Anyone who reads my posts knows that I am an honors graduate of Animal Behavior College and a certified dog trainer. I am always taking courses to continue my education through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. My profession isn’t just teaching pups to sit/stay. There’s so much more to it than that. I coach humans on how to train their dogs utilizing force free positive reinforcement. I discuss puppy socialization, nutrition, veterinary care, grooming and so much more. I believe I’ve touched on what I’m about to write once before; but a situation I encountered yesterday has prompted me to address the subject again. The topic is what you need to know when adding a puppy to your family.
Of course, “adopt, don’t shop” is my motto. There are millions of dogs in shelters across the country that need a good, “forever” home. However, I’m also a realist and know that people want to buy a particular breed of puppy for whatever personal reasons. Some of you may already know what I’m about to say, but some may not.
A REPUTABLE breeder does NOT sell to retail stores. That is an indisputable fact and I don’t care what the store personnel tell you or what kind of documents they show you. It’s fabricated bull. Retail stores charge exorbitant amounts of money for a “designer breed” aka a cross breed, aka a mutt. Trust me, there’s lots of “mutts” available in shelters for a nominal fee who turn out to be very grateful to be given a loving home.
A reputable breeder does not breed their breed bitches every year. It’s at last once a year or every other year and sometimes even longer than that.
A reputable breeder will ask you to fill out an application. They’ll want to meet you and your family. You need to meet the breeder, as well. This is to make sure the puppy you’ve chosen is a good fit for your lifestyle. For example, if you’re more of a couch potato, you wouldn’t want to get a German Shephard. If you live in a relatively small house or apartment, you don’t want to get a Bullmastiff or Bernese Mountain Dog. Get the picture?
A reputable breeder will have you sign an agreement to have your pup spayed/neutered at the appropriate age.
A reputable breeder will raise the pups in their home, not outside in a pen. They need to get used to the sights and sounds of the world around them so as not to grow up fearful. Television, people coming and going, kitchen noise, general everyday life sounds and sights. They will not separate the pups from their Mom and litter mates before 8 weeks of age. A pup separated before 8 weeks will not learn bite inhibition from its littermates. A very important life lesson.
You must seriously consider your lifestyle. Bringing a puppy into your family is like bringing home a human infant. You are responsible to fulfill its every need. You must teach the pup what’s expected of it when living in a human environment or they will do what comes naturally – pee and poop wherever and whenever the urge strikes; chew on inappropriate items; eventually they’ll jump up on people, mouth, nip, bark excessively. Natural pup behaviors that are unacceptable when living with humans.
It’s a commitment of at least 15 to 20 years. Consult a trainer about socializing your pup as soon as you bring him or her home. Don’t wait until problem behaviors arise. Do what’s necessary to prevent the problems from the get-go. The number one reason dogs are surrendered to shelters is due to behavior problems. It is my mission to prevent that from happening. I’ve seen so many dogs in shelters and it’s heartbreaking!
If you don’t know how to find a breeder, check the AKC’s website. Then, do your homework. Just because a breeder is listed doesn’t mean it’s the right on for you.
I’ve made this offer before and I’ll do it again. If you are unsure of what breed will best suit your family and lifestyle, if you’re not sure what breeder you should go to, please contact me through my website at www.wagglytailsdogtraining.com. I will be happy to have a consultation with you at NO CHARGE to get you started on the road to adding the perfect fur baby to your family.