Looking for a Puppy? Start Here Before You Fall in Love.
So, you're thinking about getting a puppy.
Maybe you've been scrolling through breeder websites, browsing rescue pages, searching for puppies near you, or saving approximately 47 adorable puppy photos to your phone.
Trust me—I get it.
I'm currently in the puppy-search phase myself, and as a professional dog trainer, I'm approaching this search a little differently.
Because finding a puppy isn't just about finding a cute face.
It's about finding the right dog, from the right source, at the right time, for your lifestyle.
And sometimes, the hardest part is slowing down long enough to make a good decision.
Here are some things I recommend thinking about before you put down a deposit or bring a puppy home.
1. Start With the Dog You Actually Need
Before searching for puppies, think about the adult dog you want to live with.
Ask yourself:
How active is my household?
How much exercise can I realistically provide?
How much time will the dog spend alone?
Do I want a highly social dog or a more independent dog?
How much grooming am I willing to do?
What size dog fits my home and lifestyle?
Am I prepared for the training needs of this breed?
What behaviors would be difficult for me to manage?
A puppy may be tiny and adorable today, but that puppy is going to become an adult dog.
Choose for the dog you want to live with for the next 10–15 years—not just the puppy you want to hold today.
2. Decide What You're Looking For
Before you start contacting everyone with an available puppy, create a basic wish list.
Think about:
Breed
Do you have a specific breed in mind, or are you open to different breeds?
Size
What size dog realistically fits your home, transportation, lifestyle, and budget?
Energy Level
Do you want a dog who can hike with you every weekend, or would a lower-energy companion be a better fit?
Temperament
What characteristics are important to you?
Friendly? Confident? Independent? Social? Driven? Easygoing?
Remember that breed tendencies can help give you an idea of what to expect, but individual dogs are still individuals.
Age
Are you specifically looking for a young puppy, or would you consider an adolescent or adult dog?
There isn't one correct answer.
3. Where Can You Find Your Puppy?
There isn't one "right" way to find your next dog.
Depending on what you're looking for, you may consider several different options.
Responsible Breeders
A responsible breeder may be a good option if you're specifically looking for a particular breed, temperament, working ability, or predictable characteristics.
The important part is researching the breeder, not simply searching for a puppy of a particular breed.
You should be able to ask questions about health, temperament, breeding decisions, socialization, veterinary care, and the puppies' environment.
And remember:
You're interviewing the breeder, too.
Shelters & Rescues
Shelters and rescue organizations can be wonderful places to find puppies, young dogs, and adult dogs looking for homes.
Depending on the organization, you may have access to information about the dog's personality, behavior, medical history, and previous environment.
Don't assume that adoption means you don't need to ask questions.
You should still learn as much as possible about the dog you're considering and determine whether their needs fit your household.
Breed-Specific Rescues
If you have your heart set on a particular breed, don't forget about breed-specific rescue organizations.
These organizations focus on finding homes for dogs of a particular breed or breed type.
They can be especially useful if you're open to adopting an adolescent or adult dog rather than starting with a young puppy.
Breed Clubs & Referrals
Breed clubs and established breed organizations can also be useful starting points when researching a breed and locating breeders or other resources.
They can help you learn more about the breed before you make a decision.
Online Puppy Listings
Online listings can help you discover available dogs, but they also require additional caution.
Don't assume that a polished website, professional-looking photos, or a social media account automatically means someone is responsible.
Research the person or organization independently.
And never let pressure or urgency make the decision for you.
4. Research the Source
Once you've found a breeder, rescue, shelter, or organization you're interested in, slow down.
Look beyond the puppy's photo.
Ask yourself:
Are they transparent?
Do they answer reasonable questions?
Are they willing to provide documentation?
Do they care where the dog is going?
Do they seem knowledgeable about the dogs in their care?
Do they ask YOU questions?
A responsible source should be interested in creating a good match—not simply completing a transaction.
5. Watch for Red Flags
One of the biggest mistakes people make during a puppy search is getting emotionally attached before doing their homework.
A puppy is adorable.
A deposit can be nonrefundable.
And suddenly, you're rationalizing things you would normally consider concerning.
Slow down.
Be cautious if you encounter things like:
Pressure to send money immediately
Little or no information about the puppy
Avoidance of reasonable questions
No discussion of health or veterinary care
No contract or clearly explained adoption/purchase agreement
Refusal to provide basic documentation
Constantly available puppies with little explanation
A source that seems uninterested in where the dog is going
Information that changes depending on who you speak with
One concern doesn't automatically mean someone is irresponsible.
But multiple concerns should make you pause.
You are allowed to walk away.
6. Ask Questions Before You Send Money
Don't wait until you're standing there with a puppy in your arms.
Have your questions ready before you commit.
For a breeder, you may want to understand:
What health testing has been completed?
What veterinary care has the puppy received?
What vaccinations and deworming have been completed?
What are the parents' temperaments like?
How are the puppies being socialized?
What does the contract include?
What happens if you can no longer keep the dog?
What support is provided after the puppy goes home?
For a shelter or rescue, consider asking:
What is known about the dog's history?
What veterinary care has been completed?
What is known about the dog's behavior?
How does the dog behave around people?
How does the dog behave around other dogs?
What does the organization know about the dog's previous environment?
Is the dog currently in a foster home?
What support is available after adoption?
And don't be afraid to ask follow-up questions.
7. Don't Forget the Money Beyond the Puppy
The purchase or adoption fee is only the beginning.
Before bringing home a dog, think about:
Initial Expenses
Crate
Collar and leash
Food
Bowls
Toys
Bedding
Cleaning supplies
Veterinary care
Identification
Ongoing Expenses
Food
Preventive veterinary care
Training
Grooming
Pet insurance
Boarding or pet sitting
Replacement supplies
Unexpected Expenses
Because dogs have a special talent for turning expensive objects into chew toys.
And life happens.
Having an emergency fund for your dog can make unexpected situations much easier to handle.
8. Don't Let Excitement Make the Decision for You
This may be the most important piece of advice I can give you.
You don't have to say yes immediately.
You don't have to take the puppy because "someone else is interested."
You don't have to send a deposit because you're afraid you'll never find another puppy.
And you definitely don't have to ignore concerns because you've already fallen in love with the puppy's pictures.
Take a breath.
Ask questions.
Do your research.
Sleep on it.
A good puppy search doesn't need to feel like a race.
Your Puppy Search Checklist
Before moving forward, I'd want to be able to say:
☐ I've researched the breed or type of dog I'm considering.
☐ I understand the dog's typical needs.
☐ I've researched the breeder, rescue, shelter, or organization.
☐ I've asked questions about health and temperament.
☐ I've reviewed the available documentation.
☐ I've considered the financial commitment.
☐ I've thought about the adult dog—not just the puppy.
☐ I've considered how this dog fits into my lifestyle.
☐ I'm comfortable walking away if something doesn't feel right.
If you can't check all of those boxes yet, that's okay.
Keep researching.
Want the Complete Puppy Search Guide?
This is exactly why I created The Puppy Search Guide.
The free checklist above is a starting point.
The complete $9 guide takes the process much further and gives you the tools to actually organize your puppy search.
Inside, you'll find:
✓ Puppy lifestyle & compatibility worksheet
✓ Breed research worksheet
✓ Breeder questions checklist
✓ Rescue & shelter questions checklist
✓ Puppy evaluation checklist
✓ Health and veterinary questions
✓ Breeder/rescue red-flag checklist
✓ Puppy budget worksheet
✓ Puppy supply checklist
✓ Puppy source comparison worksheet
✓ Puppy search tracker
✓ Questions to ask yourself before committing
✓ "Before You Send That Deposit" checklist
✓ A printable puppy-search organization system
Instead of keeping everything scattered across screenshots, notes, Facebook posts, websites, and browser tabs, you'll have everything organized in one place.
Ready to start your puppy search?
Get The Puppy Search Guide for $9.
Because the goal isn't simply to find a puppy.
It's to find the right dog for you—and start your relationship on the right foot.
— Bree
