What To Do Before I Buy That Puppy

[Docter Jekyll]

I wrote a similar article many years ago that I had posted on my site, "What To Do First". The following revised article, “What To Do Before I Buy?” is directly for those first time buyers looking for a new puppy. I do hope they stumble upon this forum and read the beneficial articles/archives before ever purchasing a dog.

“What To Do Before I Buy”

You Must Ask Yourself Some Important Questions

1) What do I really want with a dog? A friendly companion to go camping, hunting, and fishing with, and sit near me by an open campfire? Someone you want to cuddle on the couch with while watching TV? A dog to stick out on a chain, tied to a tree in the backyard, to bark, protect, and scare off the neighbors? A famous super-star to show everyone how well behaved, obedient, and exquisite his/her body type is for the breed? Or heighten my own ego? A female you want to breed every heat cycle, to the dog down the block, to give away more unwanted puppies to friends or family, or to try to make a quick buck? Prove the dog worthy before breeding in several avenues of dog sports and ask breeders, judges, and handlers their professional opinions based on their life experiences, along with health testing for all known breed concerns, and purchasing sound reliable dogs from proven bloodlines to produce future dogs for the betterment of the breed? Ummm…. What do I want?

2) Why do I really want a dog? For me or for my family? To show the puppy off to my friends and after the initial “New” has worn off, stick them in a garage? A play toy for my kids or playmate for my other pets? A learning experience for the children to teach them responsibility and where puppies really do come from? Do I want a special companion to live in harmony with my family for the duration of its life? Where will the dog really stay in your home? Who’ll take care of it daily? What about when you’re away from home or on vacation? When you’ve passed away? What if I get a divorce or have a newborn child, what then? Will I take it for walks everyday, train it at a reliable training facility to have good dog manners and be socialized? Will I clean up after each and every mess and let it out during my favorite soap opera or when I’m very sick, to do its business? Will I feed quality food daily, provide the necessary insect/pest preventatives, go for annual check-ups, and give fresh clean water everyday? Will I take him/her to the vet when needed, have necessary procedures, blood work, and tests performed, and pay for all expenses? Will I take time off work to care for it when it’s too ill? Ummm…. Why do I really want one?

3) How long is the average life for this breed and bloodline? What are the normal health problems they face? Do I check for health-cleared dogs, ask for proof, contracts, registration papers, and guarantees, inspect the dogs and home where the dogs are raised? Do I visit several different breeders and litters to ensure in me what I really want and can tell the difference between breeder’s ethics and quality? Do I check to see if this “Rare” breed is really a scam or fall for their clever sales pitch? Should I ask the breeder many questions? Do I shy away, buy the dog sight on seen, live with a fear aggressive dog to later put the dog down or place in a shelter before he/she is two because I didn’t ask questions and didn’t find a good breeder? Ummm… I must do some research?

4) What size (tall, substance, weight) and grooming maintenance do I want in a dog to fit my home and lifestyle? Will the dog fit in my vehicle safely and comfortably, or will I need to purchase a new one, or a different sized dog? Will I do this grooming myself or train the dog to behave well enough for someone else to do it? Will I be able to control the dog for simple nail grooming and teeth cleaning? What if I visit the veterinary office and cannot hold him/her for a simple annual vaccination? Will the dog be too large and knock my children or visiting family members down? Will it be too energetic and high-spirited because it’s a type of dog that likes to work or have a task to not become bored? Will it chase after other animals, bikes, kids on skates, or joggers because it has a high prey drive or was never taught to be obedient to commands in these types of situations? Will routine visitors to my home be scared of this dog and not want to visit? Will they want to smell and see a “Doggie” home? Will a dog’s shedding or dander bother me to want to give the dog away due to mess and allergies? Do I need to supply the dog with his own items, crate train, and house train, so it will not be bored and destroy my home? Will he/she dig up and cause yellow marks on my precious lawn or garden? Will this usually nice dog one day become too aggressive and out of control for me, because I don’t know how to manage it, or fully understand dog behaviors? Will I find professional help for my dog and I, if this does happen, before it’s too late? Will I need a secure fence for the dog’s regular and normal daily exercise, without causing harm to the dog or someone else? Ummm… There’s more to this then I originally thought!

5) What type of breeder is really best for me? Will this person educate me? Will they supply me with contacts to someone that can help? Do they ask a great deal of questions, care greatly about their reputation, check on referrals, have you fill out questionnaires, compete in dog sports, care where and with whom their puppies go home to, and want constant contact with the owners? Will they work with my goals, ideas, and personality? Do they have the same “Type and Desires” that I want in my dog? Do they meet up with the breed’s standards? Do they want a whole litter of puppies back out of a first breeding to my female? Do they want a stud service out of my male, whenever they feel it’s necessary? Did they breed their nice pet, just to have another one like it? Did they have a plan and goal for this litter of puppies? Was this an accidental breeding? Did they breed to the closest local dog or cheapest stud service? Did they research the dogs within the pedigree and breed to the best compatible mate for a pairing? Do they take back unwanted puppies so they will not end up in shelters? Do they understand basic animal husbandry and are always willing to research for the correct answers? Ummm… There is good and bad breeders, after-all?

6) Will I have sound responsible dog sense to care for and purchase a dog? Have I done enough research, read books, articles, and magazines, visited with reputable breeders, gone to dog sports, and joined a breed club? Will I care enough to make a difference of what I’m doing in this world, when that time counts the most? Will I have constant control and supervision of my dog, at all times, keeping it from harming others or myself? Will I have enough stamina in me to put a dog too sleep, if and when needed? What if my pet female does by some mere chance become accidentally pregnant, will I do the right things? Will I have her spayed and have the litter aborted at the earliest and safest time for her? Will I keep making the same mistakes, not have her spayed, and let her have more unwanted puppies when it happens, yet again? Will I spay her before she goes into her first heat cycle, stop her from having stray dogs visiting your yard, keep her from having false pregnancies, and from developing reproductive cancers? Will I let my male roam freely and have his way with any female? Will I have him neutered so he’ll not want to roam, get lost, stolen, killed, and not produce more mutts, or develop prostate cancer? Ummm… I have to be responsible for all my dog’s actions?

There is more to think about when purchasing a companion besides that old saying, “How much is that doggie in the window?” I could list more of what is important to think about, but this should give you much insight, before you buy.

A dog does depend totally on us to take care of them. So when you go to purchase one, you need to carefully think through all the details, as if you were deciding on having a baby. We all know that babies are well taken care of and nurtured for their entire lives, we never should stop loving or helping our children. Please do the same for this helpless puppy you’re about to purchase for a Christmas or birthday present. Don’t after a few days throw it out back and never pay any more attention to it. We truly believe people put more thought in purchasing an automobile than an animal. They always think of the color, size, shape, safeness, tires, brakes, power windows, stereo surround sound, etc. Why not the same for the puppy? Please understand that I’m talking about 12 or more good years with your dog. We all know you can trade-in your car when it gets rusted, or has a mechanical problem, but how could you possibly turn in a living creature to a shelter, a trash compactor, on the roadside, or even a death sentence. All I ask is that you think and rethink before opening that wallet!

There are local and national breed and all-breed clubs that you can attend. You can also join to get information about what is happening within the breed you’re interested in. They can give you a long list of reputable breeders within your area, and if you are willing to get a great dog, you may need to travel or the puppy will travel for you. Just don't settle on location as your guide to buying a dog. Some of the best dogs in the breed could and have come from other countries, or other states.

You’ve heard this one before! A friend of a friend had this cute litter of puppies. They need to get rid of them before they get too big or they’re sending them to the shelter today! They’re already eating everything in sight, and tearing up the place. BTW, there already six weeks old and do have AKC papers!

Don't even bother going there, let alone falling in love with one and buying it. Most of us are suckers for purchasing a cute little fuzzy puppy without thinking things through. You become the hero of the day, coming to the rescue of this poor sole that nobody wants! Sometimes you get lucky and they turn out, but often times, they do not. Most every reputable breeder has also been guilty, adopting a poor lost sole. We learn from our mistakes, than try to hopefully educate the general public, so you will not have to go through what we already have. Unless, of course, that is what you really want in your dog for your family and home. Only you can make that decision!

If you do know someone that is a respected knowledgeable person in the breed, and are known for being mentors, please visit them often. They can share their experiences with you. Their information is priceless, and free of charge, but please be courteous to them. Their own time is just as precious to them, as it is too you!

Written by: Jo Ann Lewis – Von Stallog Rottweilers

[Docter Jekyll]

Here’s another article that I previously wrote. It’s the second page to, “What To Do Before I Buy”.

I’m Ready To Buy My Puppy
Now What?

1) Where do I look to buy my new puppy?

a.) I go to a pet store – right? WRONG!

Pet stores purchase puppies only from breeders that are from puppy mills, animal farms, brokers, etc. I really don’t need to go any further into this, since I’m sure you’ve already heard the multitude of horror stories behind puppy mills. If you haven’t, do a general search, and you’ll find it!

b.) I look in the newspaper or Internet classifieds - right? WRONG!

One simple rule: If there is any statement of the amount of money the dog is to be purchased for, even on web sites, don't even bother calling, e-mailing, or looking at that litter. Reputable breeders very rarely list in the classifieds, and if they do, they DO NOT give a set price in the ad. It’s against club members and reputable breeders’ code-of-ethics. If you e-mail or call a reputable breeder with your first words spoken, “HOW MUCH?” I doubt you’ll get a nice reply! However, if it’s anyone that doesn’t care about their puppies, and eagerly willing to sell you one, they’ll immediately tell you “HOW MUCH”, and by the way, “Can you pick them up today?”

2) So where do you actually look for your puppy?

After joining a breed club, talking with some of their members, reading breed books and the breed standard, researching the breed, pedigrees, and the dogs that are produced by the breeders, and going to a few dog sports in different avenues, you’ll be able to find that right breeder you’ve been looking for! It will be awhile to find that right puppy, but it will be worth all that waiting and searching.

3) So what’s the big deal about AKC anyway?

a.) Everybody knows that a good dog comes from a breeder that has AKC papers - right? WRONG!

AKC papers state that the dog is registered with them as a purebred. Nothing else! What it DOES NOT state: If the dog is worth breeding, healthy, the breeder is reputable, etc. Backyard breeders will push AKC papers as the most important part of the dog, because they don’t have anything else to offer you. Anybody can breed 1 AKC papered male dog to another AKC papered female dog. Anyone can falsify registration papers by simply saying it’s their own dog, or giving you papers on the wrong dog. The Internet is so widely spread with information. Any kind of dog breeder can use this for their own benefit, rather it be for good use, or too steal you blind. There are online searchable databases, pedigrees, and breeders’ web sites. Anyone can say it’s their own dog by saving pedigrees, registration and health numbers, including stealing pictures or kennel names of other breeders’ dogs. You have to be very careful, use common sense, and be very selective when choosing a breeder.

4) Why are pedigrees important?

We’ve personally seen that most backyard breeders (BYB) don't care about actual pedigrees. However, others use it as a selling tool convincing you that the great-great-great grandsire in the sixth to seventh generation, was a famous German and International champion with Schusund, or however way they poorly pronounce the word. The correct word is Schutzhund, by the way! These people push how important AKC papers are, but don’t have a clue to the value of what a pedigree really is to a reputable breeder. I'm not saying all BYB do this, but the majority of them don’t even purchase a pedigree on their own dog, let alone the mate they chose too bred to. This alone tells you they didn't do their homework, have a goal, using the dogs as a tool, and understanding each dog in the pedigree, before pairing the two dogs together.

Most reputable breeders know pedigrees. They know the dogs of other breeders, past and present that make up our breed’s ancestors. It also helps you to learn what is in a pedigree. Most reputable breeders put titles on their dogs before they breed them, to prove their worthiness in a breeding program. It helps you to know what these titles and abbreviations really mean. CH is Champion – usually conformation, but there are also agility, obedience, tracking, herding, and other types of champions. TD is Tracking Dog, CD is Companion Dog, and so on. Do familiarize yourself with other titles from different organizations besides AKC. For instance, CKC, UKC, SKC, UK, ADRK, etc. A championship from Canada can be know as a CAN CH, CKC CH, or just plain CH. Be careful and clarify all paperwork, because there are two CKC’s. One is Continental K.C. and the other is Canadian K.C. You also need to ask many questions to verify each title, because many people can doctor up pedigrees as a selling gimmick, when the titles were never earned in the first place. However, do try to be sympathetic with those that do make honest mistakes that are reputable people in the breed, because word-of-mouth can sometimes be misspoken or misunderstood. It doesn’t necessarily make them frauds!

5) Why all the fuss over paperwork and contracts?

a.) Paperwork

When you visit a breeder make sure they have ALL the original paper work. Do ask for a copy of this valuable information from them. You can always check the paperwork to see if it’s legal and correct. AKC should be able to help confirm papers and they do have a public database online. You can also search for online health records with OFA, CERF, and CHIC. Also ask for all certified titles, producing merits, critiques, litter registration papers, etc.

b.) Contracts

When purchasing a new puppy, there should be a written contract (A legal agreement between the seller and purchaser). The paperwork should be very clear and precise with every issue written in detail. If you don’t understand the wording, ask questions. If you still don’t understand, have an attorney verify the contract for you. You should also be aware that most breeders sell on a pet or show/work quality contract. It should have important information about spaying/neutering with limited registration papers, if it’s a pet. For show and working quality, special guarantees should be offered to the purchaser. It should minimally cover subjects on: Hips, elbows, parvo, disqualifying faults, hearts, eyes, or sudden death. Not every breeder's contract is the same, but there should be basics to all of them, if they care anything for the breed and their puppies. Furthermore, there should be something stated about breeding: A conformation and/or working title should be earned, along with health tests, including an age limit, before thinking of breeding your new dog.

Be very selective with contracts. It could mean the difference in purchasing a puppy from a certain breeder. I know of many that want a puppy back out of your litter, or return stud services! These types of agreements can work if the breeder is reputable, if not, it could mean there just a puppy mill. Make sure to trust your instincts if “Red Flags” seem to pop up everywhere when looking over the paperwork. There are reasonable breeders that you can work with! So make sure you totally re-read and agree to every statement written in the contract before you sign. Keep in mind that some of these breeders do care deeply about the breed and may even want to co-own the puppy with you, even if it’s a short time period.

c.) Records

You want to check whelping records. A good breeder writes everything down. They keep track of which order the puppies were born. How they looked, what sex, how much they weighed, when did they get vaccinations, worming, when they started weaning, litter registration numbers, etc. The more a breeder gives information, the more they care.

6) What about supply and demand?

Reputable breeders can assist you to find the right puppy for you. Breeders will not always have an available puppy when you want one. Some will place you on their list, while others will direct you to another breeder. Just call or e-mail them to ask for assistance, references, or referrals. Do take into account that most good breeders have their puppies sold before the litter arrives and breed occasionally.

7) What do I ask a breeder anyways?

Good questions to ask the breeder: Why did they have this litter? How long have they been breeding? How long have they been in the breed? What do they intend to improve in this breeding? What are the weak and strong points in the sire and dam? Are there any hereditary problems in the parents or grandparents? What is your breeding program? Do you have your litter evaluated by an outside person? What type of puppy testing do you do to rate your dogs? How do the puppies interact with one another? There is a great deal of answers needed when picking out a sound puppy for your family.

Also ask for phone numbers from past puppy buyers, unless this is their first litter. You can call these puppy buyers and ask them anything you want. You'll be amazed at the responses.

8) How do I ask them a question?

Don't be too vague with your questioning. For instance, “Does the sire and/or dam of this litter have hip problems?” You may get a response like: “O’ no are vet said are dogs hips are fine”. Instead ask, “May I see the OFA health certification records of both the sire and dam of this litter?” Make sure you are detailed with your questions and the breeder is detailed with their answers. If they seem like they are, "Beating around the bush" and not answering your questions directly, restate the questions. If you still don't get the information that you want, don't purchase anything from them. They could be hiding something or don’t know enough to be breeding a litter of puppies. Basically, if your head is spinning in a daze and your ears are ringing from listening, after talking with a breeder that supplied you with quality information, it’s usually a good one to hold onto!

9) Why visit the breeder?

A clean safe environment doesn’t give germs a fighting chance to live. It’s the best living conditions for small puppies. It’s detrimental that you insist on seeing where the puppies were whelped and are currently being raised. Check to see if it’s clean, with your own eyes, and not stinking with urine or feces. Is there food in the area where they are defecating? Puppies or should I say dogs, don't care when they are hungry, they will eat anything, no matter if invested with bugs or not. But this doesn't mean that it’s good for them! Is there excessive diarrhea or vomit? These are signs and symptoms of ill puppies. How about worms or fleas? Look out for parasites; they are tattletale signs of ill health. Check the condition of all the puppies’ eyes and ears. Are they clear, bright, and clean of odor? Are the puppies vibrant with life or limp and cold?

It’s a very good idea to look at the adults that had the puppies. Most of the time you will only be able to view the dam, since most reputable breeders don’t use their own stud dogs. Look at the female’s health, this is extremely important! She is caring for the babies 24/7, and if she has any health problems, she can give these same problems to the entire litter. How is her temperament and does she take care of her puppies? If the parents are not available, do ask why they are not.

If this is not an option because you’re shipping your puppy, at least ask for video/DVD recordings, and pictures, of what I listed above.

10) Why do breeders talk so much, or seem so rude and controlling?

Reputable breeders will lecture and ask you more questions than you will ask them. Be glad they want to know about you, and your personal life. This is how they get to know you, and to see if their puppy is going to a good home. Sometimes their questioning may seem rude, or redundant, but in a strange way this is a very good sign that they care about the breed. A breeder can tell which puppy from the litter is right for you. The breeder has been with the puppies since day one. They have great knowledge of their personalities. If you want a sweet easy-going companion, the breeder will know right away the perfect puppy for you. If you want one with some spice and vinegar to its personality, they will know whom to pick. If your looking for that special show-dog, they’ll know which dog is promising for success in the breed ring.

If you’re a first time buyer of the breed, or to dogs in general, it is crucial that you tell the breeder the truth about everything! Don’t put icing on the cake with grand stories that you want to work the dog in Schutzhund. You might be in a heap of trouble later with a very high prey driven and work addicted dog! Truth helps them pick the right puppy for you. You might not care for the actions of a breeder, because usually the biggest puppy is what everyone wants, but the breeder is looking at the entire spectrum to make you happy. Please give the breeder a chance to tell you why each puppy has its own characteristics. It will also give you the knowledge for future purchases when picking a puppy.

Understand that any reputable breeder, that cares anything about the breed and their puppies, will buy or place the puppy with someone else, if you’re not happy with it. Don't use this as a crutch for getting out of your puppy after you’ve purchased it, understand that someone will always take care of this beautiful creature if you can no longer do so. If they don’t, they’re not the right breeder to deal with!

Written by: Jo Ann Lewis – Von Stallog Rottweilers