Puppy visit at 5 weeks?

[ConsternationStation]

We are looking to have a little visit with our puppy soon, at 5 weeks old, before we'll be able to bring pup home at 8 weeks. We are first time puppy owners (not first time dog owners) so we've never done a visit for a pup before.

I'm sure all breeders are slightly different but what should we expect from this visit? What should we be looking for and asking the breeder?

Thank you.

Are you choosing the pup, or are you being led by the breeder?

@DustyLee123 We are looking for a girl so we have the choice of two from this litter. Not 100% sure if the breeder already has one in mind for us or not as I haven't asked outright but we have had lots of videos and pictures of both girls which leads me to believe I'm "choosing". I will ask the breeder before our visit just to be sure.

A puppy meeting is entirely normal. I would expect the breeder to go over any questions they may already have asked and maybe ask someone (depending on how indpeth they have been).

They maybe have some advice on which one is the right fit. Then I would expect you to see the puppies, maybe interact with them to make your decision. Interaction may depend on how awake and social they are.

You should ask for; proof of lineage, why they chose the stud they did, health scores of parents, what the breeder will do with the bitch once she’s outlived her breeding years. You should expect to see all the puppies - not just the available ones - and mum and other family pets interacting with the puppies. How old is the bitch and how many litters. Will puppies be wormed and have first vacs?

You should expect to be asked; evidence you can care for a puppy (photos of house/garden), how many children you have and how often any visit, how often puppy will be left, experience of the breed or dogs in general, working hours etc etc

You should also expect the breeder to want you to visit a minimum of twice. I visited my most recent puppy three times (2 hrs each time) before I took him home.

@Killingoffmyflowersonebyone We've already covered much of the questions for the breeder that you mention - and some of the ones concerning us so that's good.

We'd already done a lot of the background questioning and had video calls so our 5 week visit was really just playing and interacting with the pups. We met them inside, then went outside with them (and mum). There were four girls who were possibilities so we paid closer attention to them (9 in litter). We expressed a preference but also said we were happy with any if they thought a different one was a better fit.

You should also expect the breeder to want you to visit a minimum of twice

I wouldn't necessarily agree with this, we've only ever had a video call in the early days and one visit at 5 weeks ish

The kennel club website has info on what you should look for and ask, and also what a responsible breeder should be asking you.

I'm not sure I'd be able to do two visits in three weeks to be completely honest. The breeder is two hours away. We've got some things on in these next couple of weekends and are unable to do weekday visits. Our breeder hasn't asked us to be available for more than one visit.

Sometimes the dog chooses you. If there are two bitches available, ask to interact with them both to see if one favours you more than the other.