Powerscourt Cocker Spaniels - Questions To Ask

The addition of a new puppy/dog to your household can provide a great deal of pleasure & there is nothing better than the companionship and enjoyment that is derived from dog ownership.

A well-bred and healthy dog is likely to be with you for anything up to 15 or more years. In order to ensure you have a healthy dog (both physically & mentally) your approach to dog ownership should be well thought out.

Making a mistake when buying a puppy/dog is something you may live to regret and above all is something that could have implications for the welfare and happiness of the dog your have purchased.

As reputable breeders, we along with many others, recognise that for most people the acquisition of a new puppy/dog is not something they undertake regularly or indeed perhaps they may be first time owners.

Reputable breeders want good homes for their puppies and as part of this process, they, for the sake of the puppy, want to help potential owners make informed decisions.

Here is some information you might find beneficial and should help your transition from would-be dog owner to dog owner!

	Having decided to add a puppy/dog to your household your first step should be to determine whether you have the time and commitment to offer a good home to a puppy/dog?

	If you are sure you are are ready for a dog, the next step is to determine which breed would best suit your lifestyle and which you feel would give you the most pleasure.

	Having decided upon a breed your next step is to find a reputable breeder. How can you tell if a breeder is reputable? For more information click here!

	Puppies from reputable breeders are usually in demand. Would-be buyers need to be aware that reputable breeders do not have puppies available all year round and potential buyers may need to wait before a puppy is available. Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder is not as simple as deciding to have a puppy/dog today and bringing one home tomorrow!! Puppies from reputable breeders are in demand for good reason and you should be aware of this. In popular breeds there is a plentiful supply of badly bred, poor quality puppies from people who do not have a commitment to the breed, who do not fully health test their dogs and are producing puppies for financial gain and for no other ethical reason. Many people wanting a "pet" dog do not consider that a good breeder's commitment to the health, temperament, socialisation and care of their puppies is important for ALL puppies regardless of whether they are companions, show dogs or working dogs.

	Having made contact with a good breeder, your next step is to ask them about their dogs & puppies. The exchange of information is a two way process! A reputable breeder will want to know about you, your lifestyle, employment, family commitments, home & garden etc. Please do not be offended by the questions you are asked. Good breeders take their responsibility towards their puppies seriously and want to ensure their pups are placed in suitable, loving and permanent homes. Reputable breeders also want you to enjoy your new puppy & if they know your background they can help you ensure you have the right puppy, which will aid your enjoyment and keep any training issues to a minimum. Good breeders will not be offended by the questions you ask them and will willingly answer any queries you may have. Please keep in mind that they are busy people whose first priority is to their dogs and their puppies. If you call at an inconvenient time please allow them to call you back, they will then be able to offer you’re their undivided attention.

	Once the breeder & prospective purchaser have made contact, if both are content, arrangements can be made for the purchaser's name to be added to the breeders litter waiting list and for the prospective buyer to meet the breeder, the pups and their mother.

	Reputable breeders will honour their commitment to purchasers on their waiting list. They will not "double book" puppies! Once the litter has been born, Breeders will "reserve" a puppy for the would-be buyers pending both parties meeting. If you are happy with the breeder, you should consider your search for a puppy over! Please do not add your name to multiple breeders’ waiting lists to "hedge your bets"! Remember, you decided upon a breeder based on the criteria above, unless you have reason to doubt the breeder there is no need for you to continue to look for a puppy. Reputable breeders whilst honouring their waiting list commitments will turn other potential good homes away in order to "reserve" a puppy for you. Please meet the breeder, their dogs and the litter before continuing to look for a puppy. Please offer good breeders the same courtesy they extend to you. No doubt, as a potential buyer, you would be very unhappy to be told, having waited for a puppy, that the breeder had sold the puppy to another buyer! If you have done your homework and chosen a reputable breeder, you should be delighted to meet them and their puppies and have no need to continue to search for a puppy. However, if at the meeting you have reason to change your mind, that is the time to continue to look for a puppy. Naturally, if your circumstances change it is appropriate to withdraw from a breeder's waiting list, however please do this in a timely manner, as again this is simple good manners.

	Good luck with your search!

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