Amber's Nursery

Deciding to add a new furry member to your family is an exciting time, however there are many things people tend to over look when they decide on a puppy. This is a long term commitment and the decision should not be taken lightly. Please read the following information to better ensure you are making the best choice when it comes to this exciting time in your life.

How to Buy A Dog

 Please Click on a Help Topic Below:
 

♥ Step One: Deciding If a Dog Is Right for You ♥

♥ Step Two: Choosing the Right Breed ♥

♥ Step Three: Questions to Ask the Potential Breeder ♥

♥ Step Four:  Questions the Breeder Will Ask You ♥

 ♥ Step Five: Evaluating the Breeder based on Your Personal Needs ♥

♥ Step Six: Choosing the Right Puppy for You ♥

♥ Some Last Things to Keep in Mind  ♥

First ask yourself, "Why do you want a dog?"

• As a pet/companion/family dog

• As a show dog (keep in mind that Labradoodles and all of the other 'designer breeds' are not yet recognized by the AKC, so a Labradoodle may not be a good choice for you)

• For breeding - if this is the case most breeders will want to know in advance since many do not allow the breeding of their puppies without written consent. Also, it is a good idea to let your breeder know this before you choose a puppy so they can find the best suited dog for breeding.

• All or more than one of the above

• Read about the breeds that interest you and get as much information as you can. Many websites offer a short quiz to determine what breeds suit you best based on your desires and lifestyle. Keep in mind that all breeds are not suitable for everyone.

• Find out what type of grooming or special care this breed requires. Also ask about specific characteristics, inherited problems and ask to see what the adults will look like. Remember that your puppy will be an adult for much longer than it is a puppy so make sure you like how they look as an adult.

• Talk to and visit several breeders and keep in mind there are some breeders out there that are just interested in selling you that dog. A good breeder will want to know about you to help determine if the dog you want is the best breed for you. As far as Labradoodles go, a good breeder will never tell you their dog is hypoallergenic. Please visit our About Labradoodles page and read the section titled "Are Labradoodles Truly Hypoallergenic?"

• It is always a good idea to look at more than one litter before deciding on one specific puppy (by this I mean visit more than one breeder to view two separate litters) this way you have some basis for comparison.

• Also consider rescuing an older dog rather than purchasing a puppy. There are so many dogs sitting in shelters that are in need of a good home. And sometimes, an older dog is more appropriate for your household and you work schedule.

Make sure you have questions ready for the breeder. Below are some basic topics your breeder should be willing to talk about with you.

• Ask about the parents and grandparents: their temperaments, how they interacted with children and other dogs, etc.  (If your breeder used a stud they may not always know a great deal about the grandparents beyond their lineages, but because they used a stud rather than owning the dog doesn't mean the breeder is a bad breeder. Sometimes it is better for the resident dogs not to have too many dogs on the premises. Intact male dogs can be a handful and being that there are always new people and puppies around, it is better in some cases to not host the male.)

• Ask about the puppies in the litter. Ask about their health record, their shots they have gotten so far and what they will need, ask when, or if, they were wormed, ask about the type of food they are eating, where they were raised (in the home or the kennel-our puppies are all home raised), the anticipated temperament of each puppy in the litter (it is important to know about the siblings of your puppy), as well as the estimated size and coloring of your puppy at adulthood (there is never a guarantee, but a good breeder can usually give you a pretty accurate estimate). Remember, you can never ask too many questions!
  

• Ask about the type of health guarantee the breeder has. Most breeders will have you sign a contract when you purchase your puppy that will outline all the health guarantees and responsibilities of ownership. Also, a good breeder will always take the dog back or assist you in re-homing your puppy if you cannot care for the puppy, but keep in mind that most breeders require you to contact them before re-homing your puppy so they can make sure they are going to a good home.
       
  

A reputable breeder will have specific questions for you
(Visit our Puppy Application page to see a sample of the types of questions asked)

• Keep in mind that when a breeder asks you a lot of personal questions they aren't being nosy! They simply want to make sure your schedule and living environment is suited for the breed. For example, if you live in a small, upstairs apartment and aren't home much during the day a Great Dane would not be very well suited for you. A good breeder will want to know if you have any other pets, how often someone will be home to take care of the puppy (your typical work hours now and when the puppy is an adult), if you have children and their ages, if you have ever owned a dog before, where the dog will go when you go on vacation (we offer Boarding Services to our puppies), what you will do if you can no longer care for the dog, etc.
  

• They will ask you why you want this dog and what you know about the breed.
  

• They should ask if you are planning on spaying or neutering your puppy. If not, then why? They will also want to know if you intend on breeding your dog and if so why (to recuperate the cost of the dog, to teach your children the miracle of life, or to produce quality puppies in order to further the breeding lines within the breed. Please note that the first two options are not a reasonable reason to breed).
  

• Speak to several breeders, if most breeders are telling you one thing and one does not (with Labradoodles, many times this is that they guarantee hypoallergenic dogs or non-shedding dogs-which is impossible to definitely predict), either they are either ignorant of the fact since they didn't bother looking into the breed, or they do not care and are looking to just sell you the puppy and make a profit.  Neither situation is good.  If they cannot give you a satisfactory answer when you directly ask them about this point, choose another breeder to buy your puppy from. 
  
  

If the breeder does not ask you most of the above questions, you should probably choose another breeder. However, you can further evaluate the breeder by asking yourself these questions:

•   First decide if you have specifications based on sex. Some people do but keep in mind that a neutered male is just as well mannered as a female. One sex is no better than the other. It is a myth that they are somehow harder to handle. The fact of the matter is, a well cared for and trained dog will make a good pet, regardless of sex.

•   Decide what type of adult do you want. A good breeder can give you a good idea of the personalities of the puppies in the litter. But it is important to evaluate the temperament of the puppy yourself since the dog will be your pet first and foremost and you have to enjoy living with the dog.

•    Coat color, markings and eye color should be the last consideration after you have decided on the type of temperament you can live with and which sex you prefer. If you are adamant about specific color or markings, wait until they are on the puppy with the appropriate temperament for you and your family.
  

Last things to remember:

• If you have questions or concerns about your puppy (behavior, physical development, etc.) at any time after your purchase-call the breeder immediately. Don't be afraid to ask for help! The breeder wants the puppy to have a good home and be cared for in the best way possible, you aren't bothering them by asking questions-even if you think they seem silly.

• Remember, by purchasing this puppy, you are committing to its care for the rest of its life.  But, in the event that you cannot keep it as you had planned, call the breeder immediately. A good breeder always wants to know where their pups are. They will also help you place the dog or approve a new home if you have lined up.

• It is very important that you maintain contact with the breeder of your puppy. If you do not feel comfortable doing that, perhaps you chose the wrong breeder to purchase a puppy from. You buy the breeder as well as the puppy so try to be sure you get a good one of each!