Thinking of buying a dog? Well here are some helpful hints and tips on how to go about it the right way.
The most important thing to do when preparing to get a dog is to do your research.
You can never know enough when it comes to picking the perfect breed for your situation. The Kennel Club website provides a short questionnaire that asks you want you are looking for and offers advice on the breeds that suit you.
Research thoroughly
Look up the Kennel Club breed register for a look at all the different breeds that are out there. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few look up any canine societies or clubs that are set up for the particular breed and go onto forums where owners have shared their queries, experiences or any problems they have with the breed. This is one of the best things you can do as this is a great way to get first-hand accounts of the breeds temperament and you may find that they are really just not for you, like I did with dachshunds.
Do Not Buy Online! Do not buy your dog online. The advertisers probably aren’t kennel club accredited and there is a good chance they will be out to swindle you with puppy farm dogs that will have so many problems you wouldn’t believe. Use these online sites to distinguish a guide price of roughly how much your dog is going to cost but leave it there. When you have researched the breed that is best for you and have looked online for a rough estimate then head back to the kennel club website, type in your breed in the search bar and it will lead you to accredited breeders who have been vetted by the Kennel Club and this will guarantee you an element of security.
Once you’ve contacted a breeder it’s time to really knuckle down and make sure you know what you are doing. ALWAYS meet the puppy before you buy it. If you haven’t seen this puppy before you hand over the money for it, chances are the breeder is dodgy. NEVER ever meet in a lay-by at the side of the road. I know that sounds like a daft thing to say but I have heard of at least 3 people who have met the breeder – for the first time – in a lay-by and there
A Sample of A Kennel Club Registration Document
and then handed over thousands of pounds for the pup (one poor couple got a dog that is going to cost them nearly 3x’s what they paid for it in vet fees). You need to see the puppy to make sure that it is right for you, all breeders should have at least one parent, ask to meet them, this will give you a better idea of what your dog will look like for 13 out of its 14 year life span and also on how well looked after the pets in this household are. Remember you’re not buying the puppy you’re buying the dog.
Make sure you know what kennel club documentation looks like. This way you can tell if they are fake or not. If you have any suspicions do not buy the puppy and report the breeder to the Kennel Club.
If you have done all this and you feel you are in safe hands then take your puppy and give it all the love and support you can possibly muster! It will do the same with you.
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For a more informative and probably better worded guide to getting a dog visit: http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk and download the Buying a Puppy Guide app for your smartphone or tablet.
Kennel Club Puppy Buying Guide
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