where to start looking to buy a pet dog? - Page 2

AC · 06-02-2012, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irish2

Knowing a vet, she says most breeders out there treat the animals horribly. To them it is just another money maker and they have no real care for the animals. If they get into fights and are injured, they often just dump them at the vet and never return. There should be a licensing system to be a breeder, and a similar license to actually own an animal.

Hence the reason a good veterinarian will point you in the right direction

sgt_doofey · 07-02-2012, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irish2

Knowing a vet, she says most breeders out there treat the animals horribly. To them it is just another money maker and they have no real care for the animals. If they get into fights and are injured, they often just dump them at the vet and never return. There should be a licensing system to be a breeder, and a similar license to actually own an animal.

The vet's probably talking about puppy farms. For a reputable breeder, it's all about the dogs.

AndrewR_AUII · 07-02-2012, 02:15 PM

If purity of breed and papers is important, then go the breeder. As mentioned, do your research and talk to vets and local dog clubs.
Go to the breeder and talk to them, have a look at the parents and their living conditions. This will tell you if the breeder is concerned more for the animals or their pocket. I would expect somebody who is genuinely interested in the animals to be asking ME some questions as well.

If purity of breed isn't important then try the decent thing and look at the dog shelters - see if you can give a companion a second chance. Somehow...they know.

Whichever way you do, it's worth the time to do the research - you are looking for a pet who will be a member of the family for a long time.

MarkAW · 07-02-2012, 02:36 PM

Contact your state Canine Council, in NSW its Dogs NSW see here http://dogsnsw.org.au/

Talk to a vet = A waste of time
Most vets know what the standard breeds are like to some extent but if you want a rare or exotic breed, then you need a specialist vet especially when considering genetic problems within the breed. Good reputable breeders will be will tell you what problems the breed have and show test certificates for dog & ***** to prove no problems. They can advise which local vets have good understanding of the breed but that might not work if you travel great distances to get the breed you want.

For the knucklehead who thinks that registered breeders = puppy farmers, this only confirms your lack of knowledge. Registered breeders aren't permitted to have consecutive litters from a ***** and must operate under a code of ethics from the registering organisation. There are some who operate outside the rules but then those dogs can't be sold with papers and risk expulsion if caught.

Research your chosen breed - Google is your friend
A couple of days on the net will provide a wealth of info.

BTW my breed is the Airedale Terrier, a breed that is very rare these days with less than 1000 dogs in Australia in total. The first vet told me it was a Schnauzer, I didn't go back. I would never consider a cross breed and that includes the so called designer dogs.

Edit: - So much for the language nanny - a female dog is called a *****, its a legitimate term and not swearing or innappropriate when used in the correct context.

svo supporter · 07-02-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkAW

For the knucklehead who thinks that registered breeders = puppy farmers, this only confirms your lack of knowledge. Registered breeders aren't permitted to have consecutive litters from a ***** and must operate under a code of ethics from the registering organisation. There are some who operate outside the rules but then those dogs can't be sold with papers and risk expulsion if caught.

.

You work with dog breeders do you? My misses does and has for years. That's how I got my information.

Getting expelled if caught. First they have to be caught which is harder than what you make out.

andy351 · 07-02-2012, 09:20 PM

the best dog i ever owned came from the rspca.
at least have a look you never know

MarkAW · 07-02-2012, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svo supporter

You work with dog breeders do you? My misses does and has for years. That's how I got my information.

Yes, myself and my wife and I have been in the dog world for many many years, my wife is still grooming all the big winning setters and spaniels in NSW, me i have been a past secretary of an all breeds kennel club as well as a senior obedience trainer. Most people would kill to have my wife handle their gun dog for them in the show ring as there are very few who are better.
We have had grand champions and every dog we have ever owned has at least been an Australian Champion. My Dale also has its obedience titles.

I don't know what your wife does but if its work within a vet surgery then its possible that she would only see the less than reputable breeders which would give rise to a biased view. These breeders do look for the cheap and nasty vets that support this type of breeder and if the vet offers that cheap service then it attracts this type of breeder.

In my area the specialist vets are the like of R Zammit or H Hedburg, you wont get puppy farmers going there.

sgt_doofey · 07-02-2012, 11:27 PM

A good breeder will also evaluate the people buying the dogs and may not sell you one.
Our breeder told us a story of a lady who came to look at a dog to buy with their kids. Kids were running amok, so the breeder didn't sell her a dog. If she can't control her kids, how could she control a dog?

NickyN · 08-02-2012, 07:27 AM

Something that hasn't been mentioned here is the "connection" you feel with a particular dog. Regardless of whether you're looking at pure breeds with papers or a rescue dog, there's something special when you just KNOW this is the one you'll take home to join your family. You feel it and doggie feels it too. I don't know how else to describe it. I'm sure others felt it too.

trippytaka · 08-02-2012, 01:59 PM

I wish that people just automatically went to the RSPCA or Pet Rescue, and instead of thinking to buy from pet shops that fund puppy farms.

I know I am a bit of a bleeding heart, but I really don't like the idea of selective breeding and pedigree dogs... for all the genetic flaws it passed on to the poor dogs. Please watch this doco http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhXHFOrBbEc

My only advice is to make sure you go to a GOOD breeder, who doesn't breed within the same blood line.

svo supporter · 08-02-2012, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkAW

Yes, myself and my wife and I have been in the dog world for many many years, my wife is still grooming all the big winning setters and spaniels in NSW, me i have been a past secretary of an all breeds kennel club as well as a senior obedience trainer. Most people would kill to have my wife handle their gun dog for them in the show ring as there are very few who are better.
We have had grand champions and every dog we have ever owned has at least been an Australian Champion. My Dale also has its obedience titles.

I don't know what your wife does but if its work within a vet surgery then its possible that she would only see the less than reputable breeders which would give rise to a biased view. These breeders do look for the cheap and nasty vets that support this type of breeder and if the vet offers that cheap service then it attracts this type of breeder.

In my area the specialist vets are the like of R Zammit or H Hedburg, you wont get puppy farmers going there.

The misses doesn't work for a vet....She has worked for many registered dog breeders as a kennel hand....Seen firsthand what they get upto....(also walked because of it) She has worked for the Animal welfare league....The majority of these people do actually care about dogs (and cats)....They also have a vetenary clinic on site.

So that's where my info comes from...Not 2nd hand from vets or people within show rings.

**Silver Ghia** · 08-02-2012, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickyN

Something that hasn't been mentioned here is the "connection" you feel with a particular dog. Regardless of whether you're looking at pure breeds with papers or a rescue dog, there's something special when you just KNOW this is the one you'll take home to join your family. You feel it and doggie feels it too. I don't know how else to describe it. I'm sure others felt it too.

With the generally more mature rescue dogs, you get a far better idea how it would fit in with the family at the time of adoption, than the cute pup from a breeder that is still much an unknown as to how its temperament will be as an adult dog, besides leaving puddles everywhere being a pup (high maintenance).

A mature dog from a rescue centre, even the bitzers (and probably more so), are a far better proposition all round than a pup from even a reputable breeder. Plus you save a life.

dannyxm · 09-02-2012, 11:22 AM

Never, ever get any pet, let alone a dog from a pet store.

Please do not do this, i cannot push this enough!

The amount of friends i have that bought them have all been fraught with issue and regret.

My 5c, strangely, either go to a breeder, or the other end of the spectrum (which i would push) is getting a pup from a pound.

We have always had 2 types of dog, we used to breed and show German shepherds, and buy abandoned pups from the pound.

As much as i loved the Shepherds, the many pups we got from the pound were simply awesome.

very loving, protective, love kids, and more importantly, they had little issue health wise. Quite easy to live with.

And another thing, a dog is for life.

cupic · 09-02-2012, 11:33 AM

I found a good link @ Trading Post ...and I took home a great Kelpie...a balanced and good natured dog

cheers

AndrewR_AUII · 09-02-2012, 10:16 PM

Little OT...but watch this:
http://www.godvine.com/Meet-the-Scar...-Hug-1087.html

NickyN · 12-02-2012, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danny351

Never, ever get any pet, let alone a dog from a pet store.

Please do not do this, i cannot push this enough!

The amount of friends i have that bought them have all been fraught with issue and regret.

My 5c, strangely, either go to a breeder, or the other end of the spectrum (which i would push) is getting a pup from a pound.

We have always had 2 types of dog, we used to breed and show German shepherds, and buy abandoned pups from the pound.

As much as i loved the Shepherds, the many pups we got from the pound were simply awesome.

very loving, protective, love kids, and more importantly, they had little issue health wise. Quite easy to live with.

And another thing, a dog is for life.

Yes, a dog is for life and is a long term commitment just like any family member would be. It upsets me when animals (not just dogs) are bought when they're cute and little, and once they need obedience training or outgrow their cuteness these owners give them up or turn them into shelters.

We've looked at shelters and the common breed we see are Pitbulls and Pit-mixes. I've asked and there's hardly other breeds there. One day we'll have another German Shepherd again.

chrisfpv · 12-02-2012, 05:55 PM

I'm in the same boat too, we had to put our dog down recently after having him about 14 - 15 years due to health problems and we're looking to get a new one asap to fill the empty backyard.

Looking at either a Labrador retriever or a Golden retriever. Anyone have any experience with either of these breeds and the pros and cons of each if any? We will def be going through a breeder as we know a local vet who can put us on to a couple of people.

chrisfpv · 12-02-2012, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewR_AUII

Little OT...but watch this:
http://www.godvine.com/Meet-the-Scar...-Hug-1087.html

wow....

sgt_doofey · 12-02-2012, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisfpv

ILooking at either a Labrador retriever or a Golden retriever. Anyone have any experience with either of these breeds and the pros and cons of each if any? We will def be going through a breeder as we know a local vet who can put us on to a couple of people.

Have you seen the movie Marley and Me?

NickyN · 12-02-2012, 06:43 PM

YES! I read the novel first, then saw the movie starring Owen Wilson. It's a touching movie and his final farewell had me balling!

Anyone see the movie "Hachiko" featuring Richard Gere? Everyone I know was moved. The genuine love ....................never mind, don't want to give it away in case someone here hasn't seen it yet. If you haven't, go and rent it, download it, watch it. You'll love it!

chrisfpv · 12-02-2012, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgt_doofey

Have you seen the movie Marley and Me?

Hmm can't say I have, care to fill me in..?

NickyN · 12-02-2012, 08:08 PM

Marley is a playful yellow Lab puppy and adopted by John Grogan, a writer/columnist for a paper in Philadelphia. He gains popularity as a writer after he starts writing about Marley's antics and sharing them with his readers. Marley is playful and incorrigible, and are buddies as John's life changes with marriage and family. Till the end, they shared life together. This novel was John's way of dealing with Marley's death and what they shared. The film features Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.

MarkAW · 12-02-2012, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisfpv

I'm in the same boat too, we had to put our dog down recently after having him about 14 - 15 years due to health problems and we're looking to get a new one asap to fill the empty backyard.

Looking at either a Labrador retriever or a Golden retriever. Anyone have any experience with either of these breeds and the pros and cons of each if any? We will def be going through a breeder as we know a local vet who can put us on to a couple of people.

Google is your friend

A good way to understand what a dog will be like is to research why the breed was "bred" in the first place - its historical origin. You then compare what the dog's original historic life is to what you expect at home and if the two match then all is good. A good example is the border collie - bred to spend all day herding sheep in the scottish lowlands - in suburbia the dog get bored, no sheep, so substitutes children for sheep and nips their ankles.

**Giant Cranium** · 12-02-2012, 09:28 PM

what sort of dog you looking for?

irish2 · 12-02-2012, 09:57 PM

Labs and golden retrievers are very loving animals. They just want to be around someone and get a rub. Rescued one from a shelter and it has been a great dog.

SEZ213 · 12-02-2012, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisfpv

I'm in the same boat too, we had to put our dog down recently after having him about 14 - 15 years due to health problems and we're looking to get a new one asap to fill the empty backyard.

Looking at either a Labrador retriever or a Golden retriever. Anyone have any experience with either of these breeds and the pros and cons of each if any? We will def be going through a breeder as we know a local vet who can put us on to a couple of people.

Golden retriever for 12 years, she turns 14 this year, and aside from the continual shedding of hair (she gets groomed weekly), she's an awesome dog. Well natured, gorgeous animal, loves the water and even now with her legs not being quite as stable as they used to be, she'll still play games with the staffies...

If you do go either of those options, make sure you have the time to exercise them regularly, ours has a propensity to get a little large in the rear if you don't walk her often enough.

Good luck with it

NickyN · 13-02-2012, 11:35 AM

Exactly. Know your breed and know what the breed needs to stay healthy.

Noddy · 13-02-2012, 12:49 PM

Just to throw another option into the ring, I have had a rescued greyhound for over 18mths now and after having nothing but pure Aussie blue heelers all my life I can honestly say i'm converted. They have a placid nature, a great individual personality and make great companions for adults and children alike.
They generally don't need exercise, very few bark, (a big plus for me) they don't eat very much and can be like having a large cat.(sleep 16 hrs a day)

Dogs that are adopted through accredited agencies are tested to make sure they are suitable to be a family pet.

Like other breeds so many of these dogs are destroyed each year and some are now they are being sent to china to race for their lives, literally.

Anyway just thought I’d mention the breed as an option. This is a pic of my second greyhound (Robbie) which I brought home yesterday and he is fitting in very well all ready. Who knows i may add a third one down the track.lol

AC · 13-02-2012, 07:38 PM

My neighbour has one of these.

Its called a Boerboel, they are a South African hunting dog.
Apparently they are part of the Mastif family.

But given the nature of my neighbours one, you'd never know it.
And the best part, you barely hear a peep out of it, Ive never heard it bark.

J_Tank · 14-02-2012, 05:19 PM

Boerboels are incredible dogs, but not really a good idea unless you have experience with dogs. I have sourced 2 fantastic German Shepherds from http://petrescue.com.au , however I would advise caution with older dogs from such a site. They have ended up there for a reason and may have "issues" as a result of their past owners treatment of them