Getting a Puppy?
Essential Tips on Where to Find Your New Best Friend
Are you thinking about getting a puppy, or perhaps you've already decided to get one? Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time. Puppies are full of energy and bring a lot of joy, cuddles, and puppy kisses. Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting adventure, but it's also a major decision that should be made with careful consideration, including where to get your puppy from.
Getting a Puppy
It may seem like there are numerous places to get a puppy. For the best outcome, there are really only two reliable options: through a breeder/private seller or a local animal rescue. Once you know which breed of dog you're looking for (see our blog here for tips on choosing the right breed if you're unsure), the next step is deciding where to get your puppy from.
Below, we'll provide essential tips to help you find your new best friend from either of these places.
Private Seller/Breeder
Importance of Regulations and Licensing
Many states require breeders to be licensed and follow specific regulations. In Wisconsin, the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) provides a list of licensed breeders. Breeders must register with the state if they have over a certain number of puppies or litters. This regulation helps ensure breeders are responsible, care about their facilities, and welcome inspections.
Regardless of where you live, be sure to verify whether the breeder you're looking at is licensed. Check with your state's relevant regulatory agency to confirm that breeders follow regulations.
Visiting the Breeding Facility
It's essential to visit the facility when looking at a breeder. You probably wouldn't buy a house or a car without actually seeing it, and the same should be true when getting a puppy. It's risky to buy a pet in another state, sight unseen. You want to see where the puppy is born, how it's kept, and how it's being raised.
If the breeder is local, you want to visit the facility and make sure the facility is clean, not overpopulated, and the dogs are healthy and socialized. You also want to ensure the dogs have plenty of space and are not hidden away in a remote area. The breeder should also make sure all of their needs are met, including adequate food, water, and proper socialization.
Avoid any breeders who aren't willing to let you visit in person.
Responsible Breeders
You want to ensure the breeder you're looking at is responsible and that they're not having litter after litter with a gazillion puppies running around. It's also best to avoid breeders with multiple dog breeds at the same location.
Breeders who breed multiple breeds are not really focusing on their product. This is not a sign of a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders should look to better the genetics of the breed they're interested in rather than focusing on quantity over quality.
Puppy Socialization
Much of puppies' socialization happens before they reach 6 weeks of age, and they need exposure to plenty of positive experiences. If they don't, it can lead to issues down the road.
Responsible breeders will often have a waiting list for their puppies, and you may not have too much advance notice when you're going to get a puppy. However, from the moment they're born, you should be allowed to have access to visit the puppies regularly and handle them even before the puppy comes home with you.
Additionally, if mom and dad are on-site at the facility, it's helpful to see them as it provides insight into the puppy's temperament and can be helpful when preparing your puppy for training.
Once you get your puppy home, training will begin. To help you get started, read our puppy obedience training blog here. Buddy's Vets also has many resources to help you with puppy socialization, including our in-person puppy socials.
Puppy Socials at Buddy's Vets are a great way to socialize your puppy.
Breeder's Relationship with Veterinary Care
Breeders should have a strong relationship with a local veterinarian. They should include testing for the mom and dad before breeding even happens. Puppies should also receive routine checkups from the veterinarian until going home with their new owners. The breeder should have a reliable record-keeping system, including veterinary records, for you to take home with your puppy.
Once you bring your puppy home, it's important you stay consistent with regular veterinary care. It's best to have a veterinarian in place before your puppy comes home. Regular wellness care for your puppy can help keep your new friend healthy and manage health costs. At Buddy's Vets, we offer puppy wellness plans to set your puppy up for success.
Genetic Background and Health Concerns
You want to know in detail what the puppies' genetic background is. There should be a good history of lineage going back many generations so you can see where the puppies come from, and there should be health records to go with all of them. Often, the dad may not be available as he may not be kept on-site or if they've paid for a stud or use artificial insemination. Regardless, you should always ask for the father's history, any medical issues, lineage, or genetic information.
Certain breeds also have specific health concerns. In larger breeds, we get concerned about things like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and sometimes eye deformities. In short-faced breeds, you'll want to know if they've had surgeries and whether they're breeding to improve breathing or for a particular look. These are important questions to ask.
Local Animal Rescue
The other option we highly encourage you to consider when getting a puppy is from a local animal rescue or humane society. This option also carries its own pros and cons. It seems that every day, a new rescue is popping up. You want to be sure you are asking the same questions you're asking the breeder. You want to visit the facility to see if the puppies are healthy and looking for clean, clear, healthy eyes and noses.
Although it may not always be possible due to the circumstances, you want to try and get as much background information as possible on your puppy. Shelters often lack detailed background information on genetics, who mom and dad are, the environment they came from, or how they got to the shelter. These are things we can accept that are unknown with a shelter.
Regardless, shelters should provide many of the same things breeders should, such as adequate food, water, and proper socialization. They should also have a sound veterinary check, including records that show everything that's been performed while the puppy's been at the shelter.
If you're local to Buddy's Vets, below are some local animal rescues to consider when looking for a puppy.
For more guidance on adopting from a local animal rescue or shelter, check out these resources:
Adopting pets from animal shelters or rescues | The Humane Society of the United States
Finding Your New Best Friend
Getting a puppy should be a fun and exciting time for your family. It's also a big decision and a huge commitment. Whether you're looking at breeders or local animal rescues, be sure to do your homework. Ask around, look at Google reviews and social media, and lastly, ask your veterinarian. Please do your due diligence.
Always ask your veterinarian if you have any questions. Never hesitate to ask your veterinarian to accompany you to either of these places. There are plenty that will, maybe for a fee, maybe not, but if you need advice, it doesn't hurt to ask. Getting a puppy should be a happy time and not stressful. At Buddy's Vets, we are always here to help you make this important decision. Contact us today to learn how we can help you find your new best friend.