Kayla speaks to Amber Quann of Summit Dog Training and Megan Wallace of Dogs Deciphered about picking a breeder for your next puppy.
There’s not really a right and wrong way to do this, but we’ll cover our top tips for you.
One litter at a time
Parents on site and available for meet-and-greets
Puppies raised indoors
Puppy raising program like Puppy Culture, Avidog, or ENS
Working closely with the breeder to select the puppy (not just based on color or “which do you want?")
Parents over 2 years old
Puppies not available until 8 weeks
Health testing
Not afraid of lots of questions
Waiting lists, pricing, and deposits
Only deal in 1 or 2 breeds (or purpose/mixes)
Willing to take the puppy back
Eager to provide guidance
Proven lines for your goals
 
This podcast is supported by Journey Dog Training and our Puppy Raising Blueprint course. The full course covers topics ranging from common problem behaviors and socialization to the humane hierarchy of dog training. It’s all taught by yours truly, Kayla Fratt. If you need more personalized training support, check out journeydogtraining.com - we have a variety of courses, e-books, and remote training services available. Just check out your options in the menu above.
 
This podcast is also supported by our members on Patreon. For as little as $3 per month, you can support this podcast and get perks like submitting questions for us to tackle at the end of each episode. Sign up over at patreon.com/pandemicpuppy. 
 
Over the next few episodes, we’ll cover how to pick a puppy from a breeder, selecting a shelter and shelter puppy, and how to prepare for your new puppy!
 
For Further Reading:
 
How to Find a Good Dog Breeder (written by Kayla)
Dog Adoption Guide (written by Kayla)
Kayla's dog selection spreadsheet (view only)
Functional Dog Collaborative