When the hamster died I told my daughter straight away, I wouldn’t lie to her about her actual pet so to all those saying what would I do when the next pet dies- I’ve already dealt with that situation when the animal that lived with us for years died. I have decided with my husband that we won’t be telling them the puppy has died, it would be too traumatic and I know that when we get another puppy and bring it home my daughter will be obsessed with the fear that the puppy may die, if that puppy we bring home does by some awful chance die before old age then of course I will tell the children- it’s a different situation. There’s a lot of people telling me to avoid puppy farms- please please believe me this is exactly what I want to do. If anyone has some actual information about how I can tell who is legitimate and who isn’t I’d be really grateful. I was able to visit this poor puppy as many times as I wanted and I saw the mum and dad, I was told the certificates for health checks were in place, what do I do- I don’t want to get a dog that has been puppy farmed it’s seems it’s a minefield. And no I don’t want to get a rescue because as I said before- my friend has a rescue, they won’t tell her it’s background and now she has to keep him separate from her children. How do you know a puppy you get from a rescue hasn’t been farmed anyway?
Firstly, such a good call not to tell them, I'm so glad you've decided this, it really is the best (as an anxious child, I know what it would do to me) so good shout from you. I really feel you've done the right thing.
As to how do you know if a puppy is puppy farmed from a rescue, well you don't, but you are saving it and helping the rescue, not contributing money towards unethical breeders.
What breed was the puppy?
To avoid puppy farms or unethical breeders do your research on the breed. Most mixed breeds are unethically bred, so I wouldn't really touch them.
Ask to see parents health certificates, check them against the kennel club website.
How many litters does the breeder have a year? At one time? This should be an indicator, if they always have puppies to go, then it's a no go. Also if they breed multiple breeds.
You want a breeder who interviews you, if they just offer a puppy without grilling you, then that's a worry. You should feel like you've had a job interview in a way.
Are the dogs proven in any way in the show ring or agility? Or are they pets? Breeding from pets isn't great.
There's a lot of info out there, look on the KC website, they have a puppy buyers guide.
Don't be put off from rescues though. And don't rush it, you can spend time going to rescues, going to breeders and seeing the conditions the dogs are in full time.