The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust, anger, and sadness. The Humane Society of the United States calculates that as many as 500,000 puppies every year are sold in pet shops, and that many of these pet shops buy their pets from the worst breeders-so-called puppy mills. What do these puppy mills (and kitty mills) have to do with you if you're on the market for a new furry companion? You know what you're doing when it comes to buying a purebred, right?
Truth be told, puppy mills are largely responsible for even harsher statistic: as many as 25 percent of all purebred pups suffer from genetic difficulties because of bad breeding. And as knowledgeable as you think you are about buying a dog, you could come across one of these poor pups and not even know it.
That could mean that you spent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a pet, only to have it succumb to a birth defect and maybe even die at an early age. Even if this worst-case scenario doesn't occur, buying from the wrong breeder can also land you an animal that picked up diseases because of the intolerable conditions at the breeder. That could lead to additional thousands spent on vet bills.
Why leash yourself to such heartache? There's no need when there are so many great and trustworthy breeders out there, who can pair you with a loving new puppy.
To find the right breeder for you, start local. Your best bet is to find breeders within driving distance. That way, you can visit the actual breeding facilities. And while there, be sure to scout out for the following characteristics that all best-of-show breeders possess:
? A litter of dogs that play, smile, and show all the other signs of being happy and healthy. Take notice, too, that the pups are sociable to the breeder, you, and their brothers and sisters.
? More demand for their dogs than they can handle. Usually a long buyers' waiting list at a breeder is like a wagging tail on a puppy-a good sign.
? A discerning eye for customers. Good breeders should ask you as many questions as you ask them, on topics such as your reasons for wanting their dog, your past pet experience, whether you have enough space at home, and who in your family will be responsible for daily puppy care.
? The willingness to show you the puppy's parents during your visit if you provide the right answers to the above questions.
? A wealth of knowledge on the dogs that they breed, including specific advice on the breed's standard and temperament, to satisfy all of your questions and concerns.
? A health guarantee in writing that shows exactly what vaccinations the pup has had.
? The friendly advice about what future vaccinations you should give, along with the best ways to train and care for the puppy.
? A guarantee, again in writing, this one stating that the breeder would be willing to take back the dog if you cannot keep it at any time.
? The care and thoughtfulness to keep in touch for some time after your purchase, to check on the dog and offer further advice when needed.
If you keep your eyes peeled and your ears perked for these signs of a good breeder, you won't have to rely on luck or a good reference in finding the right puppy (though those don't hurt either). You'll learn soon after you bring your new pal home that you made the right choice, and over time, your family and pet bond. Your pet will live a long, healthy life as part of your family.
Donald Lee is the public relations manager for Buysellcommunity.com. Buysellcommunity provides free classified listing services. Buy, Sell and trade: auto, computers, household items, real estate, pets and much more. For national and localized classifieds, please visit http://www.buysellcommunity.com - Free Buy & Sell Classifieds
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareFor all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
Out of all the pet animals, the cat is most... Read More
Can cats and dogs live together without constantly being at... Read More
My wife and I have been married for 32 years.... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier... Read More
If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's... Read More
Dog House Training can be simpleTo start your dog house... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
Having a boxer dog as a pet, although low-maintenance, require... Read More
IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More
Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More
Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar... Read More
The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
If you're contemplating the idea of starting a home-based business... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More
"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More
Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More
How do you build a goldfish pond outdoors?The tools you... Read More
"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More
Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow.... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity... Read More
The 4th Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long... Read More
Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More
The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping... Read More
Man's Best Friend is a great companion around the home,... Read More
If you have a dog or cat that is an... Read More
If you are considering opening a dog day care, then... Read More
Training your dog to "sit" is probably the first thing... Read More
One of the benefits of registering your pet with a... Read More
According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life... Read More
The West Highland White Terrier or Westie, has it's origin,... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More
Is your dog a gentleman or lady? If so, you... Read More
My dear owner,Thank you once again for giving me shelter.... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
The cat population is astronomical. Most experts agree that average... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
Let's face it ? Fido and Fluffy are an important... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He... Read More
Pet |