Bringing a new furry friend into your life is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, before you can welcome a dog into your home, it's crucial to find a reputable dog breeder. The process of finding the right dog breeder can seem overwhelming, but fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure you bring home a healthy and well-cared-for canine companion.
Why Choose a Reputable Dog Breeder?
When you choose a reputable dog breeder, you are not just buying a pet; you are investing in the health and well-being of your future furry family member. Responsible breeders prioritize the overall welfare of their dogs through proper care, breeding practices, and socialization, resulting in happier, healthier dogs. By selecting a reputable breeder, you can be confident that you are getting a puppy that has been ethically raised and is less likely to develop hereditary health issues.
Steps to Find the Right Dog Breeder
Research
Before diving into the world of dog breeders, take the time to research different breeds that align with your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Understanding the characteristics and requirements of specific dog breeds will help you narrow down your search for the perfect breeder.
Talk to the Breeder
Once you have a list of potential breeders, reach out to them and ask questions. A reputable breeder will be transparent about their breeding practices and puppy raising. In the past it was more common to visit breeders at their facility. However, that is much less common today. Between the risk of illness spreading to other people, dogs, and puppies, and the potential safety issues with inviting people to your home or facility, the days of naïvely allowing people to visit are mostly behind us. Regardless, you should still have a good idea if you have found a reputable breeder if they are willing to answer your questions, FaceTime with you and the puppies, and communicate reliably with you.
Ask the Right Questions
While speaking with a breeder, don't be afraid to ask the breeder questions about their breeding program, health testing procedures, and socialization efforts. A responsible breeder will be forthcoming with information. Be wary of breeders who dodge questions or seem reluctant to provide details about their breeding program.
Also, don't be afraid to ask about what you don't know. As a breeder, it's truly one of my favorite things when someone is asking about puppies. Of course I don't know everything! But this is my passion, and who doesn't love to talk about their passion and share it with others!
Evaluate the Contract
Before committing to a puppy, review the breeder's contract thoroughly. Ensure that it includes health guarantees, return policies, and any conditions of sale. A reputable breeder will always have a clear and fair contract that prioritizes the well-being of their puppies.
You should also notice the time frame in the contract for health guarantees. Most breeders offer a one year guarantee for congenital health issues. However, many congenital issues will present after one year old. This is why Harvest Creek does a two year health guarantee. Another item to look for in a contract is the ability to return a puppy/dog at anytime in the future. Reputable breeders will include contract language that is specific to owners bringing a dog back to the breeder if they are no longer able to care for the dog. Our contract includes this language and it is specifically stated that our puppies should never end up in a rescue or shelter situation.
Puppy Mill? At least Google it!
We have all heard of puppy mills. Everyone for the most part agrees they are ridiculous, sad, disgusting, cruel, I could go on and on. However, have you ever wondered if puppy mills are so bad, how are they still in business and selling puppies? Let me share, "puppy mills" is a generic term that is basically defined by breeders that mass produce puppies. Their puppies generally never leave a cage and they are rarely held by a human during their first 8 weeks of life. The two times I visited a puppy mill were so disturbing and just "freaking disgusting." So, why do puppy mills still exist? Technically, if their adult dogs and puppies look healthy (i.e., not skin and bones starving) and their facility meets the state or federal minimum regulations, they are "technically" not breaking any laws. Therefore, they continue to have puppies and sale them.
Now, here's where your part comes in! It's not exactly difficult to figure out if a breeder is a puppy mill, you just need to know what to look for. So first, just Google it! Google "puppy mills" in your state. Usually a list of the top puppy mills will pop up and you will have a good starting point. Also, when you are looking a breeders websites, see how many breeds of puppies they have and how many puppies they have for sale. While it's not always the case, many puppy mills will have a dozen or more different dog breeds for sale which is a good indicator of a puppy mill.
Another thing to watch out for is pet stores that sale puppies. This is much more common in bigger cities, but often puppy mills sale puppies by the dozen to people (brokers) that then pass them along to pet stores to sale. The whole thing, all of it, is just "freaking nuts!"
So, why do puppy mills still exist? Because the average person/family is just looking for a pet and they are under the impression that dog breeders love dogs as much as they will love a new puppy. But puppy mill breeders don't like dogs, much less love them. So, for the general public looking to bring home a new puppy, education about puppy mills is the best first step. Just think, if people stopped buying from puppy mills and pet stores, those breeders would likely not remain in business for very long.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog breeder is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth transition for your new furry friend into your home. By taking the time to research and ask questions you can find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Remember, bringing a dog into your life is a long-term commitment, and finding the right breeder is the first step towards building a lasting and loving relationship with your new companion.
Happy tails wagging!
Website Name: www.harvestcreekpuppies.com
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