Buy a genuine puppy online....
Your decision means limited or minimal interaction with the seller/ breeder. A reputable breeder meets the potential family. Ideally the family will visit the breeders facility and meets the mother of the pup they are going to bring home.
This is a chance for the family to understand the behavioural traits and know what to expect. They can talk to and ask the breeder about the specific needs of the breed, as well as advice on raising a puppy.
Quick tip before buying a breed
It is important to remember here that many breeds have been 'modified' and engineered to suit various purposes. From activities like hunting to racing, therefore to bring home a Grey Hound which was bred to race, or a Jack Russell Terrier bred to hunt rats and rabbits comes with a great deal of responsibility. When working breeds are expected to become docile house pets is when we see the highest rates of abandonment.
7 Reasons why responsible breeders do not sell online
Placing a puppy with a family involves a well rounded understanding of the family. Here are a few questions a breeder will ask to assess compatibility of the family with the breed.
-
Are they active?
Does the family have an active (outdoor activity driven) lifestyle for a high energy dog. Or is the family more city based with limited activity such as a basic dog walk in the city.
2. Is the family young or older?
Families with young children are already coping with the needs of childcare and activities, unless there is adequate support to raise a puppy it may be prudent to wait a few years before adding a puppy to the family unit.
3. Do you plan to move?
If the family plans in the near or distant future to move, are they willing to invest the time and money required to take their pets with them?
4. Where does the family live? In a city or out on a farm/ country side?
If a family has access to outdoor runs for puppies a high energy breed may be suitable. However, all other factors being available and in place, the needs of that specific breed must be taken into account. Such as a Belgian Malinois, it is a high energy breed, but it is not enough to let the dog run around a large area, it is important to also train the dog.
5. How much time can the family dedicate to the dog?
Time is a concern for any breed, if a dog is going to be isolated or left alone for many hours of the day, you may want to reconsider getting a dog. They are social animals and crave companionship and family.
6. Are there young children in the family?
Some breeds may not be suitable for a family with young children. All breeds are good breeds but all owners may not be capable of giving puppies and adolescent dogs the support and nurture required to function in a family unit.
7. What are the financial circumstances of the family?
Dogs are beloved and precious family members. But like human children raising a dog costs money. The financial requirements of feeding, veterinary care, accessories cannot be ignored. They must be factored into the decision of adopting, buying or bringing a puppy or full grown dog into the family.
You can never 'outgrow' your pets or 'loose interest in your pet'
Dogs make our families happier and healthier just by being in our midst. A family dog teaches young children responsibility, empathy and the importance of recognising commitment.
A family which allows children to "outgrow" their pets, or simply hand them over to another care giver or family, is not a family that should ever own a pet.
This is true for any pet, not just a family dog or cat. Any animal a family brings into their home deserves the respect and commitment of care for the entirety of its life.
