Image Credit โ Wikimedia.org/
If you want a dog, you should think about adopting a pup from a
rescue group or a shelter before you buy one. But if you are
adamant about getting a purebred pup, you need to make sure that
the breeder knows what he/she is doing. Unlike some unscrupulous
breeders, the good ones breed healthy dogs with a good
temperament.
Signs of an experienced breeder
Here is a handy checklist of the things you need to look for in a
good breeder:
-
The dog lives inside โ If you want a family
dog, you need to make sure that he is being raised inside the
house with the rest of the family, and not in the basement,
backyard or garage.
-
The puppy or the dog is relaxed โ If the
puppies and parent dogs are comfortable around human beings, it
is a sign that they have been properly looked after and are
well socialized.
-
The place must be clean โ You do not have to
inspect the breederโs sink to see if he has any dirty dishes.
Just make sure that the living area is sanitary and safe. The
dog must be supplied with beds, freshwater, and toys. Also,
check to see if the living quarters of the puppies have a
separate toilet area. If it has, then you have a good head
start with the house training.
-
The breeder regularly participates in competitions or
dog shows โ Reputable breeders are enthusiastic about
the breed and donโt just think about the amount of money they
make.
-
The breeder asks you to sign a neuter/spay
contract โ If you are planning to buy a dog that isnโt
going to be bred, the breeder will ask you to sign a contract
that says you should neuter or spay your pup to avoid pet
overpopulation.
-
The breeder does not specialize in colors or sizes that
are unusual for the given breed โ One thing you need
to keep in mind is that extremely big dogs and extremely small
dogs tend to suffer from a lot of health problems. If the
breeder is trying to breed for extreme sizes or rare colors,
then it is a sign that he is interested in the sales gimmick
more than producing a great puppy.
-
The breeder asks a lot of questions โ Which is
a clear indication that he/she cares about the kind of home the
puppy is going to go to. They might ask you about your history
with dogs, the number of people who are going to stay at home
during the day, and why you are interested in that particular
breed. Do not get defensive. It is a sign that they are doing
their job right.
While being aware is the first step towards making sure of the
task of identification of good breeder, creating the awareness in
the community is equally important to aid in the better wellbeing
of the pet population. Hover over to the next section to know
more.
Facebook Post Saves 40+ Puppies from Negligent Dog Breeder
For most pet owners, social media is a great way to share
adorable pictures of puppies or link up with other dog owners in
the area. But one post from a couple in Washington state led
police to get involved and rescue nearly 40 dogs from the
"filthy" conditions of a local dog breeder,
according to news station KING 5 in Washington.
Pekingese Rescued from
Horrible Dog Breeders
Animal control officers from three different counties seized
about 40 dogs after one of the dog breeders posted on Facebook
how she and her husband were sick and unable to care for the
dogs, the news station reported. The couple, who are both in
their 60s, were Pekingese dog breeders. Fellow breeders and
concerned animal lovers noted the Facebook posts, which discussed
being surrounded by dog feces, and expressed concern and offered
help but saw no response on social media. One of these Facebook
followers went to the couple's Belfair, Washington, home and
knocked on the door to no answer. That's when this concerned
citizen called the police and Mason County officers came. KING 5
reported that both homeowners were in need of medical care when
the police arrived, as were the dogs who were living in squalid
conditions. The home was dirty with urine and feces, the news
station explained. While these homeowners were unhealthy and
needed help in caring for their many dogs, the police and
neighbors say that they should have handled it differently."It's
cruel, really cruel, to those animals. They could have let them
go ... they could have given 'em away but no, they kept them
all," neighbor Joe Johnson told KING 5. The dogs as well as birds
found in the home are being placed in a shelter and unavailable
for adoption while the police complete an investigation.
Why Dog Waste Can Be
Dangerous
Did you know that not only is it gross for your dog to defecate
wherever they want, but it can actually be dangerous to your
health and the environment? According to the Alamo Area Partners
for Animal Welfare, dog waste can pollute water and carry a
number of pesky parasites, including campylobacteriosis,
threadworms, hookworms, and tapeworms-
all of which can be passed to humans. Dog feces also have an
array of bacteria. In neglect cases, dogs can not only pass these
parasites on to humans, but also to other dogs. Ensure that you
always pick up your dog's waste and keep your home clean. Some
people may need help or reminders like the Washington breeders.
Use your PetPlus membership to purchase pet medication to
protect your pooch from parasites and treat infections.