Communication between breeder and owner will go a long way toward making sure the transition is a smooth one. It's imperative to educate the new owners as much as possible in advance, even before they've seen the pup for the first time.
The education begins the day you start searching for your puppy. The responsible breeder won't allow potential new owners, or any other outsider, for that matter, to touch the pups before they've had their first shots. Puppy buyers will sometimes go from one kennel to another, and germs can be easily spread that way. Don't be surprised if a breeder asks if you've been around any dogs the day you visit. You may have been kissed by a dog whose saliva can carry disease to a fragile pup.
And do be prepared to be thoroughly screened by the breeder, because the person responsible for creating that little life will want to ensure that he's going to a good, responsible, loving home. In turn, you should expect to see at least one house dog and one of the puppy's parents, so you can screen the breeder's dogs for health, temperament, and overall good care.
Good breeding includes breeding for temperament, but the puppy and, ultimately, the adult dog is the result of a combination of nature and nurture. The breeder, who knows the personalities of each of her puppies, should talk to every potential new owner to learn about their lifestyle and expectations in order to make the right match. The wrong personality match of pup and new owner will not produce a happy outcome. One pup might be particularly rambunctious, for example, while another might be an introvert. The person looking for a gentle lap companion shouldn't have the rambunctious puppy, because he will grow into a dog that person will never be able to handle.
This is another reason why breeders spend countless hours observing their puppies. The breeder must also observe you, the buyer, and ask a lot of questions about your life that may seem personal. But the best breeders are also good matchmakers, and their goal is to make a match that lasts for the dog's entire life.
An ethical breeder will always take a puppy or dog back if you can't keep him. The last thing anyone wants is for a dog they bred to end up as another statistic in an animal shelter. This is especially important because the experience is particularly difficult for a small dog. The loud echoing of the kennels, the barking, the sense of loss and being alone is magnified for a small dog who is used to being held and relating closely to humans. The little one will usually be fearful in that atmosphere. A dog who would not normally bite may easily do so out of fear.
