Who better than the breeder to answer your questions and help you come up with solutions? As a new owner, you may feel that once you’ve purchased the puppy and brought him home, the breeder has done his or her part and now you’re on your own. Not so! Responsible breeders care about the puppies and are interested in hearing

what’s going on with your dog, good and bad. Not only that, but with his or her knowledge of the bloodline, the breed, and the puppy’s parentage, your breeder will have suggestions and solutions for pretty much everything to do with your new puppy.

By staying in touch, you’re sharing information that’s valuable to your breeder. He or she will want to know about any temperament, health, or other problems your puppy has in order to make future breeding decisions. The breeder cares about breeding the healthiest dogs possible, and input from you is important.

Most of all, the breeder knows your puppy better than anyone and is more than happy to be your adviser. There’s probably very little about the breed he or she hasn’t encountered over the years. This doesn’t end after puppyhood — stay in touch throughout all the years of your dog’s life. A responsible breeder will always remain a resource and a valued connection.