25/09/2023
When visiting a breeder to look at a puppy, consider these points:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=702085675286829&id=100064562084668&mibextid=Nif5oz
In praise of meeting happy, uninhibited, buck naked dogs.
I love a naked dog, just being a dog, doing all kinds of dog stuff. What makes me a bit sad is when puppy seekers, trying so hard to “get it right” choose a local breeder and schedule a visit to “meet the parents” and from there they just loose the script.
It’s completely not their fault, because first of all finding responsible breeders is like finding a needle in a haystack so the odds that any puppy seeker will happen upon a really super breeder are slim. Second, we breeders don’t do a very good job explaining to puppy seekers what they should look for when they do visit, and finally, what they should do with their observations when they get home.
But all the random internet articles are right after all. Meeting the relatives of any dog you are considering is indeed worth the time when it’s possible.
Don’t mistake me however, I would rather have any puppy from a talented and responsible breeder, even if I can’t go to their kennel, than the very best puppy I have hand selected from a mediocre or poor breeder close to me, even if I get to meet every dog on the property and then some. There is an old saying that is very true “best to have the worst puppy from the best breeder than the best puppy from the worst breeder”.
However, for those lucky, or dedicated, puppy seekers who ARE going to be able to visit the breeder in person you are going to learn some important things, if you know what you are looking for. Come prepared to make notes right after you leave!
1. It’s not only the dogs you should observe but the breeder too. Are they happy to welcome you to their home/facility? Are they curious, kind and tolerant of their dogs, and generous with their time? As a customer they will never treat you better than they do at first, so if you feel unwelcome, unheard, or if the breeder spends time gossiping or putting down others (including past clients) make a note of that.
2. Are the dogs affiliative and loving with the breeder? Are they uninhibited and affectionate with them, or are they “under orders” or worse avoidant or nervous? How are the dogs with you? Are they relaxed, loose, and happy? Are they interested in making friends with you? Can you pet them, can the breeder?
3. Are the dogs mannerly and under the breeder’s control? While that seems like a good thing it’s really not, at least not in this context, because training isn’t passed from breeder to puppy but temperament is. Training can hide a multitude of temperament faults and weaknesses and if a breeder is a good trainer and doesn’t trust a dog not to run and hide, or become aggressive, they can use training to hide these signs of a difficult temperament. You want to ask to see the dog uninhibited, free and not under the breeder thumb. If the breeder is uncomfortable letting you interact with a free dog consider that a red flag.
4. Are the dogs geared up? Like the above devices like e/shock collars and pinch collars can inhibit how a dog acts and so they can also hide really crappy temperament of all kinds (so can food and toys for certain dogs). If you can only meet dogs who are “geared up” like they are going to war consider that a red flag too.
5. Are the dogs in kennels or behind fences? This one is more obvious than using training or devices to prevent unsound dogs from injuring someone for no reason, but just as telling. Again, if you are seeking a family companion, or if an easy dog is just important to you, anything a breeder does to “protect you” from their dogs is a red flat that warrants serious consideration and questions.
6. Are the dogs unmannerly? Yes? Who cares, remember training isn’t inherited, so if you are playing with a whole herd of happy, playful, but rude and unmannerly beagles you will be so much better off than if you are watching dogs show off their ring training from 10 feet away. We don’t care for rude, or manners, we care about social, friendly, confident, and relaxed because those dogs produce puppies who are fun to own. It’s ok if the dogs are rude, so long as they are confident and good natured.
7. Other non dog things, does the breeder never allow anyone to visit? That’s a tough one because might be a good reason, or their might not be, you will have to ask and figure out other ways of finding out first hand info on their program dogs. Consider that a yellow flag, and be ready to do a lot more research.
8. Is the place clean? Keep in mind, if you are not used to being around animals, they are actually messy so don’t expect a breeders place to be spotless but it should be clean enough.
9. Are the dogs healthy looking? Do they look like they are well fed, including the dam, and not too thin or obese? Nails, eyes, and coats tidy?
10. Are the dogs happy? Do they have plenty of dog friends, room to run and play outside of kennels and crates? Are they living in the house? Take a look around and see, don’t be afraid to ask questions either, you might wonder about something and find a completely satisfactory answer or a completely BS answer.
Don’t forget to make notes about your visit, think about it, talk about different family observations, the breed and dogs and how you envision one fitting into your family and remember, don’t make a decision, buy, or take home a puppy that day. Pressure is a red flag and it never hurts to think and consider.
