Questions to ask before you commit

About the dog

• How old is the dog, and what do you know about its parents?
• What health checks has it had, and may I see the paperwork?
• How does it behave with children, other dogs and strangers? Can I see it?
• What does it do when it is startled or tired?
• What are its weaknesses, and how do you manage them?

About the training

• Who trained the dog, for how long, and with what methods?
• Which commands does it follow reliably, and in which settings?
• Does it stop on command from a high level of excitement?
• Can the training be demonstrated in a calm, public place?

About the handoff

The leash is only the beginning. Ask what lessons you and your family receive, where they take place and how many there are. Ask what support exists after the dog comes home, and how long the professional stays available.

About money and paperwork

Ask for everything in writing: price, deposits, what is included, health coverage, return or exchange terms and what happens if the dog does not suit your home. Published reports put the top end of fully trained dogs at tens of thousands of dollars, with one provider quoting $30,000 to $80,000 to CNBC in 2019, so compare quotes carefully and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.

Red flags

• Promises that a dog will never bite or will always protect.
• Pressure to pay a large deposit before you have met the dog.
• Unwillingness to let you see the dog in person.
• No written contract.
• Dismissing your concerns about children or other pets.

When you are ready, send a request and use this list on the first call.

Quick answers