Yes, meeting a puppy before buying is highly recommended. It allows you to assess the puppy’s temperament, health, and the environment in which they’ve been raised.

Here’s why it’s important…

Assess the Puppy’s Health

• Meeting the puppy lets you check for any visible health issues, like skin problems, eye discharge, or limping, that might not be obvious from photos or online descriptions.

Observe Their Behavior

• You can see how the puppy interacts with people, other dogs, and their environment. Is the puppy curious and playful? Or are they fearful or overly shy? This can give you insight into their temperament and whether it aligns with your expectations.

Check the Breeder’s Environment

• Visiting gives you the chance to assess the breeder’s living conditions. A clean, safe, and well-maintained environment is crucial for your puppy’s well-being. It also helps ensure the breeder is ethical and caring.

Meet the Puppy’s Parents

• Meeting the puppy’s mother (and sometimes the father) can give you a sense of the genetic temperament and health of the puppy. The parents’ behavior can offer valuable clues about how the puppy may develop.

Building a Connection

• Meeting the puppy in person allows you to begin forming a bond, which is important for your relationship going forward.

Avoiding Scams or Unscrupulous Breeders

• Meeting the puppy and seeing the breeder’s setup helps you avoid potential scams or breeders who may be more focused on profit than the puppy’s well-being.

Always meet a puppy before buying to assess their health, behavior, and the breeder’s environment. It’s an essential step to ensure you’re making a well-informed decision and choosing the right puppy for you.