Online course · About 30 minutes
Puppy Pathways. Find the right puppy, from the right breeder.
Before you fall for a face, learn what a veterinarian and a lifelong breeder look for: whether a puppy fits your life right now, what an ethical breeder actually does, what health testing proves and what it doesn’t, and how to ask the questions that separate a good breeder from a good salesperson. Four short modules, on your phone or your laptop.
- 4short modules
- 30 minstart to finish
- Self-pacedstop and come back
- Certificateplus two checklists
The course
Take it right here.
No account, nothing to download. Works on a phone, tablet or computer, and takes about 30 minutes.
- 1Enter your name once and press Start My Journey.
- 2Work through the four modules at your own pace. Each ends with a quick checkpoint.
- 3Finish all four for your certificate and two checklists.
Come back on the same device and the course won’t ask for your name again.
The course runs on Genially, which stores the name you enter and your progress. See our Privacy Policy.
Puppy Pathways
The course opens full screen on your phone. Turn it sideways for the best view.
Start the courseCome back on this phone and it won’t ask for your name again.
What’s inside
Four modules. Thirty minutes. One good decision.
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1Are you ready for a puppy?Breed versus lifestyle, before you look at a single litter.
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2What is an ethical breeder?Health testing, temperament, socialization and cost. -
3What does health testing mean?What the tests prove, and what they don’t cover. -
4Making an inquiryApplications, contracts, visits and red flags.
Each module ends with a quick checkpoint. Finish all four and you get a certificate of completion and two checklists to take with you when you start talking to breeders.
Why it’s here
The question Marty and Laura get asked most.
Every week the inbox has a version of the same question: how do I find a good breeder? Puppy Pathways walks you through the answer one module at a time, and it covers exactly what Marty and Laura tell every family: fit first, health testing second, and ask your questions before you fall in love. A veterinarian and a lifelong breeder, pointing you to the same four lessons.
Owner of Veterinary Village in Lomira, Wisconsin. Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health. Author of books on canine reproduction and puppy care.
AKC judge, second-generation breeder of German Wirehaired Pointers, and more than 25 years as a professional handler.
Good to know
Before you start.
How long does it take?
About 30 minutes for all four modules. You can stop after any module and come back later on the same device; you won’t be asked to sign in again.
Do I need an account?
No. Enter your email once and the course opens. There is nothing to download or install, and it works on a phone, tablet or computer.
What do I get at the end?
A certificate of completion and two checklists you can use when you contact breeders and visit a litter.
I already have my puppy. Is this still for me?
Modules 2 and 3 are still worth your time, especially the health-testing section. For the first weeks at home, start with the episodes on this page.
Can I share it with someone who’s puppy shopping?
Please do. Send them this page. Every family who learns what to ask makes it a little harder for a bad breeder to stay in business.