So you want to get a puppy?
I think most of the time when people are ready to get a puppy, they factor in the cost of the puppy, the look, and the breed of the puppy. How cute is it? How much will it drain my bank account? Will this dog breed fit my family’s lifestyle?
While those things are important, we forget to factor in where this puppy has been for the first 8 weeks of its life. Just like our child’s prenatal and postnatal care affect their development, this also affects a puppy’s development.
What are the parent dog’s temperament?
Where are the puppies being raised? A barn, outside, inside?
What do they eat?
Have they received health supplements or been health tested?
Will puppies carry any genetic diseases that will impact their life in the future, like hip dysplasia, ICH, DM, or even allergies!
I believe that in the same way early intervention can impact a child’s brain and development for the entirety of their life, a good dog breeder can impact the future of their puppies as well!
I am a teacher at heart and I love to teach! I can assume that if you are looking for a dog to bring into your home and into your family that you want to learn all you can about how to find the right breeder for you! Getting a puppy is a big decision that can impact your life greatly for the next 10-14 years! Each week I am going to discuss the job of a good breeder and the importance of health testing, exposure, startle responses, fear period, socialization period, temperament testing, and so many great things that good breeders are doing across the country and right here at New Doods on the Block!
