Unplanned puppies are to be handed over on the farm in the neighboring town or does a friend of yours know someone who can no longer take care of their dog and is urgently looking for a new home for their beloved four-legged friend?
Or maybe you stumbled across an ad where a furry friend is looking for a new owner.
If you are considering adopting a dog privately, you should observe the following tips and warnings so that you do not regret the purchase later.
Adopting a dog privately – advantages and disadvantages
If you want to adopt a dog privately, there are a few things you should consider beforehand.
Information such as the seller’s name and address, the dog’s name, date of birth and chip number, the dog’s state of health and the purchase price should not be withheld from you.
You should also carefully weigh the pros and cons of this project.
To make this decision easier for you, we have put together the advantages and disadvantages of buying a dog privately for you.
Advantages
If you adopt an older dog privately, you have the opportunity to get to know him in his home.
The owner can certainly tell you a lot about the dog as well. You usually don’t have to start from scratch with a dog from a private person.
Maybe you have the opportunity too to walk the dog several timesor he can visit you before he moves in with you.
This way you can get to know each other better.
Disadvantages
There are black sheep everywhere.
The previous owner may have given you false information about the dog and characteristics in order to get rid of him.
The cute «accident puppies» from the farm can be mass-bred and sick. The same can apply to puppies from private breeders.
What do I have to consider before taking over from private?
You should definitely visit the dog at his home and get to know him.
An owner who is looking for a good new home for his dog will be happy to tell you about his four-legged friend and will also be interested in you as the new owner.
When buying, the previous owner should tell you all Documents about the dog hand over. This also includes the vaccination card.
If you’re getting a puppy from a private breeder, you should can at least get to know the mother dog.
Pay attention to the handling of the dogs and the appearance of the animals. Do the dogs appear healthy and fit? Do they seem open-minded or rather scared?
If you don’t have the opportunity to visit the dog at home or if you should take it over at a parking lot, it’s better to keep your hands off this offer.
Important
Puppies will not be given away by a reputable breeder before 8 weeks. If you think the puppies are younger, don’t buy them.
Do I need a sales contract and what should it say?
Regardless of whether you adopt the dog from a stranger or buy it from a friend: a purchase contract is important.
It should contain the following:
· Name and address of buyer and seller
· Dog’s name, date of birth and chip number
· Health of the dog
· The buying price
· The agreed payment method and confirmation of payment
· The fixed delivery date of the dog to the buyer
· Date, place and signatures of buyer and seller
You should keep this in mind during the takeover
If you adopt a dog privately, you should pay attention to a few things.
You can also take a checklist with you that you can check off.
You should be able to answer yes to the following:
- Can you visit the dog in his home?
- Does the dog look healthy?
- Does the dog seem outgoing?
- Does the dog have an education with the previous owner? When buying a puppy, you should pay attention to how the mother treats the owner.
- Is the dog older than 8 weeks?
- Does the dog have a vaccination card?
- Do you learn a lot about the dog?
- Should you also tell us about yourself and your dog experience?
If you find something strange about the relationship between dog and owner, and you cannot get a good impression, it is better to refrain from making a purchase.
How long does it take for a dog to get used to a new owner?
How quickly a dog arrives in a new home varies greatly.
You should for that though up to 3 monthplan e.
During this time you should do not rush and give your dog the necessary time, peace and space.
For your dog, moving means a big change.
He has it with him now strangers, new smells and an unfamiliar environment to do.
Therefore, your dog can just beginning very stressed berefuse food or prefer to withdraw.
What can I do to get used to it quickly?
The most important thing is that you don’t rush into anything. Give your dog the time it needs to get to you.
Do with him at the beginning no big trips and don’t invite new friends every day to meet the new dog.
Because it doesn’t matter whether it’s a puppy or an adult dog, your fur nose must first be able to get used to you and the new environment.
If you don’t know if your dog is anxious, leave him indoors in a harness with a very short leash. This way you can hold him down again and again if necessary without making him feel threatened.
You shouldn’t completely neglect the upbringing during the acclimatization period, but take it easy here too.
Give your dog a chance to withdraw.
Conclusion
Buying a dog from a private individual can be a good idea if you’re adopting an older dog or don’t need a pedigree for puppies.
With this acquisition, you have the opportunity the dog, his habits and idiosyncrasies meet and learn a little about him.
But since there are also many black sheep, you should look for one reputable and trustworthy seller regard.
Breeder, animal shelter or private agency – what is the right choice for you when buying a dog? Tell us in the comments.