Before contacting a breeder about their available or upcoming litters, please go over the following questions with all members of your household:

  1. Am I prepared for the financial costs of a new puppy? Eg.,
          - Initial purchase price & travelling for pick-up day
          - Routine vet care
          - Monthly grooming
          - Puppy obedience classes
          - Basic supplies: food, toys, crate, etc.
          - Spay/neuter surgery
          - Emergency costs
  2. Do I have adequate time to dedicate to raising a puppy? The first few nights (or even weeks) are difficult for puppies as they adjust to their new homes. They need time, patience, and supervision to ensure a smooth transition. This may mean there are several frustrating & sleepless nights in the beginning. After the initial puppy stage, there will be daily exercise, feeding, training, grooming, etc. that will need to be maintained for the dog's entire life.
  3. Is everyone on board with caring for a new puppy?  Even if the puppy will primarily be yours, it is critical to ensure all members of the household are in agreement with the new addition. What if the puppy destroys your husbands work shoes? What if the puppy soils a favourite rug, or shreds an important document? Is everyone willing to step in and care for the little piranha?
  4. Am I able to commit to this dog for the next 12-18 years?
  5. What plans will we make for the dog in case of an emergency?  Evacuation, fire, even death---make sure you have plans for your dog, should tragedy strike.
  6. Will a new puppy upset any current pets? Puppies are adorable to us, but may not be so appealing to an aging pet.
  7. (If renting, or moving to an apartment in the future): Is my landlord pet-friendly? What approval is required to bring a puppy home? Are there pet damages fees, size restrictions, etc.?  How will your neighbours feel about the new addition? What measures will be taken if the puppy is noisy or damages flooring?
  8. Are there any major life changes in the near future, that would restrict my abilities to care for a dog?  If you are planning to move across the country in 3 months, now probably isn't the time to get a dog.
  9. Do I feel I have proper knowledge regarding canine diet, exercise, behaviour, etc.? (Most breeders provide support and advice in these areas, especially for first-time owners. It's okay to not know everything---but please be thorough in your research and always willing to learn more.)

Bringing a new puppy into the family requires thorough preparation and a lot of self-evaluation. Our goal is to ensure our puppies are kept in qualified, loving, forever homes who are well-prepared for the demands of dog ownership. While some circumstances are impossible to forsee and avoid, the majority of rehomed dogs could be prevented if the owners were prepared for the 12+ year commitment of owning a dog. Education is the key to responsible dog ownership.