Finding an ethical, reputable breeder is very important to ensure the health of your new pup. If you contact the breeder, but they are coy about letting you see where the puppies were born and the conditions they are currently living in, this is a possible sign they are running a dirty breeding business or a puppy mill. Create a list of questions to ask during your visit to the breeder, including:  How long have you been a dog breeder? How many types of dogs do you breed at one time? How often do you clean, feed, and play with the dogs? Are you a registered dog breeder? Can you show me proof of the dogs' physical health from a licensed veterinarian? Can I meet the pup's mother or parents? Can you provide references from other individuals or families who have purchased dogs from you before? Can you tell me about any potential genetic issues or problems with the types of dogs you breed? Can I return for multiple visits with my family before making a purchase? The breeder should be willing to show you the areas where the pups and the parents of the pups live.  The living areas for the dogs should be clean, spacious and well maintained. The dogs should be kept in roomy spaces that meet the needs of their particular breed. For example, most small breeds will be housed inside in the home, while sporting breeds will have plenty of outdoor space for exercise. The dogs should be lively, clean, healthy, and not shy in front of visitors. But they should also not be aggressive towards you.  Note if the breeder is meeting the psychological and physical needs of their dogs by providing toys, exercise, and social interaction. If the breeder is stand offish or cold towards the dogs, this is likely a bad sign. The puppies should also be raised in the breeder's home, and the breeder should demonstrate care and attention to the puppies. A reputable breeder will likely not have a constant supply of puppies, as this would indicate a puppy mill and possibly bad treatment of the animals. They may keep a list of interested buyers for the next available litter and they should be willing to refer you to other responsible breeders or breed clubs if they do not have puppies available. A good breeder should know their breed's history and health inside and out. It's difficult for one person to develop strong expertise about many breeds, so a good breeder will usually specialize in a single breed or maybe two. If the breeder advertises ten varieties of dog and all their mixes, they likely are not very reputable. A good breeder will offer to introduce you to the pup's parents during your visit and be comfortable with letting you interact with the parents and the puppy. The breeder should also encourage several visits so you can take your time deciding on if the puppy is right for you, and should not mind if you ask to bring your family with you to meet the puppy. Pregnancy, whelping and nursing puppies can be taxing on the mother dog's body, so a good breeder will limit the number of times they breed a bitch. Many breeders will only breed a female two or three times in the course of her life.

Summary: Ask to meet the breeder in person at their facility and be prepared with a list of questions. Check the conditions of the breeding facility. Pay attention to the attitude and demeanor of the breeder's dogs. Check that the breeder only breeds one or two breeds. Wait to see if the breeder encourages you to interact with the puppy's parents. Ask the breeder about how they treat the mothers or bitches.


If you're under 18 and you feel you're living in a dangerous situation, contact your state's Child Protective Services for help. The most important first step is to get to a place of safety. Once you're removed from your family's household, CPS will help you determine how to proceed in order to make sure your family won't be able to harm you.  If you're unsure about calling CPS, talk to a trusted adult like a teacher, school counselor or your friends' parents about your options. Understand that when you turn 18, your parents will no longer have the legal right to make decisions for you. Maybe you don't get along with your parents, but are they putting you in actual danger? If not, your best bet might be to wait it out. When you turn 18, you'll be able to live your life the way you want. . If you are a teenager, the legal way to disown your family is to become "emancipated" from them. This means you'll be legally treated as an adult with the right to make your own decisions, and your parents will no longer be your legal guardians. In most states, you have to be over 16 to pursue emancipation.  This might be the right path for you if the following is true:  Your parents are abusive. Your parents are unable to take care of you. The situation at your parents' house is morally repugnant to you. You are financially independent and want to have the rights of an adult. A judge won't grant emancipation unless you are able to prove that you can live independently from your parents like an adult. That means being able to make enough money to pay for a place to live, groceries, medical bills, and all other expenses. Once you're emancipated, your parents will no longer be legally responsible for providing money to cover your basic needs.  Start by finding a job as soon as possible. Save up as much money as possible; be sure not to spend it on items you don't really need. Move out of your family's house and into your own apartment. You also have the option of staying with a friend or relative, as long as the person agrees that the arrangement is permanent. The emancipation process is a lot easier when your parents agree that they don't want to be legally responsible for you. If they don't agree to consent to emancipation, the burden will be on you to prove that they aren't fit parents. You'll need to fill out a petition for emancipation, which you can obtain by contacting the Circuit Court in your jurisdiction. You will also need to fill out paperwork regarding your financial status, your employment status, and your living situation. If possible, consider getting legal help when you fill out the paperwork. A lawyer familiar with your state's laws will be able to guide you through the process to make sure everything is filled out correctly. Look into ways to  hire a lawyer when you have low income. After you submit your petition and other paperwork to the Court, you'll receive a date for a preliminary meeting that both you and your parents will attend. Your situation will be assessed, and if your parents object to your emancipation, you'll need to attend a court hearing to prove that they are unfit parents.  An investigation into your home situation may be conducted after the preliminary meeting. If you are successfully able to prove that you can and should live as an adult, you'll be free to cut off all contact with your parents and family members - effectively disowning them.
Summary: Consider calling Child Protective Services.  Determine whether to pursue emancipation Become financially independent. Get your parents' permission. Submit the proper paperwork. Attend a preliminary meeting and court hearing.