Where to Get a New Dog
Reputable breeders care as much about you and your home as you do about their
dogs. Don’t be offended by their curiosity. It is in their best interest (and the dogs as well) to know that you are compatible with the breed. They want happy dogs that will live with you for years to come. No one wins when unhappy owners feel stuck with the wrong dog or an incompatible pet is returned to the breeder.
Quality breeders usually frequent dog shows. They are known to the local or national breed club and welcome visits by potential owners. It is highly recommended that you visit the breeder. When you visit, you will want to meet the puppy’s parents or relatives and see certificates of vaccines and good health. The property must be clean and sanitary. Any sign of unsanitary conditions should immediately alert you to a problem. The dogs should live in well-ventilated, under-crowded spaces with access to exercise, fresh water and other company.
They should appear healthy, active and happy. The breeder should appear to like the dogs and act comfortably with them. Many breeders line up the potential buyers before actually conceiving a litter. Do not be surprised if the dogs literally don’t exist. Be certain, however, that you visit soon after the litter is born. The newborns should be active at suckling, but do not expect much movement for anew weeks. As they get older, they should have a clear bark and eyes, friendly disposition and be free of illness, diarrhea and disease.
Ask important breeding questions. How often does the female breed? How many pups were in this litter and past litters? Extremely small litters may indicate a complicated pregnancy, while very large litters may produce small, weak puppies. Were there any difficulties with the birth and if so, how were they handled? Have the puppies been vaccinated and when? For breeds with specific concerns (such as eye ailments or hip Dysplasia, find out if the puppies have been examined x-rayed and when. What are the breeder’s longtime goals? What kind of training and socializing have the dogs experienced so far? Ask for references and information on return policies. Many excellent breeders guarantee against specific problems, but not against the general health over the lifetime of the dog. Since they will not control the environment after the dog leaves, new owners must understand and accept this position. Also, many breeders would prefer you return the dog, rather than take it to a shelter in the event you have to (or want to) give it up. Find out your breeder’s preference.
If you are thinking of breeding your puppy someday, you will need specific information about the pedigree and history of the animal and long-term guarantees about returns. There may be limits written into your contract on your abilitytobreed the dog; find out what they are in advance. With all of the important decisions and policies regarding puppy purchase, be as business-like as possible and get things in writing. There will be less confusion and miscommunication if you formalize the contract. In the unlikely event that legal action must be taken, the process will be faster and smoother, and you will be better protected.
You may be looking for a long distance breeder if none exists in your area. Although a kennel visit is much preferred, good dogs can be obtained from far away. If you know someone living near the breeder, ask them to visit for you and arm them with questions and guidelines regarding what to look for. Seek multiple references and ask those people hard questions. Work with a breeder who swilling to talk with you by phone and send you information by mail. You will need to discuss how the dog will travel to you (by air, usual. and how the arrangements will be made.
Be alert for breeders who give dogs away at the supermarket or advertise in the newspaper. Favor animal shelters over these choices. Seemingly reputable breeders who have very specific agendas should also be avoided. These people may breed for a single feature (big heads or large size for example), or physical concerns at the expense of temperament and health. Be wary. Breeders who create overtly aggressive guard dogs to “prefect“your home. The animals are usually difficult to manage and require tremendous control.
When it comes to picking a breeder, the key point is to research and find reputable, caring, experienced one and follow trusted professional advice. Acknowledgeable dog people, good breeders possess vast knowledge and information that can help you choose and raise a puppy.
Rescue organizations take purebred dogs from shelters or homes and care for them while new homes are sought. Sometimes, these services are provided by branch. A breed club or a veterinarian with a penchant for a specific breed. You will probably not be able to discover the answers to as many of your questions, but seek as much information as possible. Adoption fees are usually expected, but cost less than dogs purchased from breeders. Rescue organizations for mixed breeds also exist, though animal’s shelters remain more common places for finding these dogs.
Animals that are not adopted from the shelter are almost always euthanized. Betaking one of dogs, you can save a dog from this fate, but don’t be lured into choosing a dog for the wrong reasons. You should still ask as many questions about the dog as possible. Some are strays or abandoned dogs, while others are victims of owner’s death, divorce or other reason that has no relation to the door its temperament. You should examine both the shelter and the individual dog for encouraging signs. Finding a clean environment and a friendly, healthy dog is good start toward finding a compatible pet. Most shelter dogs exhibit some signs. Fear, which is normal given their situation. Get to know the dog through increased contact and see if you can soothe its temporary nervousness. If the dog cannot become accustomed to you, it may be a mismatch and you should consider other dogs. Consider also that nearly 25% of dogs in a shelter are purebred. These places can be excellent sources of pedigreed dogs.
Pet stores tempt you with cute puppies in the window, but in virtually eve, case these dogs have been produced en masse by disreputable sources. These so-called “puppy mills’. Care more about quantity than quality and the dogs may be unhealthy, unsocial zed and prone to developing physical and emotional problems. Furthermore, supporting these organizations only promotes the poor living conditions in the puppy mills and pet overpopulation.