We are going to visit the breeder and pups tomorrow. I'm trying to remember that they are likely to ask questions and we're not just going for puppy cuddles.

What do you ask prospective new owners? I'm worried about giving the wrong answer to a question.

Also do you help new owners pick a puppy? All the books say to get one that isn't shy in the corner or the one that runs over to say hello. But what if they all come over to say hello.

I think I'm just excited and nervous at the same time.

Thanks

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Just answer any question truthfully. I'm sure you will be fine. They'll probably ask questions about your lifestyle, about your family and any other pets you have. When I went to see Ollie's litter, we just all had a friendly chat. I can't help you with choosing a pup, cos Ollie was the last one available in the litter, so I chose him. Some breeders will choose your pup for you, but other breeders may let you pick. You could always ask their advice on which pup they think would suit you best if you are having trouble choosing.

Remember to take the camera!!!

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I OWN A CHOCOLATE ROAN COCKER SPANIEL
RIP David xx Run free at the bridge. Love you always xx 19th February 2011
RIP Jack and Mickey xx Run free at the bridge. Love you forever xx 20th June 2011

As Seven Pets said - just be yourself - it is impossible to try and give you advice on this once, because breeders will all have their own requirements - for example, some breeders might not sell to full time workers, whereas others will providing there are good care arrangements in place.

Some might not sell to families with children under a certain age, whereas others might after meeting the kids etc and seeing how they interact with any older dogs (that's me)

Some breeders may feel an overall lifestyle isn't suitable for a pup and suggest the rescue route


There are no right and wrong answers - hopefully over time you have developed a relationship with the breeder - so may have already answered some of their queries etc

This is the same with picking a pup - some breeders will take different approaches

Go, be yourself and enjoy

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What you need to know before buying a Labrador puppy

I am a bit worried about the having children bit. They do know that we have 2 boys and they know how old they are. So I'm hoping it'll be ok as they didn't say no after the first time we spoke.

I will be taking the camera. So I'll probably have plenty of pictures.

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Are you not taking your boys with you? when I met the families who wanted my pups i insisted in ALL the family that was going to live with the pup to come before I placed them onto my lists, I wanted to see how they all interacted, how they were with my dogs, how the parents handled the kids, and how much the kids listened to their parents etc.

Mo

Ditto - I always insist on meeting the kids and watching how they behave and interact with the older dogs particularly - people often forget - they are puppies for a few minutes really and big dogs for a lot longer (and in the case of Labs - big with the mentality of a pup ) and yes, I have turned people away at that point

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What you need to know before buying a Labrador puppy

Yeah we are taking the boys with us. They are really used to dogs especially big dogs as my mum has 2.

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Just being nosey - what breed are you looking at Kayz?

When I went to see my dogs breeder one of the thing she was most interested in was the kids. If they were out of control the chances are a dog would be

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Can i just point out that it may be a good idea for you to ask the breeder some questions of your own, it might help you to get a better idea of how the pups have been brought up since they were born. But yes as the others said just be yourself, they aren't going to refuse you a puppy because they don't like a certain aspect of your lifestyle! A lot of breeders are just interested in seeing how their puppies will be raised and what kind of family they'll be going to and possibly give you some more tips based on what you've told them about yourselves. Just be honest, because the more honest you are the more they can help you and your new pup. Congrats by the way!

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