Buying a Dog: Common Errors

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Buying a Dog: Common Errors

Buying or adopting a dog is pretty much a blessing. Having the oppertunity to choose to take care of another being is quite special in my eyes.

However, so many people seem to do it wrong.

I hear you thinking, "how the fuck can someone buy a dog 'wrong'". Let me explain. There's a lot of 'wrongs' to be discussed. Let's start with:

Not picking a breed or dog right for you

many people fall in love with how a breed looks or what they've seen of it online. That's fine, because you should WANT to see your dog and admire its quirks.

However, it stops there for many people.. they don't read up, their expectations are not compatible with the dog etc. For example, a lot of people like huskies. They like their striking blue eyes, their poofy and soft fur, their stance and their clown-like way of acting. Yet most people are not compatible with a husky. Why not? Huskies are extremely difficult dogs. They shed a lot, they make a lot of noise, they need almost constant company or they'll destroy your home, they make shitty guard dogs, they aren't obedient, they aren't easy to potty train.. and so on. If you see one that is very well behaved, it probably means the owner spends hours and hours of work into raising it, spending time with it..

when looking for a breed it is very important to research characteristics and see what you have to OFFER, rather than what you WANT.

They choose a so called 'beginner breed'

Buying a Dog: Common Errors

Yes, some breeds are easier to train than others. Some breeds are a better match for first-time dog owners. Wanna know why? Because most first-time owners do not know how to deal with a chihuahua or an alaskan malamute's needs and temperament. It's not because the breed is actually "easier".

I own two jack russel terriers. They're not seen as 'easy' dogs. They are energetic, have a strong tendency to chase game and seem to think they're bigger and stronger than anyone else. Yet my dogs are extremely well behaved, because they're a match in our family. All of us know how a dog behaves and understand why. We chose this breed because it suits us. When we got them, there were younger children in the house that met their energy. My dad wanted a tough small dog. Etcetera.

You should always pick a breed because it suits you and you suit it. Go jogging everyday? Opt for a sporty breed such as a shepherd. Do you just lounge? Go for a breed that doesn't require long walks, such as a malteze. Inbetween? Breeds like greyhounds might fit.

Backyard breeders

Buying a Dog: Common Errors

If you don't know about backyard breeding and puppy mills, don't even bother visiting a breeder.

Backyard breeders are breeders that have no interest in protecting and keeping a breed healthy, they don't make sure dogs are healthy, they have multiple dog breeds etc. Nowadays, breeders have become slyer than ever. Don't take a puppy home if a breeder

-owns multiple litters or breeds at once. (Meaning breeds they actually breed with)

-doesn't test the parents on ilnesses BEFORE breeding

-doesn't keep the puppies in a homely environment, meaning in their living room or kitchen area for example.

-if the mother dog has an excessive amount of puppies. A pomeranian having more than 3 or 4 pups? Not realistic.

-it isn't clean, you're offered a puppy straight away instead of sitting on a couch and talking about your living circumstances etc. Good breeders want to know where their pups end up.

-the puppy costs 500 or less. A pedigree is expensive. That's just how it is. If you want to have a certain breed, be prepared to pay as much as 3000 dollars just for the dog. Can't afford it? Check your local shelter, they often have pedigree dogs.

They get a dog without thinking it through

every year, thousands of dogs end up in shelters, purely because people didn't think before getting a dog. Dogs cost money, time and effort. They can't be alone for too long, they have to be walked and fed and so on.

*I mostly discuss getting a breed rather than a shelter dog here. That is because in my country, there aren't as many shelter dogs. (About 1000 total, yes, really.) I realise this isn't the case in many countries, and I definitely recommend checking shelters, especially if you are a first time owner, because they will help and guide you so you know the dog you end up with is a perfect match.

Buying a Dog: Common Errors
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