If you’re thinking about getting a puppy, then you’ll want to make sure that you find a good dog breeder. A good breeder will have a reputation for breeding healthy dogs, and will be able to provide you with a reliable guarantee if there’s a problem with your new pet.
Questions to ask
A good dog breeder can provide information and tips on choosing a puppy that will be a perfect fit for you and your family. While this may be a daunting task, a little research and a lot of patience can get you the best possible pet.
The best way to find out what a breeder is all about is to ask questions. This can be done in person, over the phone, or in a written form. You can even exchange emails and chats to find out more about the breeder you’ve found.
For the most part, a good breeder will be willing to tell you about the most important things. If the breeder is unwilling to make a personal connection, you should look elsewhere.
A breeder’s facility should be clean and in working order. It should be easy to see how much effort the breeder put into raising the puppies you will receive.
Getting a pet is a big commitment, so you’ll want to know that your new puppy is in good hands. Make sure to keep an eye out for signs of illness and other potential problems.
The best breeders will be able to answer your questions about the health of the pups in question. They’ll also be happy to recommend an appropriate veterinarian. In addition, a breeder who cares about their dogs will offer to take you on a tour of the facility.
One of the most impressive things a good breeder can do is provide you with the right information. From the right vaccinations to the proper diet, a reputable breeder will do everything they can to ensure the health of your new puppy.
Visit the litter
Choosing the right puppy can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider including size, breed type, and lifestyle. Fortunately, there are ways to make the process easier.
The first step in the process is to locate litters that are available. If you plan on visiting several breeders, make sure you notify all of them of your plans.
Aside from announcing your intentions, you’ll also want to take advantage of the breeder’s expertise. This is especially important if you’re interested in purebred puppies. You may even want to ask your breeder about the health of the litter’s parents.
A good breeder will be able to point you in the direction of the best litter for you. He or she will be able to tell you about individual traits of the pups as well as their overall temperament.
While you’re there, you’ll be able to see the puppies at close quarters. Watch them play and feed. Try not to resist being held on their backs. Also, observe their litter mates in action. Ultimately, you want to choose a puppy that fits into your home.
One thing to look for is a reputable breeder’s membership in a kennel club. These clubs don’t necessarily guarantee that the dogs are healthy, but they do require that the litter is registered.
Be sure to check out the pedigree of the litter. This should include the names of the breeder and their parents. Moreover, the name of the most successful breeder in your area is a big plus.
Finally, ask about the puppies’ training and care. You’ll want to make sure the pup you purchase will be the most well-rounded dog possible.
OFA scores for hips and elbows are universally expected
Whether you are looking for a dog breeder or just want to learn more about your favorite dog breed, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) scores for hips and elbows are universally expected. These scores are based on evaluations of dogs’ x-rays and are designed to indicate whether a dog’s hips and elbows are normal.
The OFA database contains more than ten generations of dogs, but it is not a complete representation of all breeds. Breeds that have a high prevalence of CHD or elbow disease are represented in the data more than breeds that have a low prevalence of the disorders.
During the study period, 60 breeds had more than 1000 unique evaluations of their hips and elbows. The results of these evaluations were used to determine the genetic trends of the various breeds and to calculate their heritability values.
Breeds that exhibited a negative slope in their EBVs tended to be those with higher prevalence of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Conversely, breeds with a positive slope showed a trend toward increased hip soundness.
The sex effect on the elbow ratings was found to be most pronounced in the Alaskan malamute. In eighteen other breeds, the effects were subtle but significant.
Age had a minor impact on the elbow ratings. Dogs that were older had slightly higher hip ratings. Interestingly, the Labrador retriever’s genetic trend demonstrated a slow rate of improvement in hip disease. However, it also indicated that genetic improvement may be taking place more slowly in breeds with large population sizes.
While the results of these studies suggest that there are some limitations to the ability to detect hip and elbow dysplasia in dogs, the findings also reveal some benefits. This research provides an updated assessment of the effectiveness of phenotypic selection on hip and elbow conformation in multiple dog breeds.
Guarantee the puppies
When you are looking to buy a puppy, one of the most important things you should look for is a health guarantee. This can help you avoid the heartache of buying a sick dog. It is also important to make sure the puppy you are buying has been vaccinated and is free of genetic disorders.
The most common genetic diseases in dogs are bladder stones, epilepsy, heart disease, and hip dysplasia. These conditions are often hereditary and not prevented by vaccines. A good health guarantee can prevent these problems and prevent costly vet bills.
Fortunately, most breeders will provide you with a written guarantee if you purchase a puppy from them. However, you should read the contract carefully before signing. If you have questions about the contract, make sure you can talk to the breeder.
You should also be able to return your puppy to the breeder if it becomes ill. You can do this within three business days of purchasing your pup.
Typically, the health guarantee will cover a year. However, it can last longer depending on the health issues of the dog. Depending on the breed of your pet, you may be able to extend the guarantee for another year.
Most health guarantees will include a letter of verification from a veterinarian in case the puppy is ill. Vaccines should be given to the puppy before the age of eight weeks. Before the puppy is shipped, it will be inspected by a veterinarian. Often, the breeder will require a health checkup within a week of the puppy’s arrival.
A health guarantee can save you from expensive vet bills and allow you to enjoy your puppy. Make sure the contract outlines all of the health issues that are included in the guarantee and the responsibilities of the buyer.
Ask about the early canine neurostimulation program (ENS)
When choosing a dog breeder, you may be interested in learning more about the early canine neurostimulation program. The program is designed to promote rapid neurological development in the offspring of a litter and improve the overall health of the resulting adult dogs. You should be aware that it’s not a magic potion. However, it does have some perks.
It’s important to note that the early canine neurostimulation program is not for the faint of heart. Although it may appear to produce positive results in the short term, it can be detrimental to the health of your puppy. Therefore, you should do your research and make sure that your breeder is a good fit before you sign on the dotted line.
An early canine neurostimulation program is a combination of several harmless exercises that can be done over the course of two weeks. In fact, it’s probably best to wait until the pups are just a few days old before you do any exercises.
There are actually several different ENS exercises, including the all-important thermal and the tactile stimulation. The latter is a little more involved and involves tickling the toes of your puppy using a Q-tip. But the best part is, it’s a whole lot of fun!
While it’s not recommended, there’s no reason not to give it a try. If you are a fan of dogs, you’ll be happy to learn that an early canine neurostimulation program can help make your pet a more well-rounded member of the family. Plus, the benefits of this exercise go beyond physical health to include emotional and mental stability. Moreover, the effects of this exercise will be exhibited in your dog’s overall performance.
