I have been talking to a lot of people lately about buying a new puppy, stared dog, and training. I really enjoy what I do there is nothing more fun that watching these young dogs develop. Watching the light bulb turn on so to speak. I get lot’s of questions about what kind of dogs do you have? What is this dog like and what is that dog like? Sometimes when buying a puppy you won’t know the dogs personality completely until it’s all grown up. If you talk to breeders you get all kinds of advice on what’s best and what looks good. If you talk to trainers you get there two cents also. If you talk to Field Trailer’s compared to commercial pheasant guides the opinion’s vary like flavors of ice cream. So here’s my two cents take it for what it’s worth. If you read a little about me and on this website (about bestgundogs) you will find out who I am and what type of training I like to do. Which leads me to the things I look for in a puppy.
1. The dog has to be registered with at least one of the national registry’s AKC, NAVHDA, AF, ect. this is going to help you make sure the puppy is not a cross bread and lessen the chances for results.
2. Expectations: What do you want pup for? A pet? A hunting machine? A companion? Does he live inside the house or out? Do you have other dog’s if so how will they get a long? Do you hunt chuckars in the west desert’s or pheasants in South Dakota? Do you want a dog that is all business or do you want him to be able to play with your two year old? What breed should I get. Manage your expectations think about what you want describe the dog to the breeder/owner and see if has something that fits?
3. Honesty find a breeder that will be honest with you.
4. Research or ask about the dogs bloodlines. Find dogs that have been tested in the field.
5. Remember this is a commitment not a weekend fling.
6. Track record (how long have you been breeding/working with a particular breed)
7.Patience with pup: Patience in finding the right dog and patience once you have got him home
8.Have fun: Make sure you take the time to have fun with your pup.
