How to Get The Most Out Of Your Visit To A Dog Breeders Home

You owe it to yourself and to your breeder to come prepared when you visit their home or dog kennel. Picking a puppy is not easy but your breeder can help, if your properly prepared. As a long time dog breeder, I'll share this information with you if you'll read on...

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A reputable breeder
• An appointment
• Paper and Pen
• A reliable watch

1. Make an appointment. Don't just show up or call and say "hey, can I come on over, I'm in the area." Not having an appointment is rude and inconsiderate. Being such, even if they let you come over spur of the moment, you're already not their favorite puppy buyer prospect. Start off on the right foot and make that appointment.
2. Show up on time. If you have a change of plans or your running late... CALL. It's SO very frustrating to put your busy life on hold, get a whole litter of squirming puppies looking their best and yes, usually spiffing up your home just to have someone be so inconsiderate as to show up late, too early or God forbid, not at all!
3. If there are any details the breeder should know about what you hope to gain from your visit ahead of time, please share!
   
   examples:
   1) See the parents (sometimes outside stud service is used and they may not be there)
   2) If you wish to see the parents perform an activity where you are hoping the puppy will be inheriting certain traits, ask, don't assume that your desire will be entertained.
   3) If your hoping to see certain records, etc so that the breeder can be better prepared.
4. Write down your questions. It's important not to forget anything and it's nice to be prepared so that your not wasting the breeder's time.
   
   Some things you may wish to ask:
   
   1) When were the puppies shots given
   2) When were they wormed
   3) How many pups were in the litter
   4) Ask about specific personality traits your hoping to get or trying to avoid
   5) To see parents health certifications
   6) If puppy's papers are in order and available
5. Don't overstay your welcome. While the breeders usually love when puppy buyers come to visit and spending adequate time to get to know them better, there is such a thing as overstaying your welcome. If you know they have to go somewhere, it's close to dinner time or you've just been googling puppies for several hours without any critical communication going on... bow out and say your goodbye's.
6. Don't assume the breeder is going to sell you a puppy just because you have the money. They are not obligated to sell to you for that reason alone. You may need to put their mind at ease before taking one of their puppies that they have worked very hard to properly raise. Be respectful of their efforts.
7. Bring cash. Many breeders will not accept personal checks and with the recent onslaught of fake money orders, it's nice to have a puppy buyer come prepared with cash in hand. But do be sure and demand a detailed receipt.
8. Don't try to bargain with prices. This isn't a garage sale and you could very well offend the breeder. If you don't like the price the time to bring that up is right when the price is asked on the phone or online or whichever method of contact you had with the breeder prior to arriving at their home.