What you want to see 👍, want to ask (❔), and should be looking out for (🚩).
Putting you in a strong position when visiting a dog owner or breeder
Choosing your dog is a brilliant thing - you'll never forget it. Visiting a dog owner or breeder is a crucial part of the process. Get it right and you'll enjoy walks and companionship for many years.
Finding the information you need to make the right decision not always easy. Sometimes the information is missing and sometimes it's mistaken or inaccurate. You may also know there are owners and breeders that don't operate to the best industry or ethical standards. Some promise much, talk a good game, but don't have yours or their dogs best interests at heart.
So, how can you have confidence you're making the right choice?
We work with lots of owners, training dogs that bring joy, fun and a healthy dose of mischief to people's lives. This can be your story too. At Poppets Dog Training, we're sharing our years of knowledge to help you out.
Read this blog and put yourself in a strong position when visiting a dog owner or breeder.
Take a walk with us...
Excitement and a clear head - a match made in heaven
When you're visiting a dog owner or breeder, you might find the soft fur, beautiful eyes and your own excitement increasing the volume of a puppy saying, "Pick me! Pick me!"
No-one is immune to this! In fact, it's completely normal.
It's then you'll need to draw on your research and have a clear head. You'll need to be prepared to ask the important questions, while keeping your eye out for anything of concern.
Transparency: a non-negotiable for responsible dog owners and breeders
Visiting a dog in their current home, speaking to the current owner or breeder, and having space to ask lots of questions is key. You should visit an owner or breeder expectant of a thorough two-way conversation.
For both of you, this is very important. A responsible owner or breeder will be invested in their dog, while you'll be covering all bases to find the perfect four-legged family member.
Transparency, is therefore, a non-negotiable. So, as well as asking questions, you should also be reassured if you are (gently) ‘grilled’ on your own suitability.
Here’s what you want to see 👍, want to ask (❔), as well as red flags to look out for (🚩):
What you want to see when visiting a dog owner or breeder 👍
Recommendations and word-of-mouth are really valuable to you. Ask around. Look closely at websites.
When you visit, you want to find the excellence you were expecting to see from an owner or breeder. Here's what you'll want to see, feel and get a sense of:
👍 You’re invited to ask questions, without a concern for time, showing that finding the right home for the puppy is important to everyone.
👍 You can visit the puppy in their home, meet their parents and see where they’re reared, showing transparency… there’s nothing to hide. For example, a dog reared in a stable may struggle with the constraints and noises of a house. Knowing this would help you make the right decision.
👍 The breeder ‘grills’ you and asks you questions about your experience and arrangements, showing they know and love their dog. They won’t compromise on the right home.
Questions to ask a dog owner or breeder ❔
Have you ever felt like asking questions is an inconvenience? If so, now is the time to dismiss that concern. Questions are the way you'll make the right choice and get the confidence and reassurance you need:
❔ Has the owner started the relevant health checks and can they give you records?
❔ How many dogs does the breeder have? Are there multiple litters from lots of different breeds? Puppy farming is still very real. If a breeder has lots of different breeds, you’ll want to check they’re following best practice protocols.
❔ Have they started any training, such as getting the dog used to sounds, children, other animals or the car? This will allow you to make the most informed decision about your capacity.
'No question is a stupid question,' is a good principal to apply here. An earnest approach to finding information will always be respected by good owner or breeder.
Red flags when speaking to or visiting a dog owner or breeder 🚩
'Forewarned is forearmed.' Often these old phrases ring true, so do look out and question anything like these red flags:
🚩 You’re asked to meet somewhere different, away from their home or where they were reared.
🚩 Your questions are not encouraged, or answers are vague and evasive.
🚩 You feel pushed, pressured or incentivised into making a decision.
Keep in mind… made well, this is the most wonderful decision for you and your family.
Don’t rush it. There are breeders and owners who are irresponsibly breeding or importing puppies, some of which are still being sold from the boots of cars.
To help, the Kennel Club provides a list of accredited breeders.
In addition, each local authority will have a Dog Warden who can advise on licensing and any concerns you have. Take a look at the Nuneaton and Bedworth website, or find your local number on this national list of Dog Wardens.
final tips from Rachel, owner of poppets dog training
We love sharing our knowledge with you and we're confident you'll find the perfect dog for you. We're excited for you.
A final top tip is to speak to your friends with dogs. It sounds simple, but ask them about their experience. Who did they visit? What did they find? Would they do anything differently?
Set yourself a decent timescale to remove pressure and enjoy this next bit.
Do you have questions about Poppets Dog Training or need a bit of help?
Get in touch - I’d love to meet you and your four-legged friend, or help you with your decision.
You’ll find some professionals offering consultation on finding the right dog breed as a paid service. Whilst this may be your route, I’m adamant the more quality information provided, the more power you have to make the decision that’s right for you, your family and your future dog.
I don’t offer this as a paid service, but you can still contact me to chat this through.
You'll also like our posts showing what you need to know about different dog training methods or other things to consider when choosing a dog.
Let's take a walk together...
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