Bringing a new puppy into your life can be a joyous and exciting experience, but it's important to be prepared before you say yes. If you're looking to apply for a puppy from a Dogs AU breeder, you'll likely have to go through an application process that will include customised questions from the breeder who'd like to learn who you are to establish if you're a match for their pup.
Like every interview, this one shares the same objective - finding the right fit between you and the puppy. Breeders are dedicated to their litters and want to ensure that their pups go to loving homes, hence, they’ll love to know everything about you and your lifestyle. Although every breeder asks different questions, here are 11 questions that we've come across in the application process:
1. Tell me about yourself.
The most dreaded question of any interview! This one doesn't have to be too daunting though. As we mentioned above, this is an interview. Breeders would be keen to understand who you are, what you do, where you live, with whom, and many more questions. They only want to ensure that their puppies end up in good homes and are well taken care of by their human counterparts. We urge you to be as honest and descriptive as you can be to help the breeder understand who you really are.
2. Why do you want a puppy?
Breeders want to understand your motivations and ensure that you're committed to the love and care of the puppy for its lifetime and not an impulsive purchase.t is pivotal to understand that getting a puppy is a commitment for ~15 years.
Breeders invest time, money and effort towards their program and they are intent on ensuring their puppies are homed in the best households possible. To answer this question, you need to understand why you want a puppy before you apply for one. Ask yourself if you’re ready for a dog.
3. Do you have any experience with dogs?
Whether it’s your first puppy or you’ve grown up with dogs, breeders need to understand your experience with dogs to see if you’re the right fit for the breed you’re applying for. Different breeds have varied needs for training and development. For example, a first-time puppy owner might see themself struggling to adequately care for a stubborn breed like a Shiba Inu or a Siberian Husky, and may better suit an easier-to-train breed like Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Golden Retriever.
Read: How do I find the right breed for myself?
4. What is your living situation like?
It’s unsuitable to have a large breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog in a 500 sqm apartment with no backyard. Hence, the breeder will be curious to understand your living situation to learn if you have enough space for the pup to move around freely. This question extends to not just your home but also access to nearby parks, playgrounds, trails or beaches.
Some breeds are other pet-friendly
5. Do you have any other pets?
This question helps the breeder understand how the new puppy will fit in with your existing pets, and whether your home is bound to be a battleground for territory.
To avoid disappointment, it’s best to research breeds that tend to be friendly with other pets. For example, a working breed like Border Collie may work fantastically if you have a variety of farm animals but you may find a Chihuahua struggling to adjust.
6. Are you the primary caretaker of the puppy?
At least during the initial months of the puppy living with you, it will need tons of attention and care and dedicated time for socialising and training. The breeder wants to ensure that the puppy is well taken care of and does not develop behavioural issues early on such as separation anxiety, or worse hurt itself when unsupervised.
However, some breeders may suggest leaving the puppy alone for a while but increasing the time gradually to ensure there is a healthy balance of companionship and individuality. If you do need to leave the house, try to set up a pet sitter early on and puppy-proof your home before getting the puppy. Separation anxiety is something that is common amongst all breeds and you will need to factor in training your puppy to be alone and to be confident that you are returning home. There are huge amounts of resources online from YouTube to Facebook pages of trainers.
7. What do you know about the breed already?
The last thing that you or the breeder wants is for the puppy to end up in a mismatched home. The decision to get a puppy must be immediately followed up by adequate research on different types of breeds and narrowing down to breeds that match your lifestyle.
Once you’ve done that, take a deep dive into the shortlisted breeds to understand the varied health and behavioural elements of the breed. What specific health issues is the breed prone to? What unique tests are necessary? What grooming routines will need to be followed? The best way to show the breeder that you’ve done your homework is to ask them breed-specific questions. Just because Mrs Wilson down the street got a Poodle, it doesn’t mean you need to get one too - do your research.
8. What kind of exercise and training do you plan to provide for the puppy?
As we mentioned above, the breeder will be very keen to understand your daily routine and how much time you’ll be able to devote to the puppy in a day, especially early on. For the puppy to have the best chance at leading a happy and healthy life, you need to have a training plan in place.
Now, to do this, you can consult with any friends or family that have a dog or any professionals such as a dog trainer or the breeder themselves. The puppy will need consistent physical training and mental stimulation for well-rounded growth.
9. What kind of food and treats do you plan to feed your puppy?
The breeder will be curious to discuss the nutritional needs of the puppy and ensure you understand the depth of this topic. There are a variety of diets out there: raw, kibble, freshly cooked, and more. The breeder will tell you their suggested diet based on the breed and what they’ve been feeding the pup. Food plays such a critical role in the puppy’s growth and well-being. Bonus points if you research the breed’s allergy tendencies and have a backup plan in place.
10. What kind of veterinary care do you plan to provide for the puppy?
The breeder wants to ensure that the puppy will receive proper veterinary care and that you understand the importance of regular check-ups and vaccinations. It is good practice to look into vets in your area and create a shortlist so you’re prepared. Based on your budget and the breed, it might be a good idea to save up for unforeseen health emergencies that may arise in the future.
11. Do you have any questions for me?
Like the end of every good interview, you will be expected to have your questions ready for the breeder. If you follow the research process mentioned above before you meet the breeder, you should have a list of questions for them to answer. This application process is a two-way street.
Consider this list as a starting point only, and not the holy grail. A reputable breeder will always ask the important questions to see to it that their puppy goes to a responsible and loving home.
Stay tuned for the top 10 questions you should ask your breeder when applying for a puppy.
