Table of Contents
What should you ask before buying a dog?
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?
What do I need to do before getting a dog?
Preparing For Your New Puppy or Dog
- Food and water bowls. Choose heavy-bottomed ceramic or stainless steel food and water bowls.
- Identification tag.
- Something to chew on.
- Toys to play with.
- Grooming kit.
- Stair gates.
- Using a crate.
- Your dog’s first food.
What should I be careful of when buying a dog?
Ask for proof of any vet checks, vaccinations (where applicable), microchipping, and/or pedigree papers. Be aware that the puppy should be at least eight weeks old at the point when it goes home with you. A responsible breeder would never send you home with a puppy younger than that.
Should I meet a puppy before buying?
Your puppy’s relatives and how it is raised in the first few weeks of life—long before it comes home with—can have significant impact on his future temperament. Never buy a puppy sight-unseen online. You should meet the mother of your puppy and she should be friendly, outgoing and not shy or over protective.
Are pedigree papers important?
They help reveal the character and health of your dog Many breeders who provide pedigree papers will have performed certain health checks on their puppies to test against certain conditions. Knowing a dog’s pedigree also ensures you’re aware of health conditions particular to that breed.
What should you feed a pregnant dog?
Just like the third trimester of pregnancy, feeding during lactation is best accomplished using a highly digestible, high quality puppy food. Free-choice feeding during the first 3-4 weeks of lactation, unless she only has one or two puppies, provides many advantages.
What should I look for when buying a puppy?
Look for an experienced dog breeder with a stellar reputation. Avoid backyard breeders. Never buy from pet stores, as their dogs often come from puppy mills. Don’t buy a dog from a flea market or a classified ad; these puppies have unknown backgrounds and may be unhealthy. When you find the right puppy for you, it will just feel right.
What do you need to know as a new dog owner?
This is one of the most important things you need to know as a new dog owner. Being a responsible dog owner is about committing to your dog for life and accepting responsibility for your dog’s actions. It means taking proper care of your own dog while respecting your community. If you can do this, then you are surely on the right track.
Is it worth it to get a puppy?
Puppies may be irresistible, but they are also extremely time-consuming. If you have never had a puppy, then you might not realize what you’re about to get into. It’s one thing to be ready to get a dog, especially an adult dog. Raising a puppy requires an even higher level of commitment.
What do I need to get a puppy for first time owners?
You’ll definitely need a few essentials to begin: Basic four- to six-foot leash (later you can get an extra-long one for training) Adjustable collar with ID tags. Metal or ceramic pet bowls for food and water (avoid plastic as it may cause skin irritation and is easy for puppies to chew up) Puppy food.