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
shuttle from O'Hare Brocton .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareAre you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More
For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend."... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More
Carl Icahn, the hostile takeover master who was THE original... Read More
Cute cat names? Max is popular, Lady a favorite for... Read More
So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
Fleas have plagued dogs, cats, and their owners since time... Read More
This is an 11 step guide to setting up a... Read More
When I first started my interest in reptiles I was... Read More
Have you ever wondered what a dog thinks, or if... Read More
Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of... Read More
It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More
Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food,... Read More
Have a dog lover on your gift list? Want to... Read More
Westies dogs' owners delight in the companionship their dogs give... Read More
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The... Read More
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More
Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More
I would like to address some of the statements I... Read More
First pet stores began selling clothes for pets. Then kennels... Read More
This article discusses two foods in paticual. For the puppy... Read More
Puppy development and growth is very exciting. After a puppy... Read More
Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
Chicago charter limousine service Hickory Hills .."On Trust" & "Paid For" for are one of the... Read More
When pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
You may have heard that pets have been scientifically proven... Read More
We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More
In order to add love and affection to their lives,... 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
People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More
Just south of Snowdon, in the grey-stoned village of Beddgelert... Read More
Whether you intend to show your Westie, or keep him... Read More
Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize... Read More
Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More
Does your dog have that sheepish look? It could be... Read More
Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More
Many different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully,... Read More
Let's take a look at the different stages, but before... Read More
Meow! Meow! Meow! I bury my head underneath my pillow.... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
Pet |