As part of a campaign urging anyone looking for a puppy to find a reputable breeder, Bracknell-based dog training business Click-2-Heel (www.click2heel.com) has published a checklist of key questions that prospective owners should ask breeders.
Dog trainer, behaviourist, former Crufts obedience champion and owner of Click-2-Heel Di Martin said: “Finding a good breeder and then choosing a puppy can be a potential minefield so we hope this guide provides a starting point.”
The questions in Click-2-Heel’s checklist are:
> What are the health test requirements of the breed?
> Will there be Kennel Club Registration Papers?
> How many times can you visit?
> Will you get to see the puppies with mum?
> Does the breed need hearing / sight tests?
> Will there be a contract of sale?
> What is the breeding programme and environment like?
> What age are you allowed to take the puppy home?
The checklist is also covered in module 1 of Click-2-Heel’s Online Puppy Training Course, along with choosing a breed and sex, how to find a breeder in the first instance, what will the breeder be doing from birth to eight weeks, what to ask about the puppy’s food, preparing for bringing puppy home, husbandry and medical equipment and finally, collecting your puppy.
