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What To Avoid When Buying A Puppy?

What To Avoid When Buying A Puppy?

When buying a puppy, there are several red flags to watch for to avoid future heartbreak, health problems, or costly surprises.

Here’s what to steer clear of…

Buying from a Puppy Mill or Unethical Breeder

  • Red Flags
    • The breeder has multiple litters available at once.
    • Puppies are not raised in a home environment and lack proper socialization.
    • Poor conditions (e.g., dirty facilities, overcrowded spaces).
    • They sell puppies younger than 8 weeks (too early to leave their mother).

Look for reputable breeders or shelters that prioritize animal welfare and responsible breeding practices.

Buying Without Meeting the Puppy First

  • Avoid purchasing a puppy without visiting it in person. Photos or videos alone can be misleading.
  • If buying online, arrange a meeting with the breeder and see how the puppy interacts with its environment and littermates.
  • Scam Alert: Beware of sellers asking for payments in advance without allowing a visit.

Choosing Based Only on Appearance

  • A cute puppy may capture your heart, but it’s important to prioritize temperament and health over looks.
  • Ensure the puppy’s personality aligns with your lifestyle—an energetic puppy may be hard to handle if you prefer a quiet routine.

Avoiding Health Screening and Medical Records

  • Avoid breeders who cannot provide:
    • Health clearances for the puppy’s parents (for breed-specific conditions).
    • Vaccination and deworming records.
    • Results from any genetic tests for common breed-related issues.

Healthy puppies come from healthy parents, so ensure the breeder conducts necessary screenings.

Ignoring the Puppy’s Parents’ Temperament

  • If the breeder does not let you meet the puppy’s mother or both parents, it’s a red flag. Parents’ temperaments often reflect how their offspring will behave.

Choosing a Puppy with Behavioral Red Flags

  • Signs to Avoid:
    • Extremely fearful or timid puppies that avoid interaction.
    • Aggressive behavior towards littermates or people.
    • Lack of energy or listlessness (could indicate illness).

Buying on Impulse

  • Avoid choosing a puppy in the heat of the moment without thinking through the responsibilities.
  • Consider the time, energy, and finances needed for proper care (e.g., food, vet bills, training, etc.).

Not Asking for a Written Contract

  • Ensure there’s a contract that outlines the breeder’s responsibilities, your obligations, and guarantees (e.g., health guarantees or a return policy).
  • A reputable breeder will often offer a return clause if you cannot care for the puppy.

Falling for “Too Good to Be True” Prices

  • If a price seems unusually low, it might be a scam or indicate the puppy is from a puppy mill or backyard breeder.
  • Responsible breeders invest in health testing, care, and proper nutrition, which reflects in the cost.

Overlooking Post-Purchase Support

  • Avoid breeders or sellers who don’t offer post-sale advice or support.
  • Good breeders or rescue organizations will want to stay in touch and ensure the puppy adjusts well to its new home.

Getting a Puppy Too Young or Without Proper Socialization

  • Puppies should stay with their mother and littermates until 8–12 weeks old to develop essential social skills.
  • Avoid puppies that have had little interaction with people or exposure to new environments (they may struggle with socialization later).

Skipping Research on Breed-Specific Issues

  • Some breeds are prone to hereditary health conditions (e.g., hip dysplasia, heart problems). Avoid puppies from breeders who don’t test for these conditions.
  • Consider if the breed’s needs—such as exercise or grooming—align with your lifestyle.

Ignoring Your Instincts

  • If something feels “off” about the breeder, shelter, or situation, trust your gut and walk away.
  • A reputable breeder or rescue group should make you feel confident, not pressured.

Avoiding these common mistakes will help you find a healthy, happy puppy that’s a perfect fit for your home and lifestyle.

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