| Selecting your new pet dog can be quite a task, | | | | look healthy? Ask to see the litter it came from and |
| especially since there are so many types to choose | | | | one, or both, of its parents. A good breeder will want |
| from. | | | | you to spend time with the puppy's parents. Also, the |
| Some people want a dog with a disposition that will be | | | | dog should not be afraid of the breeder. It is wise to |
| a perfect fit for them, their family and their lifestyles. | | | | avoid a breeder who has a large number of dogs; this |
| When looking for a dog, the humane society is filled | | | | might indicate he is operating a puppy mill and not a |
| with many possible choices that will yield an ideal | | | | dog breeding service. A good breeder will only breed |
| companion. But, if you want a more reliable indicator of | | | | one or two types of breeds. They will usually not have |
| temperament, health and other factors, then a dog | | | | any ready and will, instead, have to place you on a list |
| breeder can usually fulfill your needs. Perhaps the most | | | | for the next litter. |
| important thing to keep in mind when choosing a dog | | | | Next is the questioning period. Ask the breeder |
| breeder is to take your time. It shouldn't be a rushed | | | | questions, and expect him to ask as many in return. A |
| decision, and you should make sure you are dealing | | | | good breeder is concerned with the welfare of the |
| with a reputable and established professional. | | | | dog and will want to be sure it is getting placed in a |
| In your search for a dog breeder, you can seek the | | | | good home. He will ask questions about your lifestyle |
| guidance of veterinarians, other pet owners, local | | | | and will want to meet the whole family. The breeder is |
| kennel clubs and boarding kennels. They know many | | | | very knowledgeable about breeds, their temperament |
| breeders and can help refer you to some of the | | | | and feeding, as well as, possible genetic problems. |
| better ones. Once you have established a list of | | | | Take advantage of this knowledge to become more |
| possible choices, the interview process can start. It is a | | | | informed about your future pet. |
| good idea to contact and see as many breeders as | | | | A good breeder will also offer advice and guidance on |
| you can. In doing so, make sure you tour their facility | | | | raising your dog, and provide assistance to you even |
| and talk with them in person. | | | | after you have taken it home. They will also offer a |
| When you go to the breeder's home, there are many | | | | contract and a health guarantee, since testing on the |
| things to look for that will indicate their qualifications. | | | | dog will have taken place. They will present medical |
| Initially, observe the place where the dog is being | | | | records from veterinarian visits. They will also supply |
| raised. Take notice if the dog is kept in the home, | | | | you with references from other families who have |
| around family, or in a caged area. A good breeder will | | | | obtained pets from their service. |
| raise the dog in a healthy, clean, roomy environment, | | | | Looking for a good dog breeder takes time and |
| where it can interact with people, and not in a confined | | | | investigative work. By observing the breeder's living |
| space. Examine the dog's appearance and its | | | | environment, and asking questions, you will be able to |
| personality. Is the dog friendly and happy to be around | | | | pick a reputable breeder who can pair you up with a |
| new people? There may be a problem with the way it | | | | pet that will fit your lifestyle perfectly. |
| was raised if it shies away from you. Does the dog | | | | |