Your Puppy Journey
Start your Journey
Why Does Breed Matters?
You might adore your friend's playful golden retriever or an Instagram influencer's dainty Chihuahua, but that doesn’t always mean that these breeds will be the right fit for you.
Dogs come in all different kinds of shapes and sizes, with different needs. Some breeds might need more space to run around and expend energy, while others might prefer a quieter environment.
As a first step, get to know what's out there by checking out American Kennel Club's resource on understanding breed characteristics.
Paw Fact!
Some breeds like s like the Skye Terrier, Otterhound, and Norwegian Lundehund are endanger of extinction. As you research the best breed for you, think of opening your home to one of these lovely little fellas!
how Do i find the right breed?
What do i do if im still unsure?
What is your lifestyle?
Think about the life you want:
Reflect on your lifestyle:
- Do you want a dog that's more social or independent?
- Do you see yourself with a mellow dog or one with higher energy?
- Are you looking for a dog that has smarts? Or one that's just happy to be along for the ride?
- Are you more active or laid-back?
- What does your daily schedule look like?
- What is the size of your home? For instance, do you live in a studio or on a farm?
- What are the weather and environmental conditions in your area?
Want more info? Check out these resources :
Who should i speak to?
Community members to speak to:
wHO SHOULD I AVOID?
You should avoid:
Paw Fact!
Backyard breeders, who raise dogs at home without much training or care. They don’t check for health problems or appropriate behavior. These breeders often sell online or in parking lots to avoid rules.
Pet stores and online sellers often get puppies from these types of breeders.
Puppy mills, where dogs live in small, dirty cages without vet help or play. Breeders may avoid showing their space or meeting in person.
How do i know when i'm ready?
Think before you act:
"Happiness is a warm puppy.”
- Before falling head over heels in love with a breed you come across on Instagram, ask yourself:
- What are my daily routines and energy levels?
- Which breed traits match my lifestyle best?
- What resources can I use to learn more?
- Charles M. Schulz
Continue your journey
What does that mean in practice?
What is an Ethical Breeder?
Choosing an ethical breeder means:
- Lower risk of genetic diseases
- Better temperament and training
- Ongoing support and guidance
- Contributing to responsible dog ownership and breed preservation
- A focus on health & genetics
- A predictable temperament for puppies based on the dog's ancestory
- A prioritization of early socialization & training
An ethical breeder prioritizes the health, temperament, and long-term well-being of their dogs, not profit. They follow breed-specific health testing guidelines and support puppy owners for life.
Aren't these breders just in it for the money?
Where does the money go?
Responsible breeders invest in health, temperament, and long-term support, which means higher upfront costs but better outcomes for dogs and owners. These breeders offer lifetime advice and support, or will take back dogs later in life if current owners can't care for them.Here’s where the money goes:
- Health testing like DNA screens, X-rays, and vet checks — usually $300–$500 per dog
- Prenatal care like ultrasounds and x-rays — often $500+
- Emergency procedures like C-sections can cost $600–$1,500
- Vaccinations — usually $75–$100 per shot per puppy
- Basic care like food and toys costs about $200–$400 per litter
Even when puppies are priced between $2,000–$3,500, many ethical breeders barely break even.
Good breeders often lose money — though it’s not about making the most money, it’s about doing what’s right.
Economics of an Ethical Breeder
Here’s the truth: ethical breeders rarely make big profits. Why? Because they prioritize:
- Quality over quantity (fewer litters per year)
- Vet care, food, supplies, and emergency funds
- Time spent matching puppies with the right homes
What does Health & genetics even mean?
Health & Genetics
Many of the actions ethical breeders take are used to support the puppy’s health, temperament, and future success in your home. This includes health testing for both parents and helps ensure puppies won’t inherit serious genetic conditions like:
- Hip dysplasia (makes it hard for dogs to walk properly)
- Heart defects
- Eye disorders
Breeders often use DNA panels, X-rays, and vet screenings to check for breed-specific risks. These tests aren’t cheap. For example, orthopedic X-rays for hips and elbows can cost $310 total.
Paw Fact!
Because ethical breeders spend lots of time socializing, caring for, and observing their puppies, they'll be able to recommend the puppy most likely to fit best into your life.
How much do genetic testing costs?
Genetic Testing
$60–$170 per dog $500+ for prenatal care like ultrasounds and x-raysAll these upfront costs help ensure:
- Healthy parents, which means overall healthier puppies
- Transparent records, which means a paper trail and peace of mind for owners
- Early detection, which means fewer surprise vet bills later
Why should I care about temperment?
Predictability & Temperament
Paw Fact!
Choosing a dog with a known temperament traits means fewer mismatches, smoother training, and a better bond between you and your furry friend.
Ethical breeders don’t just breed for looks, they breed for personality. By studying the temperament of parents and grandparents, they can better predict:
- Energy levels
- Trainability
- Sociability with kids, pets, and strangers
This matters whether you want a couch cuddler or a future agility champ. Breeders often use temperament tests and behavioral assessments to match puppies with the right homes. These tests aren’t perfect, but they help avoid mismatches that lead to rehoming or behavioral issues. Predictability means fewer surprises and a better fit for your lifestyle.
Doodles (like Labradoodles or Goldendoodles) are friendly, often fluffy, and loved for being easy to live with. But the same qualities people love in doodles can sometimes be found in other breeds like Poodles or rarer breeds like Lowchen, too!
What does early socialization mean?
Early Socialization
What does this look like?
- Begin early neurological stimulation (ENS) protocol, a series of exercises from days 3–16, which help boost stress tolerance, heart health, and disease resistance.
- Control exposure to sounds, surfaces, and objects, which builds curiosity and reduces fear.
- Introduce positive human interaction, which teaches puppies that touch, grooming, and handling are safe and enjoyable.
- Provide consistency and gentle reinforcement to help puppies learn boundaries without fear.
These actions aren't just for fun, they're science-backed. Programs like ENS help puppies grow into resilient, well-adjusted adult dogs.
Well-socialized puppies are more confident, easier to train, and less likely to develop anxiety or aggression later in life or when scared.
The first few weeks of a puppy's life shape a lifetime. From birth to 8 weeks, puppies go through critical learning windows. Responsible breeders don’t wait for new owners to start training. The puppy's socialization begins soon after birth. Early experiences help puppies grow into adaptable, emotionally balanced dogs.
See if you're ready!
What should I do next?
Ethical decisions today mean fewer regrets tomorrow. Finding the right dog starts with the right values. Responsible breeders care about more than just looks or pedigree. They prioritize health, temperament, early development, and long-term support. Test your knowledge on everything an ethical breeder does for their puppies below!
When Should You Contact Breeders?
The trick is to figure out what you actually want in a dog, then see which breed fits you best. Answer the following before welcoming a puppy into your life:
- What do you need your dog to do every day in your real life?
- What makes your family happiest: cuddling, playing games, going on walks?
- How much time and money can you put toward brushing, grooming, and exercise?
Check out these resources to help you decide!
Functional Dog Collaborative: A website and community where dog breeders share ideas about raising healthy, happy dogs.
Continue your journey
Companion Dog Project: A group that helps people find breeders who focus on making great family companions.
Why is health testing important for puppies?
Imagine scrolling through breeders online and spotting a “health-tested” badge. Your heart leaps, does this mean the puppy will be healthy for life? Not exactly. Health testing is a helpful step, but it is not a guarantee. Understanding what it involves, and where it falls short, can save you frustration, expense, and heartbreak down the line.
Learn to Ask the Right Questions
Why does the breeder you choose matter?
Bringing a puppy home from a breeder isn’t just a transaction it’s the start of a lifelong partnership with your breeder. A responsible breeder is more than a seller; they are a mentor and a resource throughout your dog’s life.
Red flags to watch for:
- No health documentation or unwillingness to share results.
- Pressure to commit quickly without reflection.
- Absence of a written contract.
Learn to Choose Responsibly
Looking for a cute puppy?
It’s not just about cute looks or fun hashtags. Choosing a dog to bring home is a big decision. Finding the right fit for your lifestyle and your dog’s needs means a happier dog and a happier you!Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, with the right resources and a little self-reflection, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect puppy to fall in love with!
Learn before you adopt
What is an Ethical Breeder?
You’ve decided to work with an ethical breeder, whether because you need a specific breed for service work, or you simply feel drawn to a certain temperament or look. But what exactly is an Ethical Breeder? Turns out, there’s a lot that goes into your puppy before you even get to hold the ball of fur.
Learn What You’re Paying For
Your Puppy Journey
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Transcript
Your Puppy Journey
Start your Journey
Why Does Breed Matters?
You might adore your friend's playful golden retriever or an Instagram influencer's dainty Chihuahua, but that doesn’t always mean that these breeds will be the right fit for you. Dogs come in all different kinds of shapes and sizes, with different needs. Some breeds might need more space to run around and expend energy, while others might prefer a quieter environment. As a first step, get to know what's out there by checking out American Kennel Club's resource on understanding breed characteristics.
Paw Fact!
Some breeds like s like the Skye Terrier, Otterhound, and Norwegian Lundehund are endanger of extinction. As you research the best breed for you, think of opening your home to one of these lovely little fellas!
how Do i find the right breed?
What do i do if im still unsure?
What is your lifestyle?
Think about the life you want:
Reflect on your lifestyle:
Want more info? Check out these resources :
Who should i speak to?
Community members to speak to:
wHO SHOULD I AVOID?
You should avoid:
Paw Fact!
Backyard breeders, who raise dogs at home without much training or care. They don’t check for health problems or appropriate behavior. These breeders often sell online or in parking lots to avoid rules.
Pet stores and online sellers often get puppies from these types of breeders.
Puppy mills, where dogs live in small, dirty cages without vet help or play. Breeders may avoid showing their space or meeting in person.
How do i know when i'm ready?
Think before you act:
"Happiness is a warm puppy.”
- Charles M. Schulz
Continue your journey
What does that mean in practice?
What is an Ethical Breeder?
Choosing an ethical breeder means:
An ethical breeder prioritizes the health, temperament, and long-term well-being of their dogs, not profit. They follow breed-specific health testing guidelines and support puppy owners for life.
Aren't these breders just in it for the money?
Where does the money go?
Responsible breeders invest in health, temperament, and long-term support, which means higher upfront costs but better outcomes for dogs and owners. These breeders offer lifetime advice and support, or will take back dogs later in life if current owners can't care for them.Here’s where the money goes:
- Health testing like DNA screens, X-rays, and vet checks — usually $300–$500 per dog
- Prenatal care like ultrasounds and x-rays — often $500+
- Emergency procedures like C-sections can cost $600–$1,500
- Vaccinations — usually $75–$100 per shot per puppy
- Basic care like food and toys costs about $200–$400 per litter
Even when puppies are priced between $2,000–$3,500, many ethical breeders barely break even. Good breeders often lose money — though it’s not about making the most money, it’s about doing what’s right.Economics of an Ethical Breeder
Here’s the truth: ethical breeders rarely make big profits. Why? Because they prioritize:
What does Health & genetics even mean?
Health & Genetics
Many of the actions ethical breeders take are used to support the puppy’s health, temperament, and future success in your home. This includes health testing for both parents and helps ensure puppies won’t inherit serious genetic conditions like:
- Hip dysplasia (makes it hard for dogs to walk properly)
- Heart defects
- Eye disorders
Breeders often use DNA panels, X-rays, and vet screenings to check for breed-specific risks. These tests aren’t cheap. For example, orthopedic X-rays for hips and elbows can cost $310 total.Paw Fact!
Because ethical breeders spend lots of time socializing, caring for, and observing their puppies, they'll be able to recommend the puppy most likely to fit best into your life.
How much do genetic testing costs?
Genetic Testing
$60–$170 per dog $500+ for prenatal care like ultrasounds and x-raysAll these upfront costs help ensure:
Why should I care about temperment?
Predictability & Temperament
Paw Fact!
Choosing a dog with a known temperament traits means fewer mismatches, smoother training, and a better bond between you and your furry friend. Ethical breeders don’t just breed for looks, they breed for personality. By studying the temperament of parents and grandparents, they can better predict:
- Energy levels
- Trainability
- Sociability with kids, pets, and strangers
This matters whether you want a couch cuddler or a future agility champ. Breeders often use temperament tests and behavioral assessments to match puppies with the right homes. These tests aren’t perfect, but they help avoid mismatches that lead to rehoming or behavioral issues. Predictability means fewer surprises and a better fit for your lifestyle.Doodles (like Labradoodles or Goldendoodles) are friendly, often fluffy, and loved for being easy to live with. But the same qualities people love in doodles can sometimes be found in other breeds like Poodles or rarer breeds like Lowchen, too!
What does early socialization mean?
Early Socialization
What does this look like?
- Begin early neurological stimulation (ENS) protocol, a series of exercises from days 3–16, which help boost stress tolerance, heart health, and disease resistance.
- Control exposure to sounds, surfaces, and objects, which builds curiosity and reduces fear.
- Introduce positive human interaction, which teaches puppies that touch, grooming, and handling are safe and enjoyable.
- Provide consistency and gentle reinforcement to help puppies learn boundaries without fear.
These actions aren't just for fun, they're science-backed. Programs like ENS help puppies grow into resilient, well-adjusted adult dogs.Well-socialized puppies are more confident, easier to train, and less likely to develop anxiety or aggression later in life or when scared. The first few weeks of a puppy's life shape a lifetime. From birth to 8 weeks, puppies go through critical learning windows. Responsible breeders don’t wait for new owners to start training. The puppy's socialization begins soon after birth. Early experiences help puppies grow into adaptable, emotionally balanced dogs.
See if you're ready!
What should I do next?
Ethical decisions today mean fewer regrets tomorrow. Finding the right dog starts with the right values. Responsible breeders care about more than just looks or pedigree. They prioritize health, temperament, early development, and long-term support. Test your knowledge on everything an ethical breeder does for their puppies below!
When Should You Contact Breeders?
The trick is to figure out what you actually want in a dog, then see which breed fits you best. Answer the following before welcoming a puppy into your life:
Check out these resources to help you decide!
Functional Dog Collaborative: A website and community where dog breeders share ideas about raising healthy, happy dogs.
Continue your journey
Companion Dog Project: A group that helps people find breeders who focus on making great family companions.
Why is health testing important for puppies?
Imagine scrolling through breeders online and spotting a “health-tested” badge. Your heart leaps, does this mean the puppy will be healthy for life? Not exactly. Health testing is a helpful step, but it is not a guarantee. Understanding what it involves, and where it falls short, can save you frustration, expense, and heartbreak down the line.
Learn to Ask the Right Questions
Why does the breeder you choose matter?
Bringing a puppy home from a breeder isn’t just a transaction it’s the start of a lifelong partnership with your breeder. A responsible breeder is more than a seller; they are a mentor and a resource throughout your dog’s life.
Red flags to watch for:
Learn to Choose Responsibly
Looking for a cute puppy?
It’s not just about cute looks or fun hashtags. Choosing a dog to bring home is a big decision. Finding the right fit for your lifestyle and your dog’s needs means a happier dog and a happier you!Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, with the right resources and a little self-reflection, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect puppy to fall in love with!
Learn before you adopt
What is an Ethical Breeder?
You’ve decided to work with an ethical breeder, whether because you need a specific breed for service work, or you simply feel drawn to a certain temperament or look. But what exactly is an Ethical Breeder? Turns out, there’s a lot that goes into your puppy before you even get to hold the ball of fur.
Learn What You’re Paying For