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Puppy Advice

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.

Owner holds tan young puppy in arms whilst waiting for puppy training

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.
  • White German Shepherd laying on grass staring at camera surrounded by her three young puppies

Buying a puppy from a breeder

Top tips to help you find a good dog breeder

Read more

  • Golden retriever puppy rests on mums head as she sleeps on floor

Buying a puppy from a private seller

What you need to know if buying a puppy from a private seller.

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  • Young labrador dog breed giving owner high five outdoors as part of trick training

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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  • Five young collie puppies resting on wooden barrier staring at camera

How to buy a puppy online

The do’s and don’t of buying a puppy online.

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  • Four young puppies rest in soft blue bed on outside decking

How to buy a puppy safely

How to protect yourself as a puppy buyer.

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  • young corgi puppy sitting on wall with one ear up and one ear down

Questions to ask a breeder

8 questions to ask a breeder when buying a puppy.

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  • Young litter of Rottweiler puppies running around on grass as part of socialisation

Picking a puppy from a litter

Make sure you know how to choose the right puppy from the litter.

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  • woman sat on bed with crossbreed dog reading research on new puppy

Your new puppy's paperwork

Find out what paperwork you should get with your new puppy

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  • Sleeping puppy resting after training and play session

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

Find your nearest Puppy School

Find your nearest Puppy School here and begin your journey with us!

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Honey - cockador puppy in puppy class posing for the camera

Testimonials

What Clients say
about Puppy School

  • “I couldn't fault it! Debbie was brilliant from start to finish and I have already seen such a massive difference in Honey and her training. ”
    —   Steve
  • “Honestly, we loved it. Aside from the obvious benefits in terms of behaviour improvements, we found it really lovely bonding experience with our new family member ❤️”
    —   Mia
  • “Storm really enjoyed coming to puppy class each week and we have all learnt so much together! Yvonne was very informative and so friendly and welcoming and a great teacher! The whole experience from start to finish was very positive and highly would recommend to anybody to join the classes as you gain so much from them! We will most definitely be coming back for super pups classes when they start! Thank you so much for everything! :) ”
    —   Mark
  • “Definitely a great basis for puppy training and we will be attending more classes. Also liked the fact it was a small class.”
    —   Jeff
  • “I just thought it was extremely convenient, extremely well planned and extremely well led. I have no faults or critiques and when we eventually get another puppy, would look to come back again. We were always offered treats and different toys if needed, as well as just generally a lot of calming presence in what was at most times a very overwhelming scene for the puppies.”
    —   Cassie