Buying a puppy
Buying a puppy is not as easy as you may think. There are lots of rogue puppy traders and scammers who care more about making money than caring for the puppies they sell. Read our guides to help you find your perfect puppy.
How to get a puppy
There are a number of ways to get a puppy. Read our advice on buying a puppy from a breeder and buying a puppy from a private seller. Find out how to protect yourself when looking for puppies for sale online and what your legal rights as a consumer are when buying a puppy.
What to look for when buying a puppy
Wherever you decide to get your puppy from, you’ll want to make sure they have been bred by someone who cares about their puppies and the homes they will go to. Here’s 5 things to look for when buying a puppy:
- The puppy has been bred and raised in a family home.
- You will be able to see the puppy with its mother in the place where it was born.
- The breeder has started to socialise the puppy (e.g. to get them used to different people, being handled and brushed and having their paws touched).
- The puppy is healthy, confident and inquisitive.
- The puppy will be microchipped and wormed before going to their new home.
Buying a puppy from a breeder
Top tips to help you find a good dog breeder
Read more
Buying a puppy from a private seller
What you need to know if buying a puppy from a private seller.
Read more
Which breed of dog to get
This may seem simple but when choosing the right puppy it's important that they are a good fit with our lifestyles. Some things to consider:
- Energy levels of the dog.
- Genetic drives such as: hearding, hunting, guarding, lap-dog. And how these might present themselves.
- Health predispositions.
- Working lines versus show lines. Are they designed to be out working all day?
- Size of the puppy or dog.
- Hair type.
- More likely to want to live with other dogs for example: Huskies.
Know more on how to find the perfect breed or type of dog for you and your family.
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How to buy a puppy online
The do’s and don’t of buying a puppy online.
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How to buy a puppy safely
How to protect yourself as a puppy buyer.
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Questions to ask a breeder
8 questions to ask a breeder when buying a puppy.
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Picking a puppy from a litter
Make sure you know how to choose the right puppy from the litter.
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Your new puppy's paperwork
Find out what paperwork you should get with your new puppy
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Preparing for your new puppy
What you need to do to prepare for the arrival of your new puppy.
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Find the Perfect Puppy Class Near You
Discover small, friendly classes across the UK led by our expert, professional Puppy School Tutors. Get hands-on advice and support, to ensure your puppy gets the best start with positive, reward-based training.
Find a Puppy Class Today
Testimonials
What Clients say
about Puppy School
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“Hayley and Peter were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and patient with Maple. The classes were very engaging and it was an absolute joy to watch Maple learn and grow! ”— Sherry
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“We loved the training sessions ! Boyce loved seeing his puppy friends and the training really helped give us a bit of confidence with lots of support offered. ”— Terry
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“This course was fantastic. Jenny the trainer has a wealth of knowledge. Extremely approachable, and gave sound advice to our queries. She really knows her stuff. The groups size was just perfect, which meant each pup was not overwhelmed. I would recommend the course and definitely recommend Jenny. She was brilliant.”— June
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“Celia was outstanding, friendly, welcoming, professional, knowledgeable and efficient. I very much looked forward to our classes. She took into account my disability and was professionally accommodating. I have 2 friends with new puppies and have already recommended. I loved the website to back up the training, with the training videos and the initial pack with the puppy manual. Fabulous! ”— George
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“We are very grateful to Pen for helping us through a testing period with Zef, our boisterous 5-month-old labradoodle puppy, who was mouthy and jumpy and had difficulty settling.”— Wendy