Buying a Puppy—What You Need to Know

Buying a Puppy: My Advice

Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting experience, but finding the right breed and the right breeder is crucial. I want to share my experience of buying dogs in the hope that it helps others navigate this journey. When we first set out to get a puppy, we were initially drawn to the Italian Spinone. They seemed like the perfect fit on paper—beautiful, affectionate, and great family dogs. However, we had never met one in person, as they are not a common breed. We reached out to the breed club, which connected us with a lovely woman nearby who invited us to visit her dogs.  As soon as we arrived, we fell in love with her dogs. They were stunning, gentle, and full of personality. However, there was just one issue: they were huge! Seeing them in person made us realize that while they were incredible dogs, they wouldn’t quite fit into our home or lifestyle. The safe space we had planned for our dog simply wasn’t large enough, and we knew it wouldn’t be fair to squeeze such a large breed into a smaller living space.

So, we continued our search and eventually discovered Field Spaniels—a breed that turned out to be the perfect match for us and my first experience of buying a puppy.

Fieldspaniel puppy 10 days old. 

My puppy journey!

My love for dogs began with one very special puppy—Toby, our first Field Spaniel. Little did we know he would take us on an incredible journey. Toby turned out to be quite the show dog, and before we knew it, we were traveling all over the country, immersing ourselves in the world of dog shows. He made us proud in the ring, but more importantly, he solidified our passion for the breed.

Not long after, we welcomed Sarah, a beautiful female Field Spaniel, into our lives. She and Toby had a litter together, and that special litter became the foundation of our very own kennel—BJORNHEM Field Spaniels. This was the beginning of something truly wonderful, and from that point on, raising and nurturing well-bred family dogs became a significant part of our lives.

Field Spaniels are a minority breed, with only about a hundred puppies born in the entire country each year. They have a fascinating history; most of their lineage can be traced back to just four dogs that survived the Second World War. This means that every Field Spaniel today carries a unique and precious legacy.

Our first Liver Field Spaniel – TOBY – 12 weeks

Kennel name Ewor Newsreader at Bjornhem

Field spaniel puppies 8-9 weeks old.

Thinking About Getting a Puppy? Let’s Talk About the Big Picture

Bringing a dog into your life is an exciting, big decision. But before you get swept up in the idea of puppy cuddles and wagging tails, there’s something really important to consider—are you truly ready for everything that comes with dog ownership?

Too often, dogs end up in rescue centres because their owners didn’t fully understand what they were getting into. It’s heartbreaking. These aren’t “bad” dogs—they’re simply dogs whose needs weren’t properly considered. Maybe they grew too big, needed more exercise than expected, or required ongoing training that the owner didn’t have time for. Some breeds are high-energy and need hours of mental and physical stimulation every single day. Others have complex grooming requirements or are prone to expensive health issues. And almost every dog, no matter the breed, will go through challenging phases—especially as they hit adolescence and start testing boundaries.

🐾 Do I fully understand this breed’s needs? Energy levels, space requirements, temperament, and training needs vary hugely between breeds. A Border Collie isn’t just a “cute fluffy dog”—they’re an intelligent working breed that needs a job to do. A Cane Corso isn’t just a big, cuddly companion—they need confident handling and structured training for life.

🐾 Can I commit to the ongoing training? Puppies aren’t well-behaved by default. They all need training, patience, and consistency. Some breeds require advanced training well into adulthood. A poorly trained dog can become challenging to manage, leading to frustration for you and the dog.

🐾 Am I financially prepared? Dogs are a long-term financial commitment for food, vet bills, insurance, grooming, and training. Some breeds are prone to costly medical conditions, and emergency vet visits can be expensive.

🐾 Do I have the time? A dog isn’t something you can put on pause when life gets busy. They need daily exercise, interaction, and engagement. Leaving a dog alone too often can lead to destructive behaviours, excessive barking, and anxiety.

Bringing a dog into your family should be a forever decision, not just something that fits into your life for now. If you’re unsure, take your time. Research, ask questions, and be honest about your lifestyle. The right dog in the right home is an incredible experience—but only if you’re truly ready for the responsibility.

Chocolate Labrador Retriver Puppy 8 weeks old.

A great way to start your puppy research is visiting.

KENNEL CLUB BREEDS A – Z

A great resource for researching breeders.

CHAMPDOGS

From Puppy to Best Friend

My current dog, Gus, is a male Labrador, and I truly love and adore him. However, our journey together hasn’t always been easy. The puppy stage was quite challenging, and after just a few days with him, I found myself wondering, “What have I done?” Then came the adolescent phase, when it felt like all the training we had worked on had vanished. This was a test of patience and faith, as I hoped he would eventually become one of those wonderful Labradors you see trotting off-leash in the park, always close to their owners.

Slowly but surely, we’re getting there. I’ve learned that some journeys take longer than others. It’s all part of the experience, and you have to adapt to the dog in front of you. Through it all, I’m incredibly grateful for the time I have invested in Gus—to train him, to understand him, and to build the bond we share today. Looking back, I know that every challenge was worth it because now I have a loyal companion who truly feels like my best friend.

Gus 8 weeks old puppy

Kennel name Madgack Meadow Rue

Chocolate Labrador Retriever

Choosing Between a Breeder or a Rescue

When getting a puppy, you typically have two options: go through a breeder or adopt from a rescue. I haven’t had much experience with rescues, as I’ve always been drawn to some rarer breeds. However, I truly admire the incredible work that rescuers do. If you’re considering adoption, it’s worth checking with breed-specific rescue organizations, as many breed clubs have their own rescue programs. This can be a great way to find a dog while still getting the breed you love.

Finding a Reputable Breeder

It is crucial to avoid supporting puppy farms or irresponsible breeding practices. If you are looking for a pedigree dog, I highly recommend working with a breed club or the kennel club. These organizations follow strict guidelines to ensure breeding dogs undergo health testing, including hip scoring, eye testing, and other genetic screenings. This provides the best chance of bringing home a healthy puppy.

While health tests cannot guarantee that a puppy will be free of health issues, choosing a responsible breeder offers the best start for your future pet. That said, you can still find wonderful dogs outside of these affiliations. Sometimes, an accidental litter or an owner who wants to breed their beloved family dog to keep a puppy for themselves can result in healthy, happy pups. However, responsible breeding generally helps ensure good temperament, health, and a solid foundation for your new family member.

What to Look for in a Good Breeder

A good breeder should be happy to let you see their dogs. While it’s not always possible to meet the stud if he’s from another part of the country, the mum will always be there. Some breeders also have multiple dogs, so it’s great to see them all together, as this gives you a sense of their temperament and what your puppy might grow up to be like.

They should also provide clear information about their dogs, be open to answering any questions, and most importantly, they shouldn’t push you into a sale. A breeder who genuinely cares about their puppies will want them to go to the right home, not just be sold as quickly as possible.

Breeding Environments

Puppies raised in a home environment do tend to adjust more quickly because they’re already used to the sounds, smells, and routines of daily life.

While both kennel-raised and house-raised puppies can grow into well-adjusted dogs with the right socialization, puppies raised in the home often have a smoother transition in those first few days. They’re already familiar with household noises like the washing machine, hoover, and people coming and going, which can make settling in less overwhelming, particularly in a high-traffic household. However, no matter where a puppy is raised, ongoing socialization and training from their new family are key to helping them grow into a well-balanced adult dog.

Is the breeder following a structured training and socialization program?

When I brought home Gus, my labrador, he was raised with the Puppy Culture program, and I can’t recommend it enough! This program gives puppies a strong foundation from day one, promoting resilience, confidence, and well-adjusted behavior. Breeders who go the extra mile with such programs ensure that puppies are not only socialized with people and environments but are also set up for success as they transition into their new homes. It’s amazing to see how this extra effort truly shapes their personalities and behaviour for the better.

Adopting a Puppy from a Rescue

Rescue puppies often come from uncertain beginnings—some may have been abandoned, while others are from accidental litters. While this can mean you don’t always know their entire history, it also gives you the chance to offer a puppy a fresh start and a loving home.

Here are a few things to consider:

✔ Breed & Temperament – If you’re looking for a specific breed, breed-specific rescues do exist, but availability can vary. Keep in mind that with rescue puppies, their temperament might be harder to predict, especially if their parentage is unknown. Some may be energetic and driven, while others are more laid-back—but you won’t always know until they grow.

✔ Adoption Process – Good rescues want to ensure their puppies go to the right homes. This might mean filling out applications, home visits, or meeting specific criteria (some rescues may have restrictions on young children or require a secure garden).

✔ Emotional Decision-Making – It’s easy to fall in love with a puppy based on looks alone, but try to focus on choosing a pup that suits your lifestyle. Will they grow bigger than you can handle? Do they need more training or medical care than you’re prepared for? These are all important things to think about before making your decision.

Giving a rescue puppy a second chance is incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to be realistic about what’s involved so you can set them up for a happy, stable future.

Buying a Puppy from a Breeder

If you’re going through a breeder, it’s crucial to choose one who is responsible and ethical. A good breeder will focus on health, temperament, and the long-term well-being of their puppies.

Here’s what to check before bringing a puppy home:

✔ Vaccinations & Health Checks – Ask if the puppy has had its first vaccinations and worming treatments. Your vet will advise you on any follow-ups.

✔ Microchip Details – Puppies must be microchipped before going to their new homes, but you need to update the details into your name. So many people forget to do this, but it’s essential in case your puppy ever gets lost.

✔ Puppy Pack – Most reputable breeders provide a puppy pack with food, care info, and sometimes a blanket that smells like mum to help with the transition.

✔ Pedigree & Kennel Club Papers – If your puppy is Kennel Club registered, you should receive paperwork. To transfer ownership, you’ll need to send off the details and pay a small fee.

✔ Diet & Feeding Routine – Find out what food the breeder has been feeding and keep them on it initially to avoid tummy upsets. If you want to switch to a different brand, do it gradually over time.

✔ Grooming Advice – your breeder should advise about the puppies’ grooming needs. This will be different for each breed.

A responsible breeder will always be happy to answer questions and provide lifelong support. If they seem uninterested after the sale, that’s a red flag!

Chocolate Labrador Retriver Puppy 8 weeks old.

The Cost of a Puppy – What to Budget For

The cost of getting a puppy varies by breed, location, and whether you’re buying from a breeder or adopting. Some breeds are more expensive due to their rarity, size, or specific breeding challenges.

Before bringing a new puppy into your home, it’s a good idea to research the average price for the breed you’re interested in. This helps you understand what to expect and spot anything that seems unusually high or low.

If a puppy is priced higher than average, it could be due to factors like champion bloodlines, a limited number of available puppies, rare or unique coat colors, breeder reputation, or even the breeder’s location. Some breeders also invest in extensive health testing, early socialization programs, or additional training, which can increase the price but often results in a well-adjusted, healthy puppy.

On the other hand, a lower price might mean the breeder has an older puppy they’re eager to place in a home, a buyer backed out last minute, or the puppy doesn’t meet breed standard markings but is still a wonderful pet. These pups are often sold at a reduced price with a pet-only (non-breeding) contract.

That said, be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true.

Backyard breeders and puppy mills often cut corners on essential things like health testing, socialization, and proper care, which can lead to long-term issues for the puppy.

No matter the price, it’s always worth asking gentle, thoughtful questions to understand why. After all, your goal is to find a happy, healthy puppy from a responsible breeder!

Setting Your Puppy Up for Success

Bringing a puppy home is a mix of excitement, joy, and a little bit of chaos! Having a plan will help make the transition smoother, but be ready to adapt—every puppy is different.

✔ Be patient. Puppies take time to settle, learn, and grow. Enjoy the process!
✔ Take lots of pictures. They grow SO fast—you’ll want to remember these early days!
✔ Give them time to adjust. Moving to a new home is a big change, so let them explore at their own pace.

Your journey with your puppy is just beginning, and with the proper preparation, it will be full of wonderful moments and lifelong memories.

One day, you’ll look back and wonder how your once-tiny pup ever fit in the palm of your hand. Those first few weeks are full of sleepy snuggles, oversized paws, and innocent mischief that disappears too soon. That’s why I always recommend soaking up every moment—and if you’re anything like me, having something tangible to remember it by. Puppy portraits are a special way to freeze those tiny details in time before they grow into big personalities! ❤️

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