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  • Why You Should Use An Ethical Breeder

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    I recently wrote an article entitled Yes, You CAN Get a Puppy If You Want One. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out here.

    The comments, especially from other veterinary professionals, weren’t very nice. They ripped me apart, both in terms of the topic and the writing style. I was pretty upset about all the comments I received, since I was just trying to write a piece to help people not feel bad if they genuinely wanted a puppy.

    One of the main concerns about the article was that it didn’t address the issue of ethical breeding versus backyard breeding at all. For this reason, I have decided to write what ethical breeding really is.

    So, what is ethical breeding?

    Ethical breeders are ALL about the breed. 

    They want to preserve the breed so that they will breed only the best representatives of the breed. They will even go above and beyond, conducting health testing to ensure that they are selling the highest quality and healthiest animals possible.

    This may include OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) testing. They have a database of tests that can be run to make sure that puppies will be less likely to have genetic problems (such as hip dysplasia).

    They may also request that you visit their home or kennel before picking a puppy. 

    You will want to ensure that the puppies appear healthy, happy, and clean. Are they active and playing around? Are they a good weight and look solid? Does the mother look delighted to be with them? You can tell a lot about a breeder by looking at their moms and puppies.

    That being said, during COVID, more and more people did visits like this over Zoom. If the breeder isn’t close to you, you can request a visit online so that you can still take a look at the breeder’s setup and how their animals look.

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    They will require a contract to ensure that their puppies get taken care of. 

    They may ask you what you are planning to do with your dog. The breeder may require you to spay or neuter your pet at a certain age. They may also ask that you return the dog to you if anything happens. Regardless of the dog’s age, owners would prefer to take them back rather than have the dog end up in a shelter.

    Ethical breeders want the best for their puppies. 

    This includes ensuring that they receive the socialization they need to raise healthy and confident dogs. They work with their puppies on socialization and training to ensure that they are ready to be homed.

    Because they do so much with their puppies, they have a good idea of what each puppy will need.

    Good, ethical breeders match puppies with families. You don’t get to choose a puppy. You let the breeder know what you are looking for (show, pet, working, etc.) and they will figure out which puppy will best fit your lifestyle. If you are active and prefer the outdoors, they will ensure that you get a puppy that is confident and playful. If you are looking for a companion to sit beside you, they will help you find the right dog for you. If you have little ones, they will choose a puppy that they think will handle your children.

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    Ethical breeders are all ABOUT the breed. They are going to choose the best parents to ensure that their puppies are of high quality and are able to do what they were bred for. They spend a lot of time with their puppies and will do what they can to ensure they are properly socialized. They will also help you choose the right puppy for you, rather than allowing you to choose one that you want. Not only that, but they are happy to match puppies with the right family.

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    Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • What Are the Best Dogs for Kids?

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    When you decide that it is the right time to bring home a new puppy or dog for your family, it can be an overwhelming time, especially when you start looking at all the breeds that are out there! You also need to think about whether you want to start with a puppy or get a dog that is older. You may be able to find a dog that is already potty-trained and ready to join your family.

    So, how can you choose the right dog for your family? Here are some tips to help.

    Think about the care required. 

    Are you and your family ready for a puppy? Do you have time to potty-train a young puppy? Would you prefer an older dog (maybe one or two years old) that is already potty-trained and knows what is expected of him or her? Maybe you would prefer an older dog who just wants to enjoy life and lie around the house.

    You also need to consider the needs of the dog you are choosing.

     Dogs have different needs. Consider how much food they will be eating. A Great Dane will go through a huge bag of food in a matter of days, while a ten-pound dog may only go through a small bag a month.

    Consider the grooming your dog will require. 

    Many dogs require a visit to the groomer every six to eight weeks, which can be a significant expense when you are counting every dollar you spend.

    It helps to figure out who is going to be doing what when it comes to the new dog.

     If you get a puppy, who will be in charge of training and socialization? Every dog needs to be fed and watered on a regular basis. Then, they will need to be taken for walks multiple times a day. Playtime is also essential for any dog. Even if you have a fenced-in yard, your new dog will need to be taken care of multiple times a day.

    Size is also important. 

    Though you may not want a large breed dog around your small children, a tiny dog might be too fragile for your energetic bunch! If one of your children falls on your little puppy, broken bones might happen.

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    You also need to think about the size of your house and yard. If you live in a small apartment, you aren’t going to want to get a large-breed dog. There isn’t enough room! A smaller dog will have plenty of room to play in your small living room. If you have a few acres fenced in, consider getting a dog that loves to run and play outside.

    You can’t forget about their energy level! 

    Certain dog breeds are more active than others. You aren’t going to want to get a herding dog that is going to be spending most of his or her time inside! These dogs need to be outside playing and would be great for someone who loves to go on hikes and is very active.

    Some breeds are more laid-back, making them a good fit for a family that enjoys spending time indoors. These dogs would be happy sitting on the couch with you in the evenings. You won’t be able to take them on hikes every day!

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    Once you have narrowed down the size and breed of the dog you are looking for, it’s time to start considering potential ones. 

    With each potential dog you look at, consider their personality and temperament. A nervous dog isn’t going to do well in a home full of children. Even one child may be too much for an anxious dog.

    Some dogs are playful and happy-go-lucky, while others are very easygoing and calm. You need to ensure that your dog matches your family’s personality.

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    It can be challenging to find the right dog for your family, but taking the extra time to do so will ensure that you can enjoy your new dog for years to come. Getting the wrong dog can be very hard on a family. So, really look at the care that your new dog will need, as well as their energy level. Their personality is also vital.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Reasons Dogs Are Better Than Cats

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    Most people consider themselves “dog people” or “cat people.” Even if they own multiple critters, they may feel like they love either dogs or cats more.

    Unsure if you prefer one over the other? Here are some reasons why dogs are better than cats.

    Dogs are often known as man’s best friend (and for good reason). 

    They have been faithful companions for thousands of years and will continue to do so as long as we want them to be our friends. They love us unconditionally and want nothing more than to spend all of their time with us.

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    Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, no matter what you are looking for. 

    Cats are pretty much all the same. You may see some unique Maine Coons, but most house cats are just domestic short-haired cats.

    Meanwhile, you can get a dog that is smaller than your cat, or you can choose a dog that weighs more than you! This allows you to find the perfect breed of dog for you, taking into account your lifestyle and even your location. If you live in a tiny apartment, a little dog can run for hours in it, while a Great Dane might struggle to move around at all. If you spend your time outdoors all year long, you’ll want to consider a dog that suits that lifestyle rather than a couch potato.

    Many people acquire dogs as a means of protection for themselves and their families. 

    Most dogs are quick to bark when anyone comes to their home. They want to protect their owners and warn them when someone comes onto their property. Even if they aren’t vicious, their bark may make someone think otherwise before coming into your yard.

    Training dogs is easier than training cats. 

    In fact, if you want your cat to do something, it probably isn’t going to happen. They do what they want, when they want to, without considering what we think.

    Many dogs enjoy training sessions. They want to please you and will do anything that they can to ensure that you are happy with them. Most are also motivated by food and will do whatever you want them to.

    Dogs just love to play!

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    Most dogs love to play with you and your family. They enjoy playing fetch with a ball or even a Frisbee. They will play tug-of-war. They may chase you and your children around the yard. If you have multiple dogs, you may even get to watch them play together. Some people get their dogs together for “play dates” where they can have fun and burn off some steam!

    They may even help you get healthy (or stay healthy if you already are). 

    If you have a dog, you know that you’ll have to get up and take them outside multiple times a day. Even if you have a fenced-in backyard, you will likely take your dog for a walk every day to help them stay fit. These daily walks may even help you lose some of your extra weight!

    Many people enjoy taking their dogs on walks and hikes around their neighborhoods. You may even find yourself looking for parks and hiking trails to take your dog. Some runners train their dogs to run alongside them during their training sessions. You may even want to try a dog sport like agility or diving. These can be a great bonding experience while also keeping you both active.

    Dogs go to the bathroom outside. 

    Cats use litter boxes inside your home, and if you aren’t able to keep up with it, it can really stink up your home. Dogs go outside your home. Though you should pick up their stools for health reasons, you aren’t responsible for cleaning up their urine. You also don’t need to worry about your house smelling due to their urine and feces (once they are potty-trained)!

    Dogs can be more than just your pet! 

    Many working dogs have important jobs to do. There are farm dogs that can protect livestock and herd them from one field to another. Some dogs work alongside our police and military. Many breeds excel in search and rescue missions. They are often better at finding lost humans due to their sense of smell. Service dogs are helpful for people with disabilities and those who are blind.

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    Dogs can be great companions, as they have proven to be for years. They have been faithful friends for thousands of years. This is because they love us and want to spend time with us. This makes them easy to train, because they want to please us.

    Even better, there are numerous types of dogs, making it easy to find one that suits your lifestyle. If you are away a lot, you will want a smaller dog that may not require as much exercise as a larger one. That being said, dogs love to play, and you can find a lot of enjoyment in them. They may even help you stay healthy by taking them for regular walks!

    Not a dog person? My next piece is going to be about why cats are better than dogs. You may feel like you would rather spend time with your cats instead of a dog.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.

  • Yes, You CAN Get a Puppy If You Want One

    As a veterinary professional, I firmly believe in the importance of adoption and rescuing dogs that need homes. You can even get puppies that have been rescued and need someone to love them.

    I truly get the saying, “Adopt, don’t shop.” That being said, it also irritates me. If you WANT to buy yourself a puppy, you shouldn’t be made to feel bad about it! That being said, many people that you meet will make you feel bad for buying a puppy instead of “saving one” that needs a good home.

    However, if you want to buy yourself a puppy, there is no reason why you should feel guilty. In fact, here are some reasons why you shouldn’t feel guilty about choosing your next best friend!

    One of the biggest reasons why one would choose a puppy over a rescue dog is that you don’t want to deal with issues!

    The shelters are filled with dogs who have problems. Many are stressed and filled with anxiety. Some are there because they don’t get along with other dogs or cats (which you may or may not be able to find out before you adopt).

    Many have serious behavioral issues that can be hard to live with. It may take months or years of work, as well as medication and daily care, to help the dog live a life as normal as possible.

    In fact, you can raise the puppy the way that you want it. 

    A new puppy is very impressionable, and you will be able to start his or her training in the way that you want it to.

    If you want to housebreak your dog to go outside or inside on a puppy pad, you can do that. Don’t want a dog on your couch or bed? Start young. If you adopt a rescue dog, they may already have a certain behavior, which can make it challenging to change.

    Shelters are often full of Pitbulls, which you may not be allowed to have. 

    Unfortunately, shelters are often filled with dogs, such as Pitbulls and other breeds deemed “vicious.” If you are renting a home, you may struggle to find a place to live if you bring along your large dog, regardless of how well-behaved it is.

    If you have your own home, you may end up paying more for your homeowners’ insurance simply because of the type of dog that you have. Some companies may not even insure you if you have the type of dog that could be considered dangerous.

    When buying working dogs, upbringing and training are everything. 

    Many livestock guardian dogs are with sheep and goats before they are ready to leave their parents! Many hunting dogs require training as soon as possible, whether they work with their owners or begin training as soon as they find their new home. It also helps to have parents who have the “drive.” These dogs are more likely to succeed at their new job.

    You may not even be able to get a rescue dog. 

    There are numerous rules and regulations that come with getting a rescue dog. Although some make sense, such as ensuring that their other pets are vaccinated and spayed, others can be quite unusual.

    Fences are a good idea, but I had one client who was turned away because she worked outside the home! The rescue team wanted to ensure that the dog would never be alone. Others have been turned away due to their age. They worry about what will happen if something were to happen to the adopter. Families with young children may not be able to adopt a dog as easily as others.

    As one person put it, purebred guilt? Is that a thing now? 

    Why are we even taking the time to worry about this? There are so many things to worry about; this should not be one of them! This rings very true. If you want a puppy, get one and don’t worry about it for a moment!

    It was also mentioned, it is no one’s business but your own. 

    If you are happy with the puppy that you chose, be happy. Don’t worry about what others are going to say.

    Someone added, if you feel guilty, it is up to you to come to terms with your conscience. 

    Though many prefer to adopt, if you don’t, that is your decision, and you should stand by it. Nobody should make you feel guilty for making a decision that is right for you and your family.

    Some people say that you should not feel bad because you are not the one breeding the dogs. 

    That being said, many people would argue that you are supporting breeders who will continue to bring puppies into an already overpopulated world.

    However, the truth is that responsible breeders are NOT the problem. The people who don’t spay or neuter their dogs and find themselves with an unexpected litter of puppies are the real problem. Backyard breeders who just want to breed their dogs are also part of the problem. Just because you love your dog doesn’t mean that she is meant to be a mother!

    Someone pointed out that the same could be said about children. 

    Too many children are in the foster system, yet that doesn’t stop people from having their own children. While this is true, I can see that even mentioning this in the article will raise eyebrows, and I can hardly imagine the comments I will receive. But it is a point, so I will keep it in the article anyway.

    If you choose wisely, you should never feel guilty for buying a puppy that is right for you. If you choose one that is going to fit into your lifestyle, you have nothing to feel guilty about. If you are looking for a working or show dog, ensure you buy the right puppy for the job.

    Many people even like knowing the origin of their dogs. Seeing the parents and knowing that they are healthy and may have been tested for genetic diseases can go a long way to get yourself a healthy pup for years to come!

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    I would also like to add that I consulted with other veterinary professionals. While many gave me plenty of grief for writing an article like this, when so many dogs are in shelters that need homes, others truly understood that there are times when buying a puppy is the right thing for you and your family.

    It also amazed me how many veterinary professionals (including veterinarians) can’t get dogs from shelters. Their rules and regulations make it nearly impossible for even those who work hard daily to improve the lives of pets to rescue a dog from the shelter.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.