There are many places to buy puppies and dogs, but, there are essentials that need to be looked at when buying a companion for yourself or the family.
Always buy your puppy from a responsible and well respected breeder, THIS cannot be stressed enough, choosing the right breeder can be daunting with so many breeders on the net today, but a right first choice can save heartache down the track. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed, which means they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for the breed. Other advantages include the breeder carefully plans litters in an attempt to produce healthy dogs of good temperament. Many breeders will also offer a contract or form of guarantee contracting to take the dog back if not suitable for many reasons.
Puppies bought through Pet Shops or obtained from Puppy Farms cannot be guaranteed a Health Status or breed status, as mostly their background is unknown from BYBs (Back Yard Breeders) who are not registered with canine associations. Each state has a Canine organisation that can direct you to breeders who are registered with them.
Buying a dog direct from the breeder gives you the opportunity to see the parents and know the date of birth of the puppy that may become part of your life. The majority of breeders will offer a Health Guarantee and Certificates with the dog.
Unfortunately not all private breeders are reputable, some small time breeders are in the breeding trade as just that a trade for financial gain, and their aim is not healthy, well-mannered pups but the almighty dollar. These breeders often specialise in a popular breed, but do not show the dogs, and more often than not the breeder and the dogs are not registered with any Canine Associations or clubs.
Purchasing a Rescue Dog
Rescue homes and Council pounds are another great option to consider when considering a new dog. Many dogs, both puppies and adults, pure breeds and cross breeds are available through no fault of their own, after a variety of circumstances leading to them being at a rescue centre.
Most reputable Rescue Shelters and Groups usually assess the dog’s behaviour on arrival and often carry out remedial training if needed before offering for rehoming. Due to the large volume of dogs becoming abandoned and unwanted these days any dogs that fail the testing are euthanased, therefore dogs offered are usually very suitable and loving and make great pets. An advantage of an older dog is that basic training has already been carried out, this can be more suitable for some owners who haven’t the time for puppy training. All Rescue dogs are sterilised , wormed, Vet Checked and usually microchipped, this saves the owner a considerable amount of money as most groups have access to discount rates through helpful vet practices.
All Rescue groups require the completion of a series of forms, interviews and even a home visit to assess suitability as a potential dog owner. The main objective of the stringent vetting is to ensure the correct placement of the dogs in their care with a suitable new owner.
Buying a Puppy from a Pet Shop
Everyone has seen the Puppy eyes at the local Pet Shop, peering out of the glass cabinet, please take me home and love me look. The majority of these puppies have come from a pet owner with an unplanned pregnancy or commercial puppy farms, the health background cannot be verified in many cases. These puppies have an unknown background, therefore there is some risk as to whether these puppies will be of good temperament or health. The parents cannot be seen and there is often little or no information that can be given about their background or breeding.
It is heartbreaking to buy an unhealthy, weak puppy and then have to deal with the aftermath of problems, so it is essential to find a good healthy puppy first up. If at any time you are concerned for the health of puppies at a Pet Shop they can be reported to an Animal Welfare organisation if the conditions warrant it.
It is an offence under many Canine Code of Conduct Regulations for Registered Breeders to sell dogs to Pet Shops,(PIAA exempt) many Pet Shops do not have trained staff that can advise on the many facets needed to provide for an choose a puppy wisely. The after care service is nonexistent in most cases, most breeders sell dogs on a contract and the buyer is covered should health issues arise or the need to surrender the puppy.
Great Site to have a look at: Where do puppies come from?
PLEASE NEVER BUY A DOG FROM A BACK YARD BREEDER OR PET SHOP.
