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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 18 2006, 3:06 PM EDT (current) | puppylove | |
| Sep 18 2006, 3:05 PM EDT | puppylove |
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These days, there are several places to get a dog, but depending on the type of dog you want, some outlets may be more reliable than others. But be thoughtful and responsible as you decide where to find the dog for you, and consider how important it really is to you to have a pure bred dog or whether you can help find a home for one of the millions of mixed breed dogs available in shelters and at rescue societies. There are a wide range of alternatives to consider, including breeders, dog rescues, or shelters. But other options are available.
Breeders
Many people who want pure bred dogs will purchase their dog directly from a breeder. Breeders can be found through a variety of sources, but do some homework, get to know the breeder through some of his or her clients. You can do this by speaking with people who have purchased dogs from the breeder, vets who have cared for dogs from the breeder, or the breed club where the breeder and the breeder's customers are members. Absent the ability to get some first hand information, you can research sources of the breed you're interested in through the local newspaper, using the Internet, a vetrenarian, or found through a particular breed club.
Quality breeders will often times have waiting lists to obtain puppies. Use this time to interview the breeder, visit their home and meet their animals. A short wait is often a good thing, as it will give you time to both prepare for your new pet and to ensure that you are making the right decision.
It's important to go through a reputable breeder with a history and reputation for good, well-bred dogs. After all, even puppy mills can churn out pure breed pups—pups that can have serious health issues related to over-breeding (joint problems, breathing problems, etc) and poor living conditions.
Humane Societies & Shelters
One of the best places to get a dog is through a shelter or local humane society because you can generally choose from a range of puppies as well as younger and full grown dogs. These facilities work hard to rescue unwanted and homeless dogs, some of which can be pure breeds and mixed breed dogs. In many cases you can choose from fully trained adolescent and grown dogs (meaning you wil bypass the housetraining and behavior training process), and can make your selection from a fairly detailed profile of the dog in question. You'll also be able to speak with one or more care givers who can give you insight into the temperment and behavior of the dogs you might be considering. It's also heartwarming to know that a dog that might otherwise have been euthanized is going to a good home.
However, if you decide to choose your new new pet from an animal shelter, you should also set some realistic expectations. Often times these dogs will have had a difficult prior life experience and they will need additional patience and understanding while the two of you work through these initial problems. You must also be prepared to spend a little more time and energy in addressing your new companion's concerns. While this can be a trying and frustrating experience, your patience will be rewarded as you establish a new bond and build trust with your new pet.
Dog Rescues
Dog rescues are a great resource for people who want to adopt a purebred, and who at the same time would like to be a part of a solution to the problem of unwanted or abandonded dogs. There is a dog out there for every kind of person and rescue groups exist for most breeds. Another option would be to "foster" a dog, which is an arrangement to temporarily house a rescue dog until a permanent home is found. In most cases, if you decide to keep the dog before another party decides to adopt it, you would be able to make the relationship permanent.
If you're looking for a particular breed but don't want a puppy, rescued dogs are a good adoption option. Also, retired working dogs, such as German Shepherds or Greyhounds, can make great pets and are worth considering for adoption.
Again, be aware that rescue dogs may have some physical or behavioral issues. Such dogs will require some extra time and patience while the two of you learn to work through the issues. On the other hand, rescue dogs may be surrendered to a rescue organization due to a change in the previous owner's living circumstances (development of child or adult allergies, a bankruptcy that triggers loss of a home, an owner who has moved into assisted living or a nursing home) that have nothing to do with the dog. Such animals tend to be fully housebroken and most have had some degree of obedience training.
Several rescue organizations and an increasing number of animal shelters have begun to offer refuge to senior dogs abandoned at this stage of their lives. Oftentimes, these dogs still have a reasonable life-expectancy and are excellent pets, especially for older people who prefer to adopt a mellow, older dog. In some cases, older dogs are rejected by their owners, or left behind when an elderly owner must give up their beloved pet and no family members want the dog. Some of these dogs are in poor physical condition as well, and adopting them can be challenging and expensive. It can also be extremely rewarding to adopt an older animal and ensure that their last years are happy and full of love. If you are looking for an older pet, you can search for such animals on the internet, or inquire at your local shelter to see if such dogs are available. Some shelters have begun to offer a “senior discount” for older dogs adopted by senior citizens.
Pet Stores
Pet stores used to be the primary place to get a new dog. But with over-breeding, concerns about pet stores' use of puppy mills, and growing awareness of rescue and shelter adoptions, pet stores are usually not the first place to go when getting a dog.
A good, reputable pet store is always a consideration, especially if the doggy in the window is tugging at your heartstrings. Just be sure to thoroughly research the origins of the dog in question and inquire about the store refund and return policies.
Newspaper and Word of Mouth
Dogs can always be found in the classified ads and sometimes even in a box in front of the local supermarket. If you're not picky about the breed or age, going local can be a great way to give a great dog a good home. Again, it's important to do background checks, and if possible, have the dog examined by a vet before making a final decision.
Breeders
Many people who want pure bred dogs will purchase their dog directly from a breeder. Breeders can be found through a variety of sources, but do some homework, get to know the breeder through some of his or her clients. You can do this by speaking with people who have purchased dogs from the breeder, vets who have cared for dogs from the breeder, or the breed club where the breeder and the breeder's customers are members. Absent the ability to get some first hand information, you can research sources of the breed you're interested in through the local newspaper, using the Internet, a vetrenarian, or found through a particular breed club.
Quality breeders will often times have waiting lists to obtain puppies. Use this time to interview the breeder, visit their home and meet their animals. A short wait is often a good thing, as it will give you time to both prepare for your new pet and to ensure that you are making the right decision.
It's important to go through a reputable breeder with a history and reputation for good, well-bred dogs. After all, even puppy mills can churn out pure breed pups—pups that can have serious health issues related to over-breeding (joint problems, breathing problems, etc) and poor living conditions.
Humane Societies & Shelters
One of the best places to get a dog is through a shelter or local humane society because you can generally choose from a range of puppies as well as younger and full grown dogs. These facilities work hard to rescue unwanted and homeless dogs, some of which can be pure breeds and mixed breed dogs. In many cases you can choose from fully trained adolescent and grown dogs (meaning you wil bypass the housetraining and behavior training process), and can make your selection from a fairly detailed profile of the dog in question. You'll also be able to speak with one or more care givers who can give you insight into the temperment and behavior of the dogs you might be considering. It's also heartwarming to know that a dog that might otherwise have been euthanized is going to a good home.
However, if you decide to choose your new new pet from an animal shelter, you should also set some realistic expectations. Often times these dogs will have had a difficult prior life experience and they will need additional patience and understanding while the two of you work through these initial problems. You must also be prepared to spend a little more time and energy in addressing your new companion's concerns. While this can be a trying and frustrating experience, your patience will be rewarded as you establish a new bond and build trust with your new pet.
Dog Rescues
Dog rescues are a great resource for people who want to adopt a purebred, and who at the same time would like to be a part of a solution to the problem of unwanted or abandonded dogs. There is a dog out there for every kind of person and rescue groups exist for most breeds. Another option would be to "foster" a dog, which is an arrangement to temporarily house a rescue dog until a permanent home is found. In most cases, if you decide to keep the dog before another party decides to adopt it, you would be able to make the relationship permanent.
If you're looking for a particular breed but don't want a puppy, rescued dogs are a good adoption option. Also, retired working dogs, such as German Shepherds or Greyhounds, can make great pets and are worth considering for adoption.
Again, be aware that rescue dogs may have some physical or behavioral issues. Such dogs will require some extra time and patience while the two of you learn to work through the issues. On the other hand, rescue dogs may be surrendered to a rescue organization due to a change in the previous owner's living circumstances (development of child or adult allergies, a bankruptcy that triggers loss of a home, an owner who has moved into assisted living or a nursing home) that have nothing to do with the dog. Such animals tend to be fully housebroken and most have had some degree of obedience training.
Several rescue organizations and an increasing number of animal shelters have begun to offer refuge to senior dogs abandoned at this stage of their lives. Oftentimes, these dogs still have a reasonable life-expectancy and are excellent pets, especially for older people who prefer to adopt a mellow, older dog. In some cases, older dogs are rejected by their owners, or left behind when an elderly owner must give up their beloved pet and no family members want the dog. Some of these dogs are in poor physical condition as well, and adopting them can be challenging and expensive. It can also be extremely rewarding to adopt an older animal and ensure that their last years are happy and full of love. If you are looking for an older pet, you can search for such animals on the internet, or inquire at your local shelter to see if such dogs are available. Some shelters have begun to offer a “senior discount” for older dogs adopted by senior citizens.
Pet Stores
Pet stores used to be the primary place to get a new dog. But with over-breeding, concerns about pet stores' use of puppy mills, and growing awareness of rescue and shelter adoptions, pet stores are usually not the first place to go when getting a dog.
A good, reputable pet store is always a consideration, especially if the doggy in the window is tugging at your heartstrings. Just be sure to thoroughly research the origins of the dog in question and inquire about the store refund and return policies.
Newspaper and Word of Mouth
Dogs can always be found in the classified ads and sometimes even in a box in front of the local supermarket. If you're not picky about the breed or age, going local can be a great way to give a great dog a good home. Again, it's important to do background checks, and if possible, have the dog examined by a vet before making a final decision.
