Placing The Right Puppy In The Right Home

For responsible breeders, the process of selecting homes for the puppies is just as important as choosing a stud dog or a bitch for the breeding process. This is very important because the breeder wants to ensure the homes the puppies go to are suitable for puppies of this breed and the puppies will thrive in these homes. There are a number of factors which go into placing a puppy in a home. This article will outline some of the steps responsible breeders should take to ensure they are placing the right puppy in the right home.

Responsible breeders do not create their puppy lists and waiting lists on a first come first serve basis. They may review applications for puppies in the order they are received but should not approve a potential buyer for placement on the list until the potential owner has been carefully screened. The screening process may include reviewing applications submitted by the individual, visiting the home and interviewing the potential owner. Breeders may wish to consult with more experienced breeders for ideas of what to include in an application for a puppy. However, anything that is of importance to the breeder should be included in the application.

First and foremost the breeder should ensure the potential home for the puppy does not violate any laws. In particular some areas do not allow dogs of certain breeds. The applicable laws in the location of the potential owner should be reviewed to ensure the breed is allowed in the area. Potential owners who have existing dogs should also not be sold a puppy if this will cause the owner to have more puppies than allowed in their area. Potential owners who rent an apartment or home should also be required to provide proof that they are allowed to have puppies living in the apartment or home.

Breeders should also consider whether or not the potential owner is knowledgeable about the breed. It is not necessary for the potential owners to know everything there is to know about the breed but they should have a general understanding of factors including the energy level of the breed, temperament of the breed, health conditions common in the breed and other information important for ownership of a particular breed.

The reason for acquiring the puppy should also be carefully examined. Most breeders sell puppies as companion dogs only. They may even require the potential owners to sign contracts to have the puppy spayed or neutered to ensure the puppy will not be bred in the future. Potential owners who have practical reasons for wanting to purchase a puppy such as companionship for the human or canine members of the family will likely provide a suitable home for the puppies. However, care should be taken when potential owners wish to purchase the puppy for working reasons. There are certainly some breeds that enjoy, and even require, the mental and physical stimulation associated with having a job. However, this should not be the primary reason for purchasing the puppy.

Finally, it is important to match the temperament of the puppy to appropriate homes. In general puppies that develop personalities that are more outgoing and adventurous will do well in homes with children who may be rambunctious. In contrast puppies with more timid personalities are better suited for quite homes with only adults and older children. Likewise puppies with more dominant personalities should only be placed in homes with dogs that are submissive or in homes where the puppy will be an only dog. However, dogs that are more submissive may do well in homes with an existing older dog.