A young couple showed up to a local breeder with a pocket full of treats and zero questions. The puppies were adorable. One licked the guy’s nose and bam, that was the one.
Three weeks later, they were at the vet with a bill they didn’t expect and questions they should’ve asked earlier. It’s a common story.
Not because people don’t care, but because nobody really tells you what you should be asking.
Before you get smitten by those floppy ears
Let’s be honest, puppies are magic. They wiggle, they yawn, and suddenly you’re ready to give them your house keys. But before you fall in love, take a breath. You’ve got a right to ask questions.
Loads of them.
Because the breeder or shelter isn’t just handing over a dog, they’re handing you a piece of that pup’s history, health, and habits. And it’s your job to dig into that a bit before you load anyone into the backseat.
Start with the basics
Where was the puppy raised? Indoors or in a kennel? Has it been around people? Kids? Vacuum cleaners?
Puppies who’ve seen a bit of the world (even just a living room and a backyard) tend to adjust better. Ask how the breeder has started socializing them. You want a pup who’s met life before, not just other puppies in a box.
Ask about the parents
You’re not trying to date the dog’s mum and dad, but their history matters. Ask to see photos, or better yet, meet them. Are they friendly? Nervous? Do they look healthy?
Any good breeder should be happy to talk about temperament and behavior in the parents. It’s often a big clue to what your own pup might grow up to be like.
What about health checks? Don’t be shy
You’re not being rude. You’re being responsible. Ask if the puppy’s been to a vet, what vaccinations they’ve had, if they’ve been dewormed, and if any health screenings were done.
Some breeds are prone to certain issues, hip problems, heart stuff, eye conditions. A reputable breeder knows this and gets the parents tested. If they act cagey about health records, that’s your cue to politely bounce.
Paperwork sounds boring, but it matters
Ask for proof of vet visits. Ask if the pup is microchipped. If it’s a pedigree dog, ask about registration papers. And no, this isn’t about being fancy, it’s about keeping things transparent and traceable.
Puppy mill folks often rely on people being too distracted by cuteness to notice the lack of actual info.
What’s the return policy? Weird question, important answer
Life happens. Maybe your landlord flips out. Maybe your kid turns out to be allergic. Ask the seller or shelter what happens if things don’t work out.
A solid breeder or good rescue group will always say the dog can come back to them. No judgment. Just care for the animal. If they say “no returns,” walk away. You don’t want to deal with someone who treats dogs like merchandise.
What’s the pup eating? And what’s the poop like?
Sounds silly, but it’s crucial. Ask what food the pup has been eating. You don’t want to switch brands cold turkey and upset their little tummy.
Also, ask if their poop’s been normal. It’s one of the best windows into a puppy’s health, even if it’s the grossest. Soft or runny poop? Could be stress. Could be worms. Could be a red flag.
What’s already been taught, if anything?
Has the pup started potty training? Crate training? Do they know their name or any cues? A little bit of early training is a good sign that someone’s been hands-on, not just counting the days till they could sell them.
Even if the answer is “not much,” you’ll know where you’re starting from, and how much work is ahead.
Don’t forget to ask what to do next
Any decent breeder or shelter should give you a rundown of what the puppy needs in the next few weeks, vaccines, feeding schedule, vet appointments, all that jazz.
Bonus points if they send you home with a little guide or starter pack. It means they care where their puppy ends up, not just getting paid and parting ways.
Red flags that should make you nope out fast
- Seller refuses to let you see where the puppies live
- No health records or vet info
- Puppies look underweight or overly timid
- Pressure to make a decision right there and then
- “Delivery only” with no option to meet in person
Your gut matters. If anything feels sketchy, it probably is.
Get your house ready before you bring the tornado home
While you’re asking all these things, don’t forget to prep your space. Make sure you’ve got the basics, crate, bowls, toys, chew-proof stuff, and a vet appointment lined up for that first check-in.
And stock up on sleep. You’re gonna need it.
Final thoughts for the future dog mum or dad
Bringing home a puppy is a wild mix of joy, chaos, and poop. But it’s also a long-term deal, not a weekend whim. The more questions you ask now, the better you’re setting that little fluffball up for a solid start.
So when the time comes, and you’re standing there in front of a pile of squishy puppies with twitchy ears and tiny snoots, what’s the first thing you’ll ask?