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The Ultimate Guide to Puppies for Sale: Buying a Puppy and What to Look For

  • Andy
  • Jun 3, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 22


Happy family with new puppy at home

Are you dreaming of bringing home a new puppy? Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or adding to your pack, the journey to finding the right puppy can be both exciting and overwhelming. At Puppy Steps Puppy Training, we take the guesswork out of the process—helping you find, vet, and train the perfect pup for your lifestyle.


In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know before buying a puppy, including how to choose the right breed, where to find reputable breeders, and how to prepare your home for a new companion.


🐾 Things to Consider When Buying a Puppy



Comparison of dog breeds with size and temperament


✔️ Assess Your Lifestyle and Needs


Before you fall for a cute face, think practically:


  • Do you have time for training and walks?

  • Are you in a flat or house with a garden?

  • Do you have kids or other pets?


Match your daily life with a breed’s energy level, grooming needs, and temperament.



✔️ Research Different Breeds


Each breed has its own personality and requirements. For example:

  • Labradors are friendly and energetic.

  • French Bulldogs are cuddly but low-energy.

  • Border Collies are brilliant—but need mental stimulation.




📍 Where to Find Puppies for Sale


🐶 Reputable Breeders



reputable breeder with puppies in a clean environment

Choose breeders who:

  • Provide health certificates

  • Let you visit the litter

  • Are happy to answer your questions




🐾 Animal Shelters & Rescue Organizations



Adoption day at a local animal shelter

Adoption is a loving and ethical option. Many shelters have puppies and young dogs waiting for a second chance.




⭐ Puppy Steps Puppy Training


Puppy being trained by professional at Puppy Steps


We take the stress out of the process. You tell us your ideal puppy—we’ll find them for you. We:

  • Vet the breeder

  • Check the environment and paperwork

  • Ensure your puppy is well-socialized and training-ready



❓ Frequently Asked Questions


Q: How much does a puppy cost?

Prices range from £300 to £3,000+ depending on breed, pedigree, and breeder reputation.

Q: Will my puppy be vaccinated?

Reputable breeders and rescues ensure initial vaccinations. Always request documentation.

Q: What if the puppy doesn’t fit in?

Many breeders and rescues offer return policies. Always ask in advance and read their contract.



🏡 Tips for a Smooth Transition




Safe and cozy crate setup for new puppy


🏠 Puppy-Proof Your Home


Remove chew hazards and secure electrical cords.



🕒 Establish a Routine


Puppies thrive with consistency in feeding, playtime, and toilet training.


🐕 Socialize Early


Socialization is key to a confident dog. At Puppy Steps, we teach your pup to be environmentally neutral—calm around people, dogs, and new environments.



💬 Final Thoughts


Family welcoming their new puppy into the living room.

Bringing a puppy home is magical—but it’s also a commitment. With the right preparation, research, and support, you’ll enjoy a stress-free start to a beautiful friendship.

Let Puppy Steps Puppy Training help you find and prepare the perfect puppy for your family.


 
 
 

Comments

What our clients say

Trained Labrador Puppy. Black Labrador puppy which is a trained dog after completing puppy training at Puppy Steps

Lucy Lovell

"I was initially apprehensive, but we've been so happy with all Puppy Steps services and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Andy and his team! I followed the Fb posts for a few months, asked lots of questions and when the time was right I spoke to Andy at length and booked a place to find a puppy and train her. His experience helped to find a good litter and he helped us choose our puppy via video clips.

At 7 months now Frida is the calmest dog, with a wonderful temperament thanks to great training - a joy to have in our family. We'll definitely go back to Puppy Steps if we ever decide to have another puppy."​

Buy a trained Trained Cocker Spaniel puppy. Trained odgs are available as part of our trained puppy programme.

Kirsteen Binnie

"I contacted Andy @ puppy steps after reading the reviews and testimonials on the website. I spoke to Andy a number of times at length as I wasn’t sure the type of puppy that would suit our family. Andy found and trained our beautiful cocker spaniel Harper. She is a delight. Obedient, calm and super friendly. From day one everyone comments on how calm and well behaved she is. Slept all night from day one with no accidents. I would recommend Andy and his team in a heartbeat. I have called Andy since to get advice and guidance and he is always happy to help. Harper is nearly 8 months now and the best decision we ever made."

 

Buying a trained dog. Clients collect their trained puppy and after receiving a handover on how to continue puppy training they take their puppy home.

Linda and Mike, Aoife's owners

We have wanted our own dog for many years but with both of us working full time, it just wasn't possible. A mutual friend told me about Andy, so I contacted him to ask about the unique service he was offering. We had two in depth telephone conversations about our lifestyle, which breed would suit us, his experience with dogs, and the training he was offering etc. Yesterday we went to view one of Andy's puppies, a little black Cocker Spaniel. She was absolutely adorable, so tiny but full of beans. Andy is extremely knowledgable, he answered all our questions, and gave us plenty of advice and encouragement. We spent some time with Andy and his wife Lucy and two beautiful children, Harry and Libby. They made us feel very much at home, they are both so easy to talk to, even though it was our first meeting it felt like we had known them for ever. Andy is a great person, so professional, with extremely high principles. There was no pressure to adopt the puppy, we all needed to make sure it was the correct thing for all concerned. Fortunately they must have liked us too, because Andy and Lucy agreed that we were going to be responsible dog owners, who would give their puppy the home it deserved. We're collecting our puppy now named Aoife (pronounced - eefa) at the beginning of December. 
Andy is offering an exceptional service, his passion and enthusiasm is phenomenal, and I would thoroughly recommend Andy to anyone who thought they couldn't take on a puppy. Exciting times ahead!!

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Opening Hours and Contact

Monday 9:00 - 18:30
Tuesday 9:00 - 18:30
Wednesday 9:00 - 18:30
Thursday 9:00 - 18:30
Friday 9:00 - 18:30
Saturday 9:00 - 17:00
Sunday 10:00 - 15:00

We are proud to be able to share our passion with you and help so many people to achieve what they didn't think was possible.

We are grateful for the opportunity to offer our expertise and knowledge to help you on your journey with your dog, from puppy selection and basic obedience, through to adulthood.

Together we can achieve your goal.

 

Locations

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We currently have 2 branches. One is located 5 minutes from Junction 31 of the M1, near Sheffield.

 

Kiveton Park

  Sheffield

 South Yorkshire,

    S26 5RF

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The other is near Chorley, in Lancashire, close to both the M6 and the M61 motorway. network.

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