Things to ask the breeder

Anyone can call themselves a dog breeder. It's important to ask questions before welcoming a puppy home. Look at the RSPCA puppy contract for more information.

Things to ask about the dog's mother (the dam)

What worming products and flea products have been used? 

Fleas can be transferred to other animals and humans too. ([1]). Fleas can cause a dog to get tapeworm or anaemia. A puppy should have treatment aged 6 weeks.Other pets in the home should have treatment so they are covered. 

What is their temperament and where has she been kept during pregnancy? 

Stress can be passed on through the womb.  Studies have shown the pregnant rats experiencing stress can result in having babies that are less resilient to stress too. 

Considerations about the puppy

Have the parents been screened for hip dysplasia? 

Some breeds suffer from hip dysplasia especially the Rottweiler, Labrador and golden retriever. 

How old is the puppy? 

They shouldn't be taken too early – 8 weeks is the normal time. 

What about the dogs parents health

Have either parent had any surgery to correct any features? 

It may be that the puppy will also  and need vet treatment. 

What socialisation and habituation experiences has the puppy had?

What experiences has the puppy had with people, sounds, noises, surfaces, handling and other dogs? 

It is thought that the critical socialisation period for puppies is between 3-12 weeks[2], therefore there are many things we can do to help prevent fear and aggression in our puppies, as early life experiences can shape behaviour [3][4] .

They should also be habituated to being handled with focus being placed on their paws, tail, ears and face to help prepare them for handling by vets, groomers and others in their life. Early handling can help a puppy cope with stress.[5] .

A puppy should have as many positive experiences as possible with different sights, sounds, people and surfaces. Socialising means socialising them to things that they will have interactions with such as other animals, people and children. Habituation relates to a puppy getting used to things in the environment so they hear, see them but they do not evoke a response (such as the sound of a car)1 . 

If you're thinking about welcoming a dog home and you're not sure where to start I can help support you every step of the way. Book a 20 minute complementary call.

References

[1] Germinal J. Cant{\'o} and Roberto I. Guerrero and Andrea Margarita Olvera-Ram'irez and F. Milian and Juan Mosqueda and Gabriela Aguilar-Tipacam Prevalence of Fleas and Gastrointestinal Parasites in Free-Roaming Cats in Central Mexico}, journal={PLoS ONE},{2013}, (8}. 

[2] 1&2. Stolzlechner, L.; Bonorand, A.; Riemer, S. 2022. Optimising Puppy Socialisation–Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Training Programme during the Early Socialisation Period. Animals 2022, 12, 3067. 

[3] 1&2. Stolzlechner, L.; Bonorand, A.; Riemer, S. 2022. Optimising Puppy Socialisation–Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Training Programme during the Early Socialisation Period. Animals 2022, 12, 3067. 

[4] Dietz, L., Arnold, A. K., Goerlich-Jansson, V. C., and Vinke, C. M. 2018. The importance of early life experiences for the development of behavioural disorders in domestic dogs. Behaviour 155, 2-3, 83-114 

[5] 4. Hedges, Stephanie, 2014. Practical canine behaviour: for veterinary nurses and technicians. ‎ CABI Publishing. 

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