| When shopping for dog breeders, it's important to | | | | at a fast rate. |
| remember that they're not all the same. | | | | As well, most good breeds will focus on only one, or |
| Unfortunately, new and excited potential dog owners | | | | maybe two, dog breeds at a time. This is usually their |
| simply do not take time to learn information about | | | | absolute favorite breed that they are extremely |
| dog breeders and end up purchasing a puppy from a | | | | knowledgeable about. It is common to find that many |
| backyard breeder or one of many puppy mills. | | | | breeders will also be trainers or will have a few of |
| Although this is not always the case, there are a | | | | their own dogs of that particular breed that they |
| handful of breeders that do not care about the | | | | show in competitions. |
| standards for the American Kennel Club or with the | | | | Requires a Contract...Working with a trustworthy dog |
| health of the dog, but are instead more interested in | | | | breeder means being asked to sign a written |
| making money. | | | | contract that is used to guarantee the health of the |
| What can come from this is a puppy that grows into | | | | dog. It is also used as a promissory note on your end |
| an adult dog having health problems or, even worse, | | | | to ensure that you plan on taking care of the dog. |
| behavioral issues. This type of unethical breeding is | | | | This will include promising to have the dog regularly |
| becoming extremely common in small dog breeders, | | | | vaccinated, as well as spayed or neutered, unless |
| because of the growing popularity of small dogs like | | | | you plan on showing the dog. This contract means |
| the Yorkshire Terrier, or yorkie, and teacup dogs like | | | | that if major health problems become an issue, you |
| the Chihuahua. | | | | will receive a refund on the dog. It also shows the |
| To avoid the pitfalls of a bad breeder, it is best to | | | | concern of the breeder, who wants to make sure |
| try and remain as level headed as possible about the | | | | the dog is in good hands once they leave the |
| purchase of your new pooch and follow your | | | | property. |
| instincts about the breeder. Keep in mind some of | | | | Keeps Dog Records...While it is not completely |
| the following tips when searching for a reputable dog | | | | necessary that you find a dog breeder who keeps |
| breeder: | | | | perfect records of the history of your puppy, most |
| Offers to Let you Visit...You may want to reconsider | | | | dog breeders will have at least some type of history |
| your possible pet purchase, if the breeder will not let | | | | of the puppy to help you understand their future |
| you visit the facility where they breed the dogs. The | | | | health and behavior. |
| same goes for a visitation that shows an unclean, | | | | A good dog breeder will already have the dog |
| unhealthy environment, as this may mean health or | | | | registered and should absolutely have records of the |
| temperament problems right from the start. | | | | puppy's vaccination history. Because new puppies |
| If a breeder isn't willing to let you come and spend | | | | don't typically go home with owners until they are |
| time with the dogs to help get acquainted with your | | | | 10-12 weeks old, they should have received 1-2 sets |
| new puppy, this might signal a problem as well. A | | | | of shots as well as had worms removed and been |
| breeder that cares about their dogs will want you to | | | | placed on preventative medicine. |
| get to know the breed before sending them to a | | | | Helps You Learn...Before leaving with your new dog, a |
| new home. A visitation helps give you an idea of | | | | good dog breeder will spend time helping you |
| exactly how the dog has been socialized and how | | | | become familiar with the breed of the dog, as well as |
| they will need to continue being socialized in the | | | | with your own particular puppy. It is important to |
| future. You may want to avoid dog breeders that | | | | look for a breeder that is willing to help you get on |
| have not made an effort to include the puppies and | | | | your feet with your new dog. It is best to look for |
| the dog in their daily routine. Dogs that have been | | | | dog breeders that will offer regarding the |
| kept in kennels may have a more difficult time with | | | | temperament and health of the dog, but might also |
| socializing. | | | | include tips for caring for the dog, especially if this is |
| Look For A Select Breeder...Most reputable breeders | | | | your first pet. |
| will not have an abundance of puppies running around, | | | | In closing, please keep in mind that the tips offered |
| but will most likely have a waiting list for the next | | | | above will not guarantee that the dog breeder you |
| litter. Since the breeder is not worried about financial | | | | finally choose will be a good one. These tips should |
| gain, but the health of the pregnant dog and the litter | | | | be viewed only as a general guideline and do not |
| of puppies instead, they most likely will not be | | | | apply to every dog breeder. |
| encouraging the mother dog to become impregnated | | | | |