Responsible Dog Owners - Reputable Breeders
Since owning a puppy requires a commitment of 10-15 years, we strongly
encourage buyers to resist their impulsive urges and instead exercise the
same caution and diligence one would apply to buying a house or a
car. Don't kid yourself into believing that buying a dog is not a major
financial and emotional decision.
Endeavor to expand your knowledge of a specific breed that interests
you, by checking a book out of your local library or surfing other dog
websites that provide breed information.
Seek a consensus opinion of breed characteristics and look for issues
such as shedding, exercise, size, barking, grooming and temperament. You
will want to be sure to find a good Vet in your neighborhood before you
buy. Many breeders, offering a written health guarantee, require their
dogs to be vet-checked within 72 hours of ownership to validate their
health guarantee.
Now, after proceeding with caution and determination, you are on your
way to becoming a "Responsible Dog Owner".
Unquestionably the most daunting task in the search for the perfect
puppy is in finding a "Reputable Breeder." Yes, we're sorry to
report, not all puppy sellers breed their dogs for the right
reasons. And, please be advised, "AKC Registered" does not come with a
guarantee of quality or health!
Primary Characteristics of a Reputable Breeder
- Provides a written contract of sale with a health guarantee and
written instructions on feeding, training, grooming and care
- Provides access to the mother (dam) who should be on site and
exhibit a healthy, happy temperament
- Does not sell puppies until they are at least 8 weeks old or in some
cases older
- Shows you where the puppies are kept. This area should be very
clean
- Provides you with a record of the dates and types of vaccinations
and de-worming done, feeding instructions, a pedigree, and a
registration certificate to apply for registration of the puppy in
your own name with the AKC.
- Is able to prove he has performed pre-breeding health checks on the
parents
- Provides references of people who have purchased puppies in the
past, the names of other breeders, and the veterinarian who provides
care for the breeder's dogs.
- Offers a return-buy back policy and make it clear that his/her
responsibility continues as long as the dog is alive. They should be
available for advice whenever needed, and help you over many rough
spots.
- Abides by code of ethics, typically by belonging to a breed club or
association
- Is very knowledgeable about the breed he or she is selling
- Requires or encourages the neutering of all pet-quality dogs
- Sells puppies only to approved buyers and never sells to brokers or
puppy mills
- Can discuss socialization of the puppies and can make
recommendations for their continued socialization and training
- Usually breeds no more than two breeds.
By being a Responsible Dog Owner and buying from a
Reputable Dog Breeder, you will be getting a great start on a lifetime of
unconditional puppy love.
From The Go Pets Website at:
http://www.gopetsamerica.com/reputable-breeder.aspx
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