Breeder Resources
Tools, tips, and best practices for breeders on The Puppy Wag.
Getting Started on The Puppy Wag
Welcome to The Puppy Wag! Our platform connects responsible breeders with families looking for their perfect puppy. Here's how to get started.
Account Setup
Create a free account by signing up with your email. Once you've verified your email, you'll have access to your breeder dashboard where you can manage your profile, listings, and inquiries.
Creating Your Breeder Profile
Your profile is your first impression. Include your kennel name, location, breeds you specialize in, and years of experience. Be honest and transparent—buyers appreciate authenticity.
Kennel Name and Bio Tips
Choose a kennel name that reflects your breeding philosophy or location. Write a bio that tells your story: Why did you start breeding? What makes your program unique? What breeds do you specialize in? Mention any certifications, club memberships, or awards.
Optimizing Your Profile
A complete, professional profile builds trust and attracts serious buyers.
Professional Photos
Upload high-quality photos of your facility, parent dogs, and previous litters. Clear, well-lit images show you care about presentation and have nothing to hide. Avoid blurry or poorly lit photos.
Complete Bio
Share your breeding philosophy, health testing protocols, socialization methods, and what sets your program apart. Buyers want to know they're working with someone knowledgeable and ethical.
Verification Badges
Getting verified or premium verified boosts your credibility significantly. Verified profiles receive more inquiries and build trust with buyers. Learn more on our Verification page.
Photography Tips
Great photos make all the difference. They showcase your puppies' personality and quality.
Natural Lighting
Take photos near a window or outside during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon). Natural light is flattering and shows true colors. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or flash.
Clean Backgrounds
Use simple, uncluttered backgrounds (grass, a clean blanket, a neutral floor). Remove distractions like toys, bowls, or clutter so the focus stays on the puppy.
Show Personality
Capture puppies playing, exploring, or interacting with people. Candid shots that show personality resonate more than stiff, posed photos.
Action Shots
Show puppies running, jumping, or playing with littermates. Action shots convey energy and health, helping buyers visualize life with their new puppy.
Listing Your Puppies
A detailed, accurate listing helps buyers make informed decisions and reduces unnecessary inquiries.
Detailed Descriptions
Include breed, age, sex, color, size estimate, temperament, and any unique characteristics. Mention parent details (size, temperament, health clearances). The more information you provide, the more confident buyers feel.
Accurate Pricing (Deposits vs. Full Price)
Be clear about pricing. State the full purchase price and whether you accept deposits. If you offer a deposit to reserve a puppy, specify the amount and your refund policy.
Health Info
List vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and any health testing done on parents. Mention your health guarantee terms. Transparency about health builds trust.
Responding to Inquiries
How you respond to inquiries can make or break a sale. Prompt, helpful communication sets you apart.
Response Time Matters
Aim to respond within 24 hours. Buyers often contact multiple breeders, and the first to respond thoughtfully has an advantage. Set up email notifications so you don't miss messages.
Being Helpful
Answer questions thoroughly and patiently. If someone is new to the breed, offer guidance and resources. Your expertise and approachability build trust and loyalty.
Pre-Screening Questions
Ask buyers about their lifestyle, experience with dogs, living situation, and why they want this breed. Pre-screening ensures your puppies go to suitable homes and shows buyers you care about your puppies' futures.
Pricing Strategy
Pricing your puppies competitively and fairly ensures you attract the right buyers while covering your costs.
Research Market Rates
Look at similar listings for your breed in your area. Consider factors like breed popularity, location, and your experience/reputation. Don't underprice—quality breeding has real costs.
Factor in Costs
Calculate health testing, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, food, vet visits, and your time. Ethical breeding isn't cheap, and your pricing should reflect the care and quality you provide.
Transparency About What's Included
Clearly state what's included in the price: vaccinations, microchip, registration papers, health guarantee, starter kit, etc. Buyers appreciate knowing exactly what they're getting.
Verification Benefits
Getting verified is one of the best ways to stand out on The Puppy Wag.
Why Get Verified
Verified breeders receive a trust badge, increased visibility in search results, and access to premium features. Buyers actively seek verified breeders because it signals credibility and ethical practices.
The Tiers Explained
- Unverified: Basic profile, no badge
- Verified: Government ID + Kennel or USDA License. Receives verified badge and higher search ranking.
- Premium: All 5 document types approved (Government ID, Kennel License, USDA License, Vet Reference, Facility Photos). Receives premium badge, priority placement, and featured listings.
How to Start
Visit our Verification page to learn about the process, then head to your dashboard to upload your documents. Our team reviews submissions within 48 hours.