Finding the right puppy for your family commonly involves finding a breeder with whom you’ll want to remain in contact throughout your dog’s life. Staying in touch with your dog’s breeder is essential because they’re the experts on all things about your puppy and can provide you with support and mentorship in the breed. Some breeders, especially those more active on social media, may want regular and ongoing communication with people they sell puppies to. Other breeders may expect or anticipate less frequent contact from puppy owners.
A primary benefit of adding a purebred dog to your family is the opportunity to have a close connection with your dog’s breeder. A good breeder can be an invaluable resource, but how do you know when it’s appropriate to reach out?
Based on Your Contract
Many breeders will include in their contracts, at a minimum, how frequently they expect to be in contact. The most critical time to contact your breeder is when you’re required to do so under the terms of the contract you signed when you purchased your dog or puppy. Many breeders want an update on the puppies they produce every few months or annually.
Whenever You Have Questions
Anytime you’re confused, curious, or concerned about something to do with your dog or puppy, it’s a good time to connect with their breeder. Similarly, if your vet, dog trainer, or groomer has questions about your dog, and you aren’t sure of the answer, the breeder may be able to help.
Many new puppy owners feel silly reaching out to the breeder with questions, fearing that they would be a bother. But responsible breeders want to help you set your dog up for success and are happy to connect and answer questions.
Don’t Forget to Brag
You might think about contacting your dog’s breeder when something is wrong or you have concerns, but it’s just as important to contact them with good news. Most breeders love to hear about achievements from puppy owners. Don’t forget to share those good moments with your dog’s breeder, like when your dog earns their Canine Good Citizen title, a Trick Dog title, or does particularly well in agility classes.
Keeping your dog’s breeder updated on their successes gives the breeder more information about what the dogs they produce excel at, which can influence future breeding. Having a strong and regular relationship with your dog’s breeder also means it will be easier to connect if you ever have a problem.
Health Concerns
Some responsible breeders utilize health testing before breeding to produce healthy dogs and reduce the risk of hereditary conditions, but there are never guarantees. You should always contact your breeder if your dog experiences any significant health conditions or concerns. Not only can your dog’s breeder help troubleshoot medical issues, but this information can also help them stay aware of any health issues that may be popping up in their lineage and help them make decisions about future breedings.
Behavior Issues
All dogs need training, and no puppy is perfectly behaved. However, if you find your puppy struggling with behavioral issues, check in with your breeder about whether they have any training tips or strategies for managing unwanted behaviors. You might be surprised that a challenging behavior has a breed-related explanation. Your dog’s breeder may also be able to suggest training approaches that may help you work through issues that are coming up.
In the event of serious behavioral issues, you will want to notify your dog’s breeder so that they can shift breeding plans to prevent continuing these issues, as there can sometimes be a genetic component to behavioral problems.
Life Updates
Have something big going on in your family, like a health crisis, divorce, or a cross-country relocation? If you ever have any kind of emergency that will impact your dog and their care, it’s important to contact your dog’s breeder right away. Responsible breeders will stand behind their dogs and puppies for life.
If you ever worry that you may not be able to care for your dog or need to rehome them, your breeder should be your first point of contact. In most cases, your dog will go back to their breeder, or your breeder may be able to provide temporary boarding and care for your dog until you can get back on your feet.