Getting a puppy

foremant86

Yes, people still buy dogs. I have no issue with adopting either, but for some of my dogs there are certain things that I look for. Some of my dogs are working dogs and they were bought.
With a good breeder, I have a good idea of what I am going to get, in health, temperament, including drives. Temperament is hereditary. Health can depend a lot on genetics. I see nothing wrong with going to a breeder who is striving to produce sound, healthy examples of their breed, especially when the dogs will be used for a purpose.

Again, I have nothing against adopting. I will adopt as well and I encourage others to. But for some of my dogs I will also go to a good breeder.

So many unwanted dogs (from breeders) are put in shelters and put down every year. Do we really still need to be breeding animals for our pleasure?

Good breeders aren't the problem. Good breeders do things like have spay/neuter contract and clauses that state if the dog is given up for any reason they must be offered the dog first and offer to take their dog back at any time. Most of the good breeders I know also work in rescue.
And the majority of dogs in shelters don't come from the breeder, they had a home once. Someone bought them and gave them up.
Also, the vast majority of the dogs in shelters come from crappy breeders who pump out dogs for money, puppy mills and "oops" litters.
We have a pet abandoment problem, not a pet overpopulation problem. We need to stop treating animals like they are disposible, then maybe we will see a drop in animals being put to sleep.

Good breeders produce a type of dog that sometimes cannot be found in a shelter. Most service dogs come from breeding programs for a reason.

This is true but you have to realize that truly good breeders are few and farm between. The majority of breeders out there are BYB's and puppy mills. People automatically assume that a breeder who is prominent in the show and or working circuit are good breeders and that's not true either. A person needs to do a lot of research on good breeders before buying a puppy and few people actually do that. They just call up the first person with an ad in the paper and go and buy a pup.

Good breeders don't have ads in the paper, good breeders have select litters and have homes lined up before the pups are even born, sometimes even before they're conceived. Good breeders choose wether or not you get to have one of their pups, they don't just give a puppy to the person who forks over the cash. Good breeders genetically test their dogs to make sure they aren't producing puppies with genetic defects so that you don't have to put your 2 year old dog to sleep because his hips are do dysplastic that he can't walk. etc. etc. etc.

It takes a lot to be a good breeder and most don't cut the cake!

mea9

Yes, people still buy dogs. I have no issue with adopting either, but for some of my dogs there are certain things that I look for. Some of my dogs are working dogs and they were bought.
With a good breeder, I have a good idea of what I am going to get, in health, temperament, including drives. Temperament is hereditary. Health can depend a lot on genetics. I see nothing wrong with going to a breeder who is striving to produce sound, healthy examples of their breed, especially when the dogs will be used for a purpose.

Again, I have nothing against adopting. I will adopt as well and I encourage others to. But for some of my dogs I will also go to a good breeder.

So many unwanted dogs (from breeders) are put in shelters and put down every year. Do we really still need to be breeding animals for our pleasure?

Good breeders aren't the problem. Good breeders do things like have spay/neuter contract and clauses that state if the dog is given up for any reason they must be offered the dog first and offer to take their dog back at any time. Most of the good breeders I know also work in rescue.
And the majority of dogs in shelters don't come from the breeder, they had a home once. Someone bought them and gave them up.
Also, the vast majority of the dogs in shelters come from crappy breeders who pump out dogs for money, puppy mills and "oops" litters.
We have a pet abandoment problem, not a pet overpopulation problem. We need to stop treating animals like they are disposible, then maybe we will see a drop in animals being put to sleep.

Good breeders produce a type of dog that sometimes cannot be found in a shelter. Most service dogs come from breeding programs for a reason.

I have had both shelter dogs and dogs from breeders. Why don't you look at an older dog from a breeder (we have had two in my family and they are fantastic)? They are always fully trained (potty, crate and leash as well as a lot of other training). They are sometimes dogs that have been returned for some reason but, usually, they are dogs that have been held back so see if they want to show them. All dogs who look good, like people, aren’t necessarily good for show so they have to find out if the dog will put up with it. If it’s not working for the dog it then gets a pet home. This is in reality the easiest dog to get as first dog as he, at least, has some experience. Plus you will have tones of support from the breeder.

adriayellow11

For all those dog lovers I am beginning to dive into re-learning what I thought I knew about dogs as pack animals. If anyone else is interested Whole Dog Journal just published a great article called Alpha Schmalpha (spelling?) and I am reading Inside Of A Dog. Cool stuff for sure

NoAdditives

If you live in an apartment you shouldn't have a dog. Dogs need lots of exercise, a walk every day isn't enough for most dogs. They need to run, play, etc.

The only dog I could suggest getting is a retired racing greyhound. They are very calm and like to spend their time indoors, usually lying on their bed. They are already very well-trained and you can find ones that are only a couple of years old. Other than that, any other dog (especially if it's a puppy) will tear things up and will bark when alone. Coming from a mom of almost three kids, raising a puppy is a lot more work than a baby and it's a lot more frustrating. Unless you have ample time to devote to training you probably will not enjoy raising a dog.

This is so wrong. Any dog can live in an apartment with an owner who is totally committed to walking them. Way back when, I lived in a townhome (same thing as an apartment) and had two very happy dogs, one of which is the black one in my avatar. If you are willing to make sure you get them out for at least one really good long walk, an apartment is just fine.

It's not at all wrong. No dogs are meant to live indoors with one walk a day as their only exercise. Dogs have a lot of energy, they need a yard where they can play. Would you like to be stuck in a bathroom or kitchen all day long by yourself? Probably not. Dogs don't like it either. Plenty of dog breeds were bred to do a specific job and if they don't do that job they are miserable. You can't keep a border collie in a back yard with nothing to do, you can't keep a lab or beagle indoors all day.

ak_in_ak

I really recommend adopting, I have found dogs who are adopted are very appreciative of the home they have. Having a puppy is fun, but a lot of work. All dogs need attention so plan on taking them for a walk before you leave every morning to help wear them out. Create training is awesome, my girl loves her crate and we got her when she was 4 so it is never to late.

Ivanx00

I have read all the posts for this topic and since I'm extremely passionate about dogs, I would like to give you a couple of tips. Some are my extremely personal opinions but some seem to be in sync with other comments already expressed. Please consider them before you get your dog:

- I have had dogs my entire life and have never purchase one. Purchasing a dog is basically supporting a puppy mill. Please adopt.
- An apartment is a tough environment for a dog. Dogs need space and exercise. Have you consider a cat instead?
- If you decide to still get a dog, make sure you acquire a breed that closely meets your expectations and is in accordance to the place he will be living in. Its hard to believe but I once met a couple that had a Mastiff in a one bedroom apartment. That dog was miserable.
- Do you have time and patience to train a dog? A dog can be properly trained to behave and not destroy anything if you have the time.
- And this one is going to piss some people off but here goes: If you are considering a crate for your dog.....you shouldn't get a dog. Keeping a dog in a crate is inhuman period. A crate is just a poor excuse for someone who don't know how to properly train a dog. Worst case scenario, go with the baby fence and restrict their access to a certain area of the apt.

MictorEcta

If you live in an apartment you shouldn't have a dog. Dogs need lots of exercise, a walk every day isn't enough for most dogs. They need to run, play, etc.

The only dog I could suggest getting is a retired racing greyhound. They are very calm and like to spend their time indoors, usually lying on their bed. They are already very well-trained and you can find ones that are only a couple of years old. Other than that, any other dog (especially if it's a puppy) will tear things up and will bark when alone. Coming from a mom of almost three kids, raising a puppy is a lot more work than a baby and it's a lot more frustrating. Unless you have ample time to devote to training you probably will not enjoy raising a dog.

This is so wrong. Any dog can live in an apartment with an owner who is totally committed to walking them. Way back when, I lived in a townhome (same thing as an apartment) and had two very happy dogs, one of which is the black one in my avatar. If you are willing to make sure you get them out for at least one really good long walk, an apartment is just fine.

It's not at all wrong. No dogs are meant to live indoors with one walk a day as their only exercise. Dogs have a lot of energy, they need a yard where they can play. Would you like to be stuck in a bathroom or kitchen all day long by yourself? Probably not. Dogs don't like it either. Plenty of dog breeds were bred to do a specific job and if they don't do that job they are miserable. You can't keep a border collie in a back yard with nothing to do, you can't keep a lab or beagle indoors all day.

MictorEcta

Do not let anyone try and convince you that adopting is the only right thing to do. If we didn't have honest and respected breeders then we would lose the individual breeds. I am very deep into American Pit Bull Terrier's. There is no shortage of them in shelters but it is not my responsibility to have to clean up others messes. When I get a dog I want to know the pedigree, if its health tested, has working or conformation titles and be able to research the bloodline and the evaluate the person's yard I will be acquiring the dog from. Having said that, many show breeders strictly breed for form and not function. It only takes a few generations to completely change the breed when you stop breeding for its intended task. Most people will do fine and probably should go the shelter route. But I don't like it when people start saying everyone should do that.

While yes it is ideal to have a large yard for your dog I can definitely tell you that it is not a must. I do not have a yard for my dog to run but I have space along side my house for a flirt pole and he is leashed walked everyday. Treadmills are also a great way to go. Carpet mills work the muscle and are very affordable. I own a dog trotter also know as a slat mill. And in my opinion it doesn't get any better than that. Very expensive but last a lifetime and it works wonders. Especially when I need to get my dog into ADBA shape.

I would make sure that you are 100% committed to owning a dog. It always amazes me how people take it so lightly when you are seriously committing 10-15 years of your life. I hope you consider your decision carefully and find the right dog for your house. Best wishes from DGK.

MictorEcta

Ivanx00 has no idea what he is talking about regarding crates. Dogs are den animals by nature. Besides helping with the potty training phase, it also gives the dog its own safe place to claim. Dogs sleep about 50% of the day anyway, nothing wrong with giving them their own place for it. When my family all leaves our house, our female APBT runs to her crate and lays down without telling her. We can leave the crate door open and she will stay go and stay there when we are gone. Because its her SAFE and COMFORTABLE den. They are also good if you own multiple dogs and need to crate and rotate them. I own a female and male APBT, when I am not home I always have my family crate and rotate them till I get home from work. I have never had an accident between them but it's better to be safe. It only takes one time...Ivanx00 probably looks at his dogs or others dogs as humans, and to hold them up to that standard is just plain wrong and unfair to them.

maryd523

if you live in a small apartment, you need a small dog. And you still need to take it out for walks before you leave for work, if you don't want a yippy, unbalanced dog; small dogs need exercise, too. Do a lot of reading before you make the commitment.

Jackie Who Has Raised Dogs

Completely false. You can live in a small apartment and still have a healthy, happy larger dog. I don't really understand the thought process behind thinking a small dog will do better in a small apartment. ALL dogs need exercise, so if you are taking care of that, any dog will do just fine in an apartment.

Cooper, my 50 pound boxer, gets much more exercise living in an apartment than he did living in a house with a backyard, because I have to take him out and run him every single day, whereas in a house you get lazy and just figure they are fine.

maryd523

I have read all the posts for this topic and since I'm extremely passionate about dogs, I would like to give you a couple of tips. Some are my extremely personal opinions but some seem to be in sync with other comments already expressed. Please consider them before you get your dog:

- I have had dogs my entire life and have never purchase one. Purchasing a dog is basically supporting a puppy mill. Please adopt.
- An apartment is a tough environment for a dog. Dogs need space and exercise. Have you consider a cat instead?
- If you decide to still get a dog, make sure you acquire a breed that closely meets your expectations and is in accordance to the place he will be living in. Its hard to believe but I once met a couple that had a Mastiff in a one bedroom apartment. That dog was miserable.
- Do you have time and patience to train a dog? A dog can be properly trained to behave and not destroy anything if you have the time.
- And this one is going to piss some people off but here goes: If you are considering a crate for your dog.....you shouldn't get a dog. Keeping a dog in a crate is inhuman period. A crate is just a poor excuse for someone who don't know how to properly train a dog. Worst case scenario, go with the baby fence and restrict their access to a certain area of the apt.

I'm sorry, but you are SO WRONG about the crating thing. If you honestly think that crating a dog while you are gone is inhumane, you don't know much about dogs. They feel safe and secure in a crate (as long as they are properly trained to use one...positivity, etc).

I just found out last week that Cooper has been whining and howling when I'm gone. This started when I STOPPED crating him. Since I began re-crating him, no noise at all. When he was free to roam the apartment, he was anxious and worried. While securely crated, he just sleeps. Inhumane? I think not.

As long as you don't leave them too long, and the crate is plenty large, crating is a wonderful way to ensure your dog and your belongings are safe while you are gone.

maryd523

Just one more thing to say about apartments and dogs.

I exercise the heck out of Cooper at least once a day. Not a walk...that wouldn't do *kitten*. He runs hard at the park, or plays hard at the dog park or with a friend.

As someone who walks around almost every day in my neighborhood, I am familiar with almost all the houses that have dogs. I know all the dogs that get to leave their residence and go somewhere else, and it's not very many at all! So, in my experience, having a yard basically means having a dog bored out of their mind, never getting to go anywhere fun at all.

Cooper, on the other hand, gets to go all kinds of places. So please don't tell me apartments are bad for dogs. Bad owners are bad for dogs.

mea9

Just one more thing to say about apartments and dogs.

I exercise the heck out of Cooper at least once a day. Not a walk...that wouldn't do *kitten*. He runs hard at the park, or plays hard at the dog park or with a friend.

As someone who walks around almost every day in my neighborhood, I am familiar with almost all the houses that have dogs. I know all the dogs that get to leave their residence and go somewhere else, and it's not very many at all! So, in my experience, having a yard basically means having a dog bored out of their mind, never getting to go anywhere fun at all.

Cooper, on the other hand, gets to go all kinds of places. So please don't tell me apartments are bad for dogs. Bad owners are bad for dogs.

I have a 25lb dog in an apartment. I’d never be without a dog – had one since I was a kid so I know what it is to have a dog. If you don’t and it’s just a whim you’re toying with you should be advised that it’s somebody’s life you are playing with. I think it’s great that you are really checking it out before you commit – and that’s what you are doing. Because of the vulnerability and dependence level of a dog it is no less of a commitment, and roughly the same time period, as having a child (that dog might live 20 years – it has happened). In sickness and health for richer and for poorer… You know what I’m saying here… If you only have money to feed one of you, it’s usually the kid who eats. Same with your dog.

Crates are awesome but require training both for the dog and for you. It’s your dog’s bedroom. He never gets put in as punishment and your hands don’t ever go in except to clean. It’s HIS. The door to mine is always left open unless I’m away and when she’s tired or grumpy or has a treat she doesn’t want to share she goes in on her own. It’s her way of telling everybody to “bug off” right now.

My parents live on an acreage and they have a run for much the same reason. Bigger crate but bigger dog It keeps the dog safe from coyotes and a nasty neighbor who has shot and killed a dog of every neighbor he has ever had us included. Same deal. Dog goes in at night and when nobody’s home otherwise he is trained. A happy, healthy dog has nothing to do with the size of the yard attached to the house.

Training, as for children, is an ongoing process. You aren’t ever done. By the time the dog is about 3 he’s pretty good and you’ve probably got a routine down. It takes until the dog is about 8 to be really in “sync”. Then you’re dealing with old dog issues and, at some point, become aware that your life will be disrupted by the brutality of a loss you cannot yet fathom. Having a dog is not kind for a person but really worth it if it’s right for you. If it’s not right for you it’s “a living hell” for both you and the dog.

mea9

PS love kongs too. Stuffed with peanut butter, kibble treats, and a chunk of chicken hot dog. Freeze in the summer:)

jecka31

PS love kongs too. Stuffed with peanut butter, kibble treats, and a chunk of chicken hot dog. Freeze in the summer:)

I haven't thought about freezing it! I'll have to try that with my APBT and see if she likes it!