Some of the things you might want to know (continued):
What will the puppies know when they're ready to take home? Puppies raised well will know how to walk on several different surfaces without being afraid, will have started learning how to stand on a table, will allow their feet to be handled because their nails have been routinely trimmed, will have crate-training and leash-training started already, and will have some experience riding in a car. They might have learned how to climb steps, fetch a ball, play on baby agility equipment, and all sorts of fun things that puppies can learn in order to grow into well-adjusted adults. Look for a breeder who raises their puppies well, and you'll be on your way to getting the best puppy.
When visiting litters, look around. It's hard to take your eyes off the cute little fur-balls, but look around at their environment. Is there a strong smell of puppy-poo?
Worse yet, are there droppings littering the puppy play area that no
one is bothering to clean up? Be careful, puppies raised in a dirty
environment are tougher to house train. Are the puppies stinky and
oily-feeling or are they clean and sweet-smelling?
Don't expect the dam to look her best, as whelping and nursing a
litter take a lot out of the poor girl. Do expect her to look
cared-for. Is there plenty of fresh water that she can easily reach?
Is there food available to her, and does it look clean and
wholesome?
Watch how the breeder interacts with the puppies. Is there lots
of holding and touching and cuddling, or does it seem like just more
livestock?
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