First time owners - what to ask?

[Frankincense88]

After a dreadful year of grief and personal trauma, DH and I have finally decided to take the plunge and explore the idea of puppy-ownership to add some much needed joy and happiness to our lives.

We want to make sure we're fully prepared and researched before we go and visit any. What should we be reading / researching to prepare? I've done some online research with what to ask the breeder / red flags to look out for but would appreciate first hand advice from owners. We would like a Bedlington x Whippet pup and have already joined a couple of Facebook groups to see tips and posts from owners.

We have a 3 bed semi, secure garden big enough for a dog to run around in and DH works from home so pup wouldn't be left alone. 5 mins from the countryside so lots of opportunities for long country walks. My parents are also only a few houses away so if we both need to pop out they can sit with puppy and walk if necessary.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 😊

I only comment because it misleads people into thinking collies are suitable for many homes that they are not eg in this instance a frst time dog owner who works ft
I read the OPs post as saying they worked from home.
So someone is with the dog all day.
I don’t think any dog of any breed is suitable for a full time worker

As always on these posts your second post then explains how challenging collies can be, that is what people need to hear not they sleep all day
No, I said in the first paragraph about how they can be challenging.
And I said mine sleeps all day in the house but that she can go all day outside.
Meaning that she doesn’t need constant entertaining, that she is able to chill out and relax when not out and about, NOT that she needs hardly any exercise.

You have admitted you used a prong collar on your dog so she has been a challenge
Pulling is a problem in all breeds.

It’s rather irrelevant anyway as OP has said they aren’t for her.

Firstly its great you are taking ten time to plan a dogs future, they are life changing for the better, but the dog must be the right choice for you and you must be right for the dog
I always think its worth a look at the endangered or at risk UK breeds as many are excellent pets ( Some are not!) but these are often forgotten as there is no money in breeding them
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/are-you-ready/vulnerable-native-breeds/
The few Bedlingtons we have met have be a delight
We have Dandie Dinmont and she is much better than we ever expected, if we had the Room for more it would be a Glen Of Imaal Terrier or a Wolf Hound if we had the space.
But as we only have room for one its Dandie for us
www.donthibernate.co.uk/dummys-guide-to-dandie-dinmont-terriers/
The breeder has been outstanding, she quizzed us before she agreed to sell to us and explained its a return ticket any issues and the dog can be returned, she is clearly in it for the Dogs and not the money.

@Funf that's really interesting thank you for the links! Interestingly Corgis are on the list - my friend is currently in the process of looking for one but due to lockdown, prices have gone up to £3000(!!) I absolutely love setters but we don't have the room - a few breeds on the list I'm unfamiliar with so will check them out 😊

We hadn't heard of dandies a few years ago but they just suit us to perfection. It got us looking at so many more breeds.
Have a look on some of the shooting / farming forums and ask about Whippets and Beddies.
I would ask on here as a few pest control people use them.
www.airgunbbs.com
Some people just want good homes for good dogs, there will be a dog out there waiting for you

@Frankincense88 I wanted a wolfhound. I started by contacting the breed club. They can let you know who may be expecting a litter.
Definitely check what health tests should be done. Wolfies must be heart tested before breeding and puppies must be liver shunt tested for eg.
Pre COVID times I would say get out and meet people with the breed, breeders and chat to as many people as you can.
We were interviewed. Had a homecheck. Signed a contract. Stayed in contact with the breeder.

Lovely, thanks everyone for suggestions. Going to do some more research this week so if anyone thinks of anything else please do let me know 😊