Here's some suggestions that might make your decision making process easier.  If you're interested in one of our puppies, please start by completing Avida's Puppy Questionnaire.  And please feel free to call us at 510-583-0170.

      Check out, heck, study the PWDCA's Puppy Packet .  It will provide you with a great overview of the rewards and challenges of living with a PWD, what to expect from a breeder, health issues, etc.  There will be a test ;-).

      Visit an AKC show to meet a PWD.  Be sure to ask permission to touch anyone's dog, you might mess up a hairdo that took hours (and $$) to create!

      Consider joining your regional PWD club.  We belong to the PWDCNC (Northern California).  There's normally an event calender on PWD club web sites with all sorts of activities, including fun days, grooming seminars and more.  It's a great way to meet PWDs and their people. 

      Consider contacting PWD breeders on Breeder Referral Lists via your regional PWD club and the National PWDCA. 

      Don't hesitate to ask PWD breeders to review health documents for the dam and sire.  There's a great section on PWD health on the PWDCA web site.

      Locate a local dog training club, and enroll in puppy class after your pup has had all its shots (4 months).  We belong to the San Lorenzo Dog Training Club and also train regularly in agility at Happiness Country Kennels.

      When you visit a puppy home, be sure to wear cleanly laundered clothes and be prepared to remove your shoes AND be asked to wash your hands.  Puppies' immune systems are not fully developed until they've had all their shots, at about 4 months of age.  Parvo virus can live on the bottom of your shoes for months -- for more info on Parvo, visit http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm

      Plan on having a positive relationship with your breeder.  Your breeder brought your pup into the world, and wants to see him/her thrive.  Most breeders will request that you regularly communicate with them on the health and welfare of the pup. 

      Plan on crate training!  It's humane, it helps to potty train your pup, and most importantly, it's very comforting to a dog to have a safe place of their own.  Besides, a crate is such a lovely piece of furniture, isn't it?