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Introduction

So I recently bought a new puppy, I wasn't planning on doing so, I wanted to adopt but the process was a disheartening journey so I decided it was time to look into the possibility of buying. I have adopted pets before so buying presented a new challenge and potential pitfalls because I suddenly had to do a lot of the work which when rescuing a dog is usually done for you or not needed at all.

First off here in the UK we are a dog-loving nation and right now puppy prices are very high which unfortunately means there are a lot of people who want to cash in by breeding puppies without knowing what they are doing or even worse puppy farming purely for the cash.

Therefore I thought I would share the research and advice I have had on what to look at for when purchasing your new best friends and how to avoid bad breeders. Some of the points below may be more specific to the UK but I think most should be relevant to all.

1. Do your research

Before you even go visit your prospective new companion, do your homework. Research the breeds you are interested in, the pros and cons of each and get a real understanding of what you're looking for, what's expected of you and you should expect.

In the UK there was an advert run some years back with the slogan 'A dog is for life not just for Christmas'. This is very true you are taking on a huge responsibility but the rewards are equally great like all things you get out of it what you put into it.

2. Location

Here in the UK we have a lot of puppies imported, whilst saving a dog from around the world is admirable most of the time this is done purely for profit. If the seller says your pup has a pet passport then it's highly likely to be already imported. The problem with imported pups is that you don't know the history of the animal, the quality of the services provided or authenticity of any documentation. It's much easier to puppy farm if there is a distance and language barrier between you.

Similarly, don't buy over the internet, whilst most adverts may be online make sure you go visit your dog in person and don't pay anything upfront, if the seller asks for a deposit directly or any money in advance chances are you will never see it again or the pup either. Some website will offer you a deposit service held with them, in principle this is ok but always check the fine print and gets a review of their service. In my experience cash is king, pay on the day only when all is done and you are 100% satisfied.

Finally, Imported animals may have issues with pet insurance if this is something you're considering then be aware it may affect your premium or ability to be insured at all.

3. Puppies must be 8 weeks

First off in the UK it's the law so that makes it pretty easy and obvious that something is wrong with your seller if they are trying to sell one younger than that. But it's a law for a reason and here are a few reasons why you should always buy older than 8 weeks.

Weaning

It takes 8 weeks to fully wean a puppy. Weaning is the transition from moving from mother’s milk to solid foods which starts about 4 weeks old and needs time to transition properly.

Socialising

These formative years are important to correctly socialise a dog, there are learning a lot from both mother and the rest of the litter on how to behave. One good example of this is biting, puppies learn with their mouths but those teeth are sharp and mother and siblings don’t appreciate being nipped and will let your puppy realise this in ways you just can’t.

Bonding

You cannot do the job of its mother at the start so make sure she has had the time to teach all the things you want her to have. Without those lessons, your new pooch may develop behavioural issues such as anxiety, resource guarding, destructive behaviour or aggression.

Love and protection are easy to understand if you have had them from the start but much harder to learn if that bond has already been broken.

4. Meet the Family

As you have read above the importance of the mother in the formative years is crucial, so when you look to buy your puppy I would recommend making sure you see it with the rest of its family, at the very least the mother and ideally meet where they are living not just reception space. A good breeder will have no issue with this and the information you can gain about your prospective pet can be invaluable by seeing how the mother and puppy are with each other, those around them and the environment they are used to.

If your breeder says the mother isn't available then offer to come back another time when she is, if they don't want you to meet the mother walk away, this is a big red flag that something is wrong or deceitful.

The breeders are part of the family so see how they are with the animals, how do they respond are they kind and loving, ask lots of questions, spend time chatting this isn't a race and they should be perfectly happy for you to come several times before you make a decision. Make sure you don't feel pressured into making a purchase immediately.

5. Good Health

Get as much information on the parents as possible, have they been registered with your national kennel club or association. Have they had any hereditary tests done or have any pre-existing conditions like diabetes? If they claim to be tested and passed ask to see the records to prove it, the breeder should be happy to provide them.

Your pup should also have been to the vets numerous times by now and be undergoing worming and be fully vaccinated and if required (we are in the UK) microchipped. Ask for the vet records and make sure everything is above board.

Finally, does your pup have any health issues identified by the vet, if you planning to insure your pup then pre-existing conditions are the number one way they will avoid paying out.

6. What you take away

When you are 100% satisfied and ready to commit what should you get with your purchase? Well obviously your puppy, don't pay if you're not taking it away with you straight away. But here are a few things you will want o make sure you also get to keep.

Documents and records.

All those documentation and records you have asked to see and check about your puppy, should be yours once you leave. Make sure you have all the vet records signed and dated so you can continue their care once you take them home.

In addition, a good breeder will have some information sheets about how to look after puppies. Not all dog owners have experience with puppies and not all puppies have the same habits and experiences.

Food

Like all babies, diet is important your breeder should furnish you with a supply of good quality puppy food that they have been using so far. You can change it later over time but for now, your dog will need to eat what it knows so your transition is as smooth as possible.

A receipt and a contract

Not a long legal document but an agreement in writing that you have paid and that if there are any troubles you have the right to bring the puppy back within a fixed period of time. For example, you may realise after a few hours/days you are allergic to your dog, this can be heartbreaking but a good breeder should happily take your pup back and offer a refund.

Something of the mothers

Usually, the breeder will have a small blanket or another item that they have used with your pup and mother together which will have her scent. This can make a big difference in settling your pup in for the first few days of living with you.

Conclusion

Just be careful you should be looking for a forever friend in your new pup so take as much or as little time as you need to get it right. Puppies can be a huge financial commitment both initially and in ongoing costs so like anything that costs a lot be aware of people trying to scam or deceive you, and don't unwittingly help prop up a cruel and dangerous enterprise like puppy farming. And if anything doesn't feel right trust your instincts and know when it is time to walk away. Puppies may be adorable and it's easy to act on impulse but this is time for a level head, make sure you act in your and your pup's long term best interests.