Are you getting a puppy? How exciting! But it does get super important to go to the kennel and meet the breeder in person before bringing home your furry best friend. Meeting dog breeders in person gives you a good feeling about how those puppies are raised and how healthy they are, showing how much love, they have been given already.
I distinctly remember my first visit to the kennel. I was nervous yet hopeful. I had always dreamed of owning a golden retriever, and this trip was my very first step toward it. What I saw, heard, and learned helped me make the best decision, and I am grateful that I went.
Look at the Living Conditions
Look around. Are the dogs living in a space that is nice, clean, and safe? Do they have enough room to move around? A conscientious breeder will see to it that the puppies and the parent dogs grow up in healthy surroundings. When I walked in the kennel I visited, it was just perfect for me. One could tell that the dogs were happy and well cared for; they were not just behind bars. They also had good places to play, clean water to drink, and beds to sleep on.
Watch How the Dogs Act
Happy puppies are curious, playful, and unwilling to be afraid of anyone. During your visit, observe what kind of behavior the dogs show with the breeder and with visitors. Do they seem relaxed and scared? Friendly or shy? A well-socialized puppy should be willing to accept new people. I remember a little one that came right up to me and tried to chew on my shoelace. It made me laugh, immediately letting me know she was very accustomed to being around humans.
Speak Freely to the Breeder
Don’t be shy; ask questions. An ethical breeder will gladly talk to you about anything. Ask about the health of the puppies; their parents’ history; their vaccines; their diet; what kind of temperament they have. If the breeder seems impatient or avoids clear answers, warning bells should be going off. The breeder I met walked me through everything, from what the puppies ate to how often they were checked by a vet.
Look for Passion and Care
Breeders that really love their animals do not breed simply for profit. You can feel their love for animals. They may know each puppy’s personality and have stories about them. I’ll never forget how the breeder spoke about one of the pups as though she was her own child. To me, such love and attention were really valuable.
Conclusion
The act of visiting a kennel is much more than an interim step in obtaining a puppy. It is to make sure your future charge is coming from a safe and loving environment. Take a look, ask questions, and go with your gut. Usually, if something strikes you as wrong, then something is really wrong about it. But when it does feel right, it is truly an exhilarating moment. Having selected the right breeder really sets you up for the very best start with your new dog.