Puppies & Dogs For Sale

A responsible breeder should be able to show you at least one of your desired dog’s parents. Often, you won’t get to meet the father, as most sellers do not own it. What’s important is that you get to meet the mother so that you can assess her temperament and general health.

Although most potential buyers overlook this step, it is a crucial part of the dog-selection process. Meeting the parents and interacting with them will give you a better idea as to what your canine will look like and how it will behave when it becomes an adult.

If the litter is around, do not hesitate to ask your seller to meet it as well. Get to know each puppy by playing with it and holding it. If it shows fear, aggression, or other behavioural issues, take it as a sign to walk away and find another breeder.

Most dogs are socialised as early as six weeks of age to prepare them to live in a new home. When they are not properly socialised by the time they reach the age of adoption, which is between eight and 12 weeks old, chances are, they will become difficult to handle.

It is, therefore, important that you ask your breeder if they socialise their canines before selling them. Find out if your desired dog has already been exposed to different people, animals, sights, scents, and sounds. This way, it won’t have difficulty adjusting to a new living environment.

Some canines, whether purebred or crossbreed, are predisposed to genetic defects. This is why you should ask your breeder if the parents of the dog you wish to adopt have been tested for all health issues common to their breed.

Additionally, find out from your seller if they provide the parent dogs with any preventative care such as annual vet examinations, vaccinations and boosters, and routine prevention for fleas and ticks.

Finally, question your breeder if any of the parent dogs have experienced a health issue in the previous weeks. If the answer is yes, ask what the vet’s evaluation was and how the problem was treated. This way, you know what preventative measures to take for your canine.

Once you have taken your new dog home, do not introduce it to an entirely different diet right away. This can take a toll on its health. It is recommended that you continue feeding it what it has been used to eating for at least a couple more days.

When introducing new foods to your canine, do it slowly. You can start by mixing a few of the new kibbles with the old ones.

Before you adopt a dog for sale, you will want to confirm that it has been taken to a vet for screening and vaccination. A good breeder should be aware of how far their dog has come on its shots and be able to tell you when the next schedule is.

Ideally, all dogs should have received their first series of vaccinations between six and nine weeks of age. The second series should have been administered at 10 to 12 weeks old. If your breeder has failed to have their canine vaccinated, make it your responsibility.

Although not mandatory, a health guarantee is customary in dog breeding and buying. Do not worry if your seller does not offer one, as this doesn’t mean they are untrustworthy or that their canine is not well-bred.

What you can do is ask your breeder the following questions:

• Can I give the dog back if I can no longer care for it due to health reasons, old age, or any other unfortunate circumstance? If not, can you help me find another suitable home for it?
• Can I return the dog if it is found to have a severe illness a few weeks after I bring it home?
• If I cannot return the dog even if it is found to be sick, will you fully refund me?
• If you do not offer a refund, what will you do to compensate for the inconvenience?