Everything You Need To Know About Working With a Dog Breeder

Getting a new puppy is a rewarding process, but it’s much more involved than just going to a pet store and taking home a dog. Responsible breeders love each and every one of their puppies and want to make sure you plan on loving and caring for their pups, too.

It's important to take your time as you go through every step of the puppy process so that you're prepared to give your new pup a great life. Completing breeder screening processes and understanding your puppy contract will help you and your pup in the long run. Find out more about how to navigate the puppy process so that you can have a stress-free puppy search.

Finding your breeder

The first step in your puppy ownership journey is identifying which breed is right for you. There are many factors involved, so it might take a lot of consideration, but once you’ve chosen a breed that you think is the best fit for your family, it’s time to find one or more responsible breeders who specialize in those breeds.

Here at Good Dog, we’ve made it our mission to connect you with responsible breeders, and to that end, we offer plenty of information about each of our partner breeders. You can explore a breeder’s photos, peruse their policies, and get to know both how they care for their dogs and whether they seem like good matches for you — after all, you’re going to be working closely with your breeder, so it’s important that you have a strong relationship. What you don’t have to worry about is whether the breeders you find on Good Dog are responsible and good to their animals. Each one has been screened for quality so you can focus your search on the specifics that matter most to you.

Just a heads up before we go even further. A lot of people only look for nearby breeders, but that’s often limiting, and these days, far less of a necessity. Many breeders are open to working with potential puppy owners from across the country. There are now all kinds of options for transporting a dog to its new home, from road trips to flight nannies. Don’t let distance get in the way of connecting with the right breeder — finding the right dog is just too important! And if the process of finding that right breeder is a bit daunting, you can always contact an expert at Good Dog; we’ll be happy to talk you through the process.

How to request info or apply

On Good Dog, you can request more info a puppy you're interested in. You'll be asked to share a few details about yourself and what you're looking for. When the breeder responds, they may ask you more questions to start their screening process. They may also ask you to complete their puppy application.

Don’t be shy about requesting info — breeders love chatting with potential puppy owners! A big part of a breeder’s job is to evaluate people to ensure that they’ll be great matches for their puppies, which is a responsible breeder generally begins their process by asking you screening questions. They may ask you these questions by messaging you, calling you, or asking you to complete a puppy application. They'll likely want to know about where you live, your work schedule, your children (if you have any), and your past experience with dogs.

Breeders have their pups' best interests at heart — so if it feels like they're asking you a lot of questions, it's only because they're trying to make sure you're a good fit! Their goal is always to place a puppy in a safe, loving home where they grow into healthy, happy dogs.

Selecting a puppy or joining a waitlist

Hooray — your breeder has decided to move forward with you because they think you will be a responsible, loving puppy owner!

Once it’s your turn on the waitlist, the puppy matching process begins. At this stage, many breeders may request a deposit to move forward. Some breeders will let you choose which pup you want to take home, while others will work with you to find the perfect fit. You may also be able to share your preferences on size, color, and temperament. Breeders know their dogs best, so if they want some input on the process, it’s definitely smart to listen to them! The goal is to make sure you wind up with the puppy that’s best for you.

Different breeders manage their waitlists in different ways, but generally, they allow you to defer if you aren’t quite ready yet for a dog.

Waiting to bring home your new pup

After you're matched with a pup comes the hardest step in the process: "The 2-month rule," otherwise known as the period you have to wait before you can bring home your new family member. Puppies generally must be at least two months old before they go home (it depends a bit on the breed) because it’s crucial that they spend their first few months with their mother and siblings.

The months with their dog family allows puppies to develop physically and gain the socialization required to live a normal, happy life. Breeders often also use this time to enrich your puppy by introducing them to the new things they’ll encounter when they leave the litter, from household sounds to playful children.

But don’t worry — you won’t be waiting around in the dark during this period. Breeders often send along photos and/or videos so you can watch your future pup growing and learning, which will only get you more excited to begin your time together. During this time, you can start planning on how you’ll be getting your pup home because there are now quite a few options for doggy transportation.

Arranging pickup or drop-off

It's almost time to bring your pup home! You'll work with your breeder to determine the best way to pickup or drop-off your pup.

For health, safety, and security purposes, it's possible that your breeder cannot allow anyone to enter their home. If you want to meet in person, you can ask if your Good Breeder will allow you to visit their home or facility to pick up your puppy. That’s easy if you’re nearby, but equally as doable if you’re willing to go on a road trip or book a flight. You can also arrange to meet at their local airport or at another accessible location.

If flying or road trips are out of the question, there are several other options for getting your new dog to your home safe and sound. You can arrange a flight nanny (also known as a puppy nanny) who, for a small fee, will chaperone your dog on the plane. You can also have your dog sent safely and securely in a pet-safe air cargo, where your puppy will travel in a crate with food and water in a temperature-controlled area of the plane. Airlines have been offering this service for years and frankly, it’s far roomier and more comfortable than most of their coach seats at this point.

The choices are plentiful, but no matter which you choose, breeders are devoted to making sure everything goes off without a hitch and your new pup gets to his new home safe and sound. You can read more in-depth about all the available transportation options here.

Completing your final puppy payment and signing contracts

All final puppy payments must be on our secure payments platform. This way, if there's an issue, we can help resolve it. You can pay online or in person, depending on what your breeder prefers. For a small additional fee, you can complete your payment with Good Dog Protection & Support, which gives you access to benefits for your pup, including lifetime access to our Care Team, payment protection, our Puppy Training Program, and more.

Your breeder may require that you sign a contract when paying for your puppy. The contract typically outlines your responsibilities and what they expect from you as an owner. They guarantee the health of your dog when you receive him, and in exchange, they generally require you to take your puppy to the vet within a few days of picking him up. They may also ask that you spay or neuter your pup when it's the appropriate time.

Breeders are also careful to make sure their dogs will have homes for the long haul. Their rehoming policies generally require you to contact and return the dog to them if you can no longer care for him. The most important thing is making sure each and every dog has a warm, caring place to live.

Your final bill may also reflect additional fees, such as transportation or extra boarding costs. And it’s standard to be charged for extra items such as microchipping, food samples, and comfort items like blankets with their mother and siblings’ scents.

And now the fun begins!

Your new pup has finally arrived at their forever home — with you! Let the fun begin!

Still have any questions? Need some more guidance? Feel free to get in touch with our team here — we love talking about puppies!