Running, jumping, rolling, yapping - puppies are non-stop bundles of energy (and joy). If you’re ready to welcome one into your home, start by learning where the best places to find your new puppy are. You can either go through a breeder or an adoption centre. Learn more about the benefits of both, including a checklist of things to consider before becoming a proud pup parent.

If you’ve got your heart set on a certain breed of dog, it makes sense to go through a breeder. However, it’s really important that you use a reputable, registered breeder who’s committed to the health and wellbeing of their puppies. This means they follow best practices, are regularly inspected, and comply with health screenings and high welfare standards.

It’s best to go online to find these breeders. The Dogs New Zealand website has a directory of responsible dog breeders. You can also search for breed clubs who can provide you with a list of breeders.

A reputable breeder should:

• • Follow recommended breeding guidelines.
  • Use health screening schemes to predict the future health of your puppy.
  • Allow you to see your puppy with their mother. Seeing their mother is really important as you can make sure their heritage is healthy and you can get some idea of their personality as they grow up.
  • Be able to answer all your breed-related / puppy ownership questions.
  • Screen your home and ask you lots of questions to ensure you’re a suitable owner.
  • Vaccinate, deworm and microchip your puppy, as well as handle flea treatments.
  • Provide a contract for you both to sign.
  • Be a point of contact throughout your dog’s life so you can build a trusted, happy relationship with regular adorable photo updates.

A reputable breeder should also provide all the documentation you need for your new pedigree pup. This includes a pedigree, microchip details, a vaccination certificate, and an information pack about grooming, exercise, feeding, training, socialisation, etc. They might also offer free insurance and your Dogs New Zealand registration document.

If you adopt a puppy, you’re saving a life while helping to support a charity doing amazing work. Adoption centres are often full of pets that have been abandoned, abused, or well-loved but sadly with owners who aren’t able to care for them anymore.

But adopting a puppy isn’t just about the warm fuzzies. For starters, it’s a lot more affordable to adopt a puppy than it is to buy one from a breeder. Staff at adoption centres are matchmakers and they’ll listen to the type of puppy you’re after and help you find your ideal pup that’ll suit you, your home and your family. If you’re ever after advice, they’re happy to help out, even as your puppy grows up.

Plus, puppies from adoption centres are healthy and ready for their new home. This normally includes being vet checked, temperament tested, desexed, vaccinated, wormed and deflead, and microchipped.

It’s sad but true that some puppies end up in adoption centres because they’ve been neglected or badly treated. This means they may have some behavioural issues, whether that’s shyness or aggression. Staff will always be honest about a dog’s needs. Make sure you can handle this commitment.

Before you get lost in hours of scrolling through puppy photos (easily done), it’s worth thinking through whether a puppy is truly right for you. Use the list below to understand if a puppy is the right choice.

• Can you care for a puppy for their whole life? The average lifespan for a dog is 12 years, but some can live up to 20. This means dogs are a life-long commitment.
• Can you afford to care for a puppy? Pet fees can add up and include food, treats, worm and flea treatments, annual vaccinations and health checks, grooming, collars, toys and bedding as well as doggy day care, training classes, pet insurance or unexpected medical bills. Dogs also need to be registered with their local council yearly.
• Is your home suitable for a puppy and dog? You need a safe, fully fenced section with shelter, shade and space for them to exercise and play. If you’re renting, check if your landlord will accept a dog.
• Will a puppy fit into your lifestyle? Puppies are a lot of work. They need daily walking and frequent toileting, even throughout the night. They also need feeding, grooming, training, socialising and human company. Do you have time to exercise a dog every single day? If you work long hours away from home, have a busy social life, or travel a lot, a puppy might not be the best choice right now.
• Do you already have pets? Consider how they’ll respond to a new puppy.
• Do you have young children? Not all puppies will be suitable for busy, noisy young children.
• What grooming are you happy to do? Some dogs are high maintenance and need daily brushing and regular (potentially expensive) hair cuts. Others shed very little and don’t need to be brushed often.
• What size dog are you interested in? Can you handle a big, strong dog or would you be better with a pocket-sized pooch?

Start by finding a local adoption centre that’s run by a reputable organisation or charity. Going online is a good way to do this, but you can also ask friends and family for recommendations or your local vet.

Most adoption centres have online listings of their available puppies. Normally you’ll apply online to adopt a puppy and will then be invited in to meet some. These may or may not include the puppy you requested. Remember, they’re matchmakers so will use the information you provide to find the most suitable puppy for you. If you’ve got other family members (including furry ones), they’ll be invited along to meet them too. Some adoption centres might arrange a home visit before you adopt a puppy to make sure it’s safe and suitable for them.

With so many puppies out there waiting for a loving home and family, how do you choose the right one for you? Start here.

1. Consider breeds - If you have a certain breed in mind already, it makes sense to find a reputable breeder. Adoption centres usually have a range of cross breed pups to choose from. Staff will tell you as much as they can about your potential puppy’s heritage. Although every puppy’s personality and temperament is different, their breed can tell you a lot about them physically and mentally.

2. Check they’re healthy - When you meet your new puppy for the first time, there are a few ways to check their health:

• • • First, make sure they’re at least 8-10 weeks old. Those early weeks with mum are crucial for their physical (they need milk, for starters) and social development as it’s when essential socialisation and training happens.
    • Then look at their eyes, which should be clean and bright, with no sign of dirt or redness.
    • Their nose should be cold and slightly wet. They shouldn’t be sneezing.
    • Their ears should be clean. Look for any dark brown, waxy discharge; black specks; oozing; or smells which can all be signs of infection or ear mites.
    • Their mouth should be clean with white teeth and pink healthy gums.
    • Their skin should be clean and dry with no signs of redness or soreness.
    • Their coat should be glossy and mat-free.
    • Their bum should be clean and dry under their tail.
    • Their limbs should be straight and they should jump and move around easily.
    • You shouldn’t be able to see their ribs and their breathing should be quiet and effortless.
    • Watch how they interact with their littermates and mother - they should be alert, active, friendly and curious about everything around them.

3. Pay attention to their personality - Breeders and adoption centres alike should help you decide which puppy is right for you, based on their personality. Personality traits to consider include how adventurous or shy they are; how energetic or relaxed they are; and how independent or cuddly they are. Expect breeders and adoption centres to ask you about your situation and what you're expecting in your pup.

Your first meeting with your potential new pup can set the tone for the rest of your relationship. Here’s how to make sure your first meeting goes as well as possible.

1. 1. Let them approach you. Rather than rushing towards them with open arms, which can startle and frighten them, stay still and allow them to come to you.
   2. Get on their level. Crouch down so you’re on their level, not towering above them. This can make them feel less fearful about meeting a new person.
   3. Offer them your hand. Make a fist and let them smell your hand before trying to touch them. This lets them get familiar with you.
   4. Take it slow. If they’ve had a good sniff and are ok with you being in their space, try to stroke them. Using the back of your hand, gently stroke their shoulders, chest or under the chin. Don’t go over their head first as they can’t see your hand and it can be really intimidating for them.
   5. See how they respond. Once you’ve stroked them for a few seconds, gently move your hand away. If they want more, they’ll lean into you or nudge you.
   6. Talk in your normal voice. You might slip into baby talk when meeting a puppy, but try to speak in your normal, calm, low voice that will make you sound like you’re confident and worthy of their respect.
   7. Know the signs. Dogs show their discomfort by turning away, looking tense, baring their teeth or having a stiff tail. If a puppy does anything like this, it’s best to stop trying to approach or touch them.

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect puppy for you. If you need any further help or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz.