Good Breeders Ask You
Below is a long list of questions, many of which a good breeder ask in order to know if theirpuppy is going to a good home. If you are buying a pup, you should expect to be asked many ofthese questions. You need to know your breeder cares about the puppies.
1. Good breeders ask where did did you learn about the PON puppy (Polish Lowland Sheepdogpuppies)? Who in the family wants the PON and who does not?
2. Who lives in your home? Any children? Their ages? Are they gentle or rough with animals?
3. Do you have a private home? Condo? Apartment? Etc. Are pets allowed? Does it have adog yard? Describe the neighborhood.
4. Is the yard fenced? If not, would you consider fencing, an invisible fence, or free-standingkennel? Do you know the pros and cons of each?
5. How and where would you exercise a puppy? Are you aware puppies are like babies. andneed down-rest time? Need to take shorter walks to longer ones as they get older?
6. Do you have a second home? Boat? Plane? Pool? Do you know how to make a pup safe ifany of these conditions exist?
7. Good breeders ask did you have pets as a child? If yes, what? If not, why?
8. Have you previously owned other pets? What happened to those previously owned? Doyour pets move if you move?
9. Do you presently have any other pets? If so, what? How old are they? Are they good withother animals?
10. Who will and where do you plan to feed the pup? What? When? Will water always beavailable?
11. Who will be training the puppy? Have you ever had and trained a puppy? Are you willingto go to puppy kindergarten and other obedience classes? What, if anything do you knowabout training Polish Lowland Sheepdog pups?
12. Who will clean up after the puppy? His home? Its waste? Where will it go?
13. What do you know about socialization of a PON puppy? PON puppies require a lot ofsocialization. How will you do it? When and where?
14. What is your work schedule? Will someone be home to attend to the puppy when you aregone? Will someone be with the puppy when he arrives? Will someone come in?
15. Where will your puppy sleep? Will you be able to provide a regular schedule?
16. How do you feel about crating? Do you know how to crate train and when to use it?
17. How might a herding breed be different from any other? Are you willing to be herded? Putup with toys that are herdered? Other animals and kids being herded? This requires training.
18. What interested you about the breed? What have you been told by other Polislh LowlandSheepdog breeders about the breed?
19. Good breeders ask what are you looking for in a PON puppy? An adult dog? Your perfectdog?
20. Have you considered breeding? Showing? Doing any other activity with your puppy?Adult? Do you know what is available? Why or why not?
21. Are you interested in other dog activities such as obedience, flyball, dance, agility, rally,barn hunt, tracking, etc. Do you know what these are?
22, What arrangements have you made for your pets should anything happen to you?
23. What interests you most about this breed?
24. Are you prepared to deal with a coat that needs a lot of brushing and grooming? Do youhave any grooming experience? Would you cut down the coat if necessary?
25. What is most important to you in choosing a puppy?
26. Do you already have a vet? How do you feel and what do you know about vaccinations?
27. Can you say no and mean it or are you a real softy? Can you hold your ground should thisadorable, cute, fuzzy puppy challenge you?
28. Are you willing to sit down with your family before getting the pup and making up a list ofrules the whole family will follow. In addition a consistency in commands such as sit, stay, etc.?
29. Do you have allergies? If so, to what? Will a dog bother you?
30. How long have you lived at your present address? How often do you move? Do you takeyour pets? Would you consider moving to a place that does not take pets?
31. Would you join APLSA (American Polish Lowland Sheepdog Association) for at least a yearto learn more about the breed and have contact with other members? Do you have any skillsyou could offer?
32. Are there any other PONs' in your town? Do you know any other PON owners? Have youspoken to any other breeders? Any questions because of speaking to these people?
33. What are some of the household rules you might enforce? Have you ever consideredpetting as quiet time along with snuggling while running, wrestling, playing are outdooractivities?
34. Will the puppy have limited space initially? Eventually full run of the house?
35. What do you expect from your breeder? Are you willing to stay in touch? What otherquestions do you have? What do you think the drawbacks to the breed might be for you?
36. Good breeders ask do you have any other questions or concerns about the Polish LowlandSheepdog?