Meet You At Home.
- Puppy’s Parents Aren’t Present.
- Pet Store Puppies are Usually from Mills.
- Multiple Breeds are Available.
- Many Litters Can Be Found.
- Mill Puppies Have Behavior Issues.
How do you know if a puppy is happy?
These are some of the physical signs of a happy dog:
- A soft, partially open mouth.
- Ears that are relaxed, not pulled back or taut with alertness.
- Overall relaxed posture, with a raised head, relaxed tail, and confident stance (click here for more on dog body language)
How do you know if a breeder is reputable?
Check that the breeder is affiliated with the local and national breed clubs and a national kennel club (such as the AKC). Most importantly, make sure you visit the breeding facility and meet the puppies’ parents (mother at least).
How long does it take to potty train a puppy?
It typically takes 4-6 months for a puppy to be fully house trained, but some puppies may take up to a year. Size can be a predictor. For instance, smaller breeds have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms and require more frequent trips outside. Your puppy’s previous living conditions are another predictor.
What questions will a breeder ask me?
Some sample questions might include:
- Why this breed?
- Where do you live? In what conditions will the dog live? Do you have a fenced yard?
- What other pets do you own now? Breed? How many?
- Who will be the primary caretaker of the dog?
- How many hours a day will the dog be left alone?