hey there,, what do you classify as a bad breeder???

To add to my post #16 on this thread

Signs of a bad breeder:

Asks you for a deposit without finding out what your experience is with the breed or dogs in general, and whether your lifestyle is suitable for a pup.

Only wants you to see the litter when the pups are ready to go - can't be bothered letting you see the pups at 3 weeks, seeing the bitch with the pups or having you coming around unexpectedly.

Only wants you to see the litter when the pups are ready to go as s/he may only have bought them a week earlier - a lot of pups are imported from Ireland to sell in the UK.

Gives excuses why you can't see the bitch - hasn't got the bitch.

Is not willing to talk about issues with the breed - often doesn't know there are any.

Has never had any of the conditions that health checks should be done for in pups they have bred - never checked that means.

Does not have the KC Registration papers available at point of sale but will send them on to you - no papers that means (nothing wrong in selling a dog without papers provided the buyer knows that)

Does not give you written information on the pup's medical treatment/ diet/ exercise requirements.

Does not return your calls after you have bought a pup - waste of valuable time.

Will not take a pup back if the vet says it is not fit for sale - you have to take the case to court.

and so on ..........

Sgurr

The best place to acquire a puppy is an animal shelter, there are 100's waiting to be adopted. There's nothing wrong there, they just need some attention and TLC. for more info on shelters and animal testing labs, see the video below.

Steve

YouTube - Flachsi

__________________

Puppy Mills breed misery, boycott pet stores that sell puppies. Adopt! Don't Shop

As much as I advocate people going to shelter's to find a dog to bring home, I do try and let them know the very basics and facts about those places.

Whilst kennels and shelter's are a good place to go to first when getting a dog, they can be very misleading. Too many people go along and as first time owners, usually take home the wrong dog for them. Sadly, this is becoming more and more common and with a bit of know how, it would seriously reduce the chances of you taking the dog back in a few months, only for it to be destroyed.

First bit of advice is to research as much as possible about the dog that will suit you. If you are a lazy bugger who doesn't ever want to walk, don't go and get a Border Collie, Greyhound or Labrador, the dog has far too much energy and whilst its great to think "but he'll get me fit" as a healthy option, a think many of us can agree that you'll get bored quickly and fancy lying in when he is barking for his daily walk.

Match the dog to your lifestyle, don't get a dog on the basis that you can match to his lifestyle. It will only work out badly for the dog.

Don't pick a dog on the way he looks. Sure, that border collie looks beautiful, who wouldn't want him? Well, how about you when he starts getting overexcited, nips your heels and constantly tries to herd your kids into the corner of the room showing his teeth?

Also never pick the runt in the corner who is so shy that he is hiding from you, chances are, he won't be any less shy when you take him home and he fear bites you and causes himself more mental anguish. The same reason why you shouldn't pick the cute, excited looking doggy barking at you through the cage, he isn't communicating with you. Don't pick the one who is getting all excited either by looking like he enjoys life and everything in it making a fuss for the same reason.

The best possible dog is the one who isn't shying away and the one who isn't over excited, get the one who comes to greet you calmfully, with a happy but non-excited look about him, the one that appreciates you coming over, but doesn't quite care if you do or you don't. That is the dog that is comfortable being a dog, who isn't scared of everything and yet, isn't overexcited by everything.

Seeing as most shelters and kennels have very little information about the dogs when they come in, I'd prefer to do my own analysis on a dog and I trust my information far better than I trust the shelter's information. For a start, I don't go in thinking every dog is great and would make a brilliant family pet, yet never seeing the dog with a family and doing nothing for the dog except tidying up its mess.

Use your noggin and you'll make the right choice as opposed to having to part ways because the dog is too much or not enough for your lifestyle. It's not fair.

when i bought my puppy i thought it would have been fine as i got her from the Pets and Peoples Trust but it turned out that they didnt care about the puppys all they cared about was the money they were making from them. i advise anyone looking for a puppy not to get in contact with these people.

I walk the dogs at Asissi and they would make very good pets. Not all the dogs that are brought to the shelter are dogs that have been abused. I know a dog called Dotty and her owners couldn't look after her because she's a hyper puppy, I'd take her if I didn't have any cats. All the dogs in shelters just need a place to call home and owners who are commited to look after them. Animal shelters do house checks to see if the dog is right for you and they tell you about any medical problems they may have. I'd highly recommend animal shelters!

So many excellent posts on this thread, as a prospective puppy owner, thankyou so much.

I've always had rescue dogs previously and this time around I thought we might go downt he pedigree/breeder route so we could have more of a choice in what breed we want. Having visited our first breeder today all I can say is I am making an appointment to visit our local rescue tomorrow.

I was put off the moment I got there and we made our polite excuses and left after 5 minutes, I've pondered all evening on wether I was wrong to do this, if my instinct was misjudged, but from reading this thread I can go to bed tonight knowing I did the right thing, I mentally ticked every point made on Sgurrs post 'Signs of a bad breeder' - I knew more about the breed than she did, bred four different breeds, didn't know what an endorsement was?! showed no interest in us or the pups, no papers etc.

Lets hope I have more luck at the rescue, at least I feel I can trust what the dogs show me, they aren't there for the money!

I have always wanted a chocolate labrador and as I will be leaving home within the next year that will be when I buy one, but I have read so, so much about irresponsible breeders I am thinking about waiting and hoping a local rescue centre might have one, I really would feel bad abouting buying a pup when so many need homes.

hi i was wondering if anyone can help me , i have a dog who is 8 years old. but i would like to get another dog possibly a cocker spaniel or a beagle do black labradors and cocker spaniels or beagles mix well and they would not fight . thanks

Pinky =] x

Labradors are generally easy going dogs, good at mixing with other dogs. How is your dog now with others? has he been well socialised with them. The only thing you may find is that 8 he may not appreciate a boisterous puppy, but should get used to it, and you never know, it may give him a new lease of life