My dog won't quit barking!!!?

bccrupert

He is a 6 month old golden retreiver pup, and he constantly barks in his kennel!!! We have tried the blanket over the crate trick, putting him in a quiet area, giving him a new and special toy for when he is in there.....nothing works!!! I have a single level house, and anywhere we put him, he would be close to our childrens rooms! He barks throughout the night and constantly wakes them up. If I move him out into our living room, I can't yell at him when he starts barking (we've tried ignoring him...doesnt work either!). I am trying to avoid the shock/bark collar because I was warned to (by a vet and people that have had experience with them) and really hate the thought of doing this to him!

He came from a bad home...not bad in the sense of abuse, but bad in the fact that he had no boundaries where he went to the bathroom, in the house, in the yard, where ever, he lived with so many other dogs, and he basically lived in an open room with chicken wire separating him and other puppy litters. So I am sure this may have something to do with all this.

I need some kind of answer to this problem. I have to sleep at night and so do my children!!! I dont want to get rid of him because he is good otherwise. We tried changing his kennel to a bigger size, thinking he may have been crammed in this one, but that had no change in the behavior. Any suggestions would be welcome!!! Please no smart comments or dumb remarks....dont really need them!!
He has been with us for 4 months now. He is in my room with me, and he cant really be out in a room yet as he still has accidents.

Answer
Is there anything you have tried to make him stop barking?
It sounds like your dog most likely has issues with fear and seperation anxiety.
Because he didnt have a great upbringing, and was around other dogs and people constantly (sounds like he was from a puppy mill or similar- and these do make for dogs with behavioural issues) he is most likely anxious and scared when left outside by himself all night.
If he was kept in a house all his life, he may be uncomfortable being outside at all, and he is all alone in the dark- it is pretty nerve-racking for a young pup!
If you can- move him into the house for a night to see whether his behaviour calms down.
A good idea would be to get a crate to keep him in your room at night- he should be much more settled if he has access to you.
He may complain about being in the crate to begin with, but you can train him to be calm and happy when in the crate over time- there is heaps of info on the internet about crate training dogs.
If you cant have him in your room- even allowing him into the home- the laundry, or the bathroom where he can cause minimal damage, may help him to calm down.

Try giving him a puppy toy that has a tocking clock inside it- the clock sounds like a heart beat, and can help calm stressed dogs out.
Putting the radio or TV on at a low level can help him feel as if he is not alone.
Inside the home, you can try out DAP (dog appeasing pheromone)- it comes in an air diffuser and can be good to help calm some anxious dogs down- it emits the hormone found in lactating dogs, so may be just the thing for a stressed out dog.

The reality is that this is not going to be an easy problem to fix- but it certainly should be achievable- the dog is still young and the problem should not be too deeply ingrained, but it is going to take a bit of work and patience.

I highly recommend starting the dog in Obedience training to strengthen your bond and leadership with your pup, and to help him develop social skills, confidence and independence which will greatly assist his confidence when he is at home.

Once your dog is more confident with you as his leader, and he is more settled and confident at home, the chances of him wanting to constantly bark will reduce.

There is heaps of fantastic information on helping dogs with seperation anxiety avaliable in books, DVDs, on the internet, and with your local dog trainers and obedience clubs.
It is probably not going to be quick and easy, and it is possible that you may have to consider re-homing the dog, or actually leaving him at a training facility for a few weeks to get some help to increade his confidence and reduce his stress and anxiety.
Good luck with him, I hope you can help him out and find a solution as soon as you can!

Uncontrollable dog.. oh, boy.?

Q. I am going INSANE!
I am a huge animal lover, so this may come across as harsh but I have the worst dog in the world.
She is a Labrador x Rich-back x Bull-terrier, dark brown with a long black stripe down the back of her head to her tail. And I love her to bits, and she is a rescue dog, but oh, my God.

She's fourteen months and we found her on a farm with her leg caught under a tractor. We got her about two months ago and of course I was excited - then!
She is amazingly cute but I am going out of my mind. She NEVER listens. She was obviously untrained because whatever you say just goes over her head - and it's infuriating!

She licks you which is sweet - but, thanks dog, it's not that I don't love you, but I don't need you to lick me so much I feel like a pancake! Yes, we do discipline her, but it does NOT work. She jumps on bed, chews EVERYTHING and yeah, she's still a puppy but she has got me up the walls, to the extent where I actually have to sleep at my friend's houses to escape her - it's like she's taking over my house! I have another dog, a Chihuahua, and Sage [the 'baddddddddddddd' dog] and whenever I call my Chihuahua, Sage attacks her! I say 'thank God' because my dad is a vet and can treat them if they ever get hurt, but I am SICK AND TIRED of this!

I sometimes wish we hadn't got her - but that's harsh.
I sometimes wish we had found her another home - it's too late now.
I sometimes wish we had just put her out of her misery when she was injured - but we didn't, and I am glad.


Basically, I am asking if anyone has any tips for me.
[NOT looking for crits.]

Will choose best answer. And I do not need people saying 'OhmyGod, another idiot' or something.
Just need a few tips for controlling her.

*Yes, we walk her twice a day and we have a huge garden. I ride horses and take her with me, so she always has plenty exercise. We feed her wet kibble and dry kibble mixed, twice a day [morning, night] and she has plenty of water available. She also has plenty of toys, but thinks that my shoes, pillows, clothes [!!!!!!!] etc are better.

Answer
Labs are very high energy dogs, and unlike another breed (Border Collie) they need a consistent owner to train that high energy. Find a good training instructor, your local kennel club maybe, and you should be able to work through this. Hopefully you have somewhere to put the dog when you are completely worn out with the energy level he has. It's not too late to train him to use a crate, and at 14 months it's a wonderful learning time for him. He needs to learn to focus that energy on "good" things, and the best way to do that is to take him to a training class. Fun for him and fun for you too.
If things get too bad and you can't find a class, don't be embarrassed to re-home him. Not everyone can handle this kind of high energy dog......nothing to be ashamed of.

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Wanting a dog....first timer?

jayne2

Hi, this is my first time getting a dog and my mom is crazy about dog hair on the furniture etc. and dog odour. So i was wandering which breeds don't produce odour, don't shed, and is medium to large sized (so i can go jogging).

Thanks!

Answer
Eeny, meeny, miney, moeâ¦choosing the right dog for you

Getting a new dog is one of the greatest joys in the world. Make this great time even better by knowing exactly what kind of dog will complement your familyâs lifestyle.

Before you get a dog, you will want to make sure to discuss with your family who will have the primary responsibility of taking care of and training the dog. You will want to find a good veterinarian close by, and you will want to consider the cost of keeping a dog. You will also want to make sure to have supplies such as bowls, a bed, a crate, leash , collar, and toys prior to your new dog coming home.

Also before you get your new dog, you will want to consider different breeds and their compatibility to your lifestyle. Large dogs are generally not for apartment dwellers or the elderly. Small dogs are not for people who want to be active with their dogs. Temperament is another thing to consider. You will also want to decide if you want a puppy or an older dog. Certain breeds have inherent health problems like eye problems or hip dysplasia, so you will want to take all of that into consideration before choosing a breed.

If you decide to get a purebred puppy, there are resources to help you find a reputable breeder. Your local kennel club has access to area breeders that specialize in certain breeds. If you are looking for an older dog, this can also be a good resource as many breeders may have adult dogs available as well. Your veterinarian can be a great resource as well as oftentimes they have assisted area breeders.

If you are planning on hunting with your dog, you may want to consider one of the sporting breeds. The most popular of the sporting group are the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. Both are relatively easy to train and are good with children. You will want to have a more active lifestyle and ideally a fenced in yard if you are looking for a dog of this nature.

Many people prefer dogs from the AKCâs working group. Breeds that belong to this group include the Rottweiler, the Siberian Husky, the Akita, the Bullmastiff, and the Giant Schnauzer. Generally, these dogs require an experienced owner who can firmly establish leadership. Many of the dogs of the working group have thick undercoats and shed a lot, so you will want to consider if this is something you want to deal with. You also want to make sure you choose a dog in this category from a reputable breeder as hip dysplasia is common in these breeds.

Toy dogs are very popular today as you see many celebrities toting around their adorable little dogs. But donât let the size fool you. Oftentimes, these cute little dogs have big personalities. Dogs in this group include the Pug, the Shih Tzu, the Pomeranian, and the Maltese. These small dogs still require training and a fair amount of exercise, but may be a better choice for apartment dwellers and people with older children.

If you have a farm and work livestock, you may want to consider one of the dogs in the herding group. These dogs include the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd, the German Shepherd, and the Shetland Sheepdog. The Border Collie is a very intelligent dog that requires a lot of exercise, both physical and mental. If you want to spend a lot of active time with a dog, you might choose a dog like this.

You may be interested in considering a mixed breed dog. These dogs can be wonderful family companions, as much so as purebred dogs.

Due to the large population of dogs, many people are interested in adopting a dog. Talk to your local humane society or breed rescue organization for assistance with adoption.

The most important thing to do when choosing a dog is to take your time and get to know many different breeds of dog. Talk to pet store personnel, groomers, breeders, and your veterinary staff for assistance. Make sure to consider all aspects of dog care and you can ensure a happy time for your new dog and family.

Here are 2 quizzes to help narrow down a breed:
http://www.pedigree.com/community/selectadog/default.asp?breadcrumbOverride=%2FdogsAndPuppies%2Fselectadog%2Easp&style=dogsAndPuppies

And

http://www.petnet.com.au/selectapet/dogselectapet.html

thinking of buying dog from kennel?

wazir

i am thinking of buying a german shepherd from brittians gentle giants but not sure cause i am afraid of being riped off do not tell me to adopt cause the last time i did the dog attacked my son!!!!

Answer
I don't care WHAT their kennel name is - as soon as you quoted "gentle giants" I knew that they are NOT actually breeding GSDs. And note - there are no "german shepherds" - the breed developed to herd sheep in the German boundary patrolling way has a real name that translates as German Shepherd Dog - 3 words, so 3 capital letters needed.

GSDs are NOT "giants" - they are just-above-medium size. They have to be both agile & strong to perform their work, and so there is a narrow size range, one set long ago by professional shepherds.
The ABSOLUTE LIMITS of size for GSDs are:
Bit.ch: 54-61 cm & 22-32 kg (21¼-24 inches & 48½-70½ lbs)
.Dog_: 59-66 cm & 30-40 kg (23¼-26 inches & 66-88 lbs)
Height is measured to the withers vertically above the elbow.
For a First Class GSD the height range is even narrower:
Bit.ch: 55-60 cm (21â to 23¾ inches)
.Dog_: 60-65 cm (23¾-25½ inches)

I repeat: a MAXIMUM of 24 inches for a bit.ch, 26 inches for a dog. NO "giants".

In addition, there is a range of requirements for a dog or a bit.ch to prove/pass/gain before it is deemed breed-worthy. You will find them by clicking: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_GSD_Source/links/Defining_a_GSD_001261993982/
Most pooches registered as "GSDs" in North America would NOT pass those requirements. Certainly no lumbering "giant" would.

BTW - the original GSD is shown middle left on http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Sable_GSDs - he measured between 24 and 24½ inches, and was considered a BIG dog back then.

As [bh1011] pointed out, it is probable that you are not suitable to own any dog. Here are my first set of requirements of anyone who wants to buy a pup from me:
⢠Has a door opening straight into a yard fenced to not just keep their pet home, but to also keep stray dogs & stray brats OUT.
⢠Has a plan for where Pup will sleep that does NOT involve a shut crate.
⢠Will bring Pup home at 7-9 weeks old and will be home 24/7 for at least the first week they have Pup, giving Pup 100% concentration.
⢠Can feed pup 3 times a day, not more than 8 hours apart.
⢠Will attend weekly training club classes (NOT pet-shop play-groups) starting when Pup is 18-22 weeks old, send me their first graduation certificate, and stay until pup is at least 1 year old.
I'm happy to explain the background to each requirement, if you ask in my e-group.

Folk who fail even one of those don't get visited (to check their truthfulness), don't get to see my litter.

If you fit all 5, then:
â¢1⢠Add http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_GSD_Source to your browser's Bookmarks or Favorites so that you can easily look up such as feeding, vaccinations, worming, clubs, weights, teething, neutering, disorders, genetics.
If you actually Join it you can also access its Files and download Choosing_A_GSD.doc that has lots of scales to help you work out which breeder and which litter to buy from, and whether a rescued dog will meet your needs.
â¢2⢠Join some of the 400+ YahooGroups dedicated to various aspects of living with them, and ask heaps. Each group's Home page tells you which aspects they like to discuss, and how active they are. Unlike YA, they are set up so that you can have an ongoing discussion with follow-up questions for clarification. Most allow you to include photos in your messages.

We had an 8 month and a 14 month bit.ch when our son was born, back in 1970. He was NEVER in danger from any of our GSDs - not even the dam of the pups he sat on (he was pretending to be their mother, but I made sure he never repeated that act!) But when he was old enough to bring friends to play, our dogs were inside with us or shut in their pens, so that they wouldn't mistake noisy-boy play for violence so attack the friend to protect Gordon.
Les P, owner of GSD_Friendly: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/GSD_Friendly
"In GSDs" as of 1967

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How to handle female/female dog dominance issues?

Q. We have a siberian husky female dog (about a year old). We recently purchased her 3 year old mother from the breeder. We've been slowly introducing them.

During a walk, they are perfectly fine unless they are face to face. Then the mom shows dominance (deep growl).

When they are in the house they are fine. The mom is still new to our home so she has found safety in the kennel. When the younger dog approaches the kennel the mom growls. We haven't allowed both unleashed in the home yet. It just doesn't seem appropriate yet. The younger dog shys away from mom's territories (her crate, her walking path, etc.).

Establishing the dominant dog is tricky since we've had the daughter longer & the mom is fairly new (one day in our home).

Both my fiance and I are strong leaders & are experienced with dogs (just not two female dogs).

What is the best way to handle this new hierarchy?

Answer
First you should not allow one dog to be dominant over another dog in the household. period. YOU need to be the dominant one and establish guidelines for what behavior is acceptable and what is not. The dogs are lower ranking pack members that are all on an equal plane.

Second, this is a tricky situation because both dogs are related. You will have more aggression between siblings and parent/offspring then with any other combination of breed and unrelated dog. This is becuase it is not natural for dogs that closely related to live together in a pack, as inbreeding would weaken them. In the wild, once the puppies are weaned, the alpha dog begins to push them out from the pack so they can start their own. Huskies are a breed with a strong, natural instinct, so this may take some experienced handling skills to overcome.

Growling should never be allowed. period. I have three dogs and NONE of them are allowed to show dominance or "ugly" behavior towards eachother.

It is hard to give advice because I'm not sure what you are doing to establish routine, structure, and discipline when they do a behavior that is not allowed.

This is how i integrade foster dogs into my home, or how I work with others who have dog on dog issues.

1. PACK WALK is SO essential to the mental and physicall needs of your dogs. "Dogs who walk together, lay together". Pack Walking is a working walk with you walking both dogs (must be in heal position, no pulling or lagging) together. Minimum 45 minutes, I'd walk longer with Huskies. Do not allow the dogs to stop and sniff anything. This is a bonding process that drives home the point that you are leader, they are the followers, yet the three of you walk as one...pack.

2. Feeding time. Teach both dogs to Sit and Wait for their food. Place dishes for the dogs while in Sit. and do not allow them to eat until you give the OK command. This is another strong point that drives home the fact that YOU are dominant, top dog who supplies the food and decides when it is acceptable to eat.

3. Doorways. Never allow the dogs to forge ahead of you through a narrow opening. This is disrespect in dog language. Leaders always pass through first. Teach them to sit and wait when the front door is open (8 feet back from door) and that they are not allowed to cross the doorway until they are invited. This is telling the dogs that you have ownership over the house and walks. They will respect you for it.

When you are the leader your dogs will work to please you and want to. When the boundries and expectations are clear, you will have very little growling and other behavioral issues. I would not allow the mother dog to growl while in her crate. She is possessing ownership over the crate and claming it as her own. YOU need be the owner of the crate that you share with a lower ranking pack member. If she growls in the crate I'd remove the crate completely and take them for a pack walk. This will make their bond as dogs stronger and they'll be less likely to act out towards eachother.

Good Luck! Contact an AKC training club in your area and get those Huskies involved in something! (obedience, agility, rally, weight pull ,etc)

How much did you payed for your dog/s?

Radoom von

If you have a dog, or dogs, that you acquired from a reputable breeder or ... anywhere else--Just wanna see how much did you spent for your dog. Gonna buy a Doberman and a Great Dane, my favorite breeds, and both are at least 1000-3000 â¬... money which I do not have.

Answer
The purchase price is only the beginning. I hope you are looking a breeders that are member of breed clubs like Great Dane Club of America and health test their dogs. Even health testing doesn't guarantee against other health problems that pop up. Bloat is very common. It's over 2000 for surgery.

Dane pups do not need 4 series of puppy vaccinations. Way to many for their system. Over vaccination can cause some serious health problems. Please do some research.

This is probably more info then you wanted. :)

The Estimated Cost Of Adopting A Great Dane
by Renee Broden

Here is a cost sheet that I made up for puppy buyers and rescue adopters.

Of course you can improvise on some things and not spend as much on certain items, but it gives you a good idea. Remember everything is at a much larger scale then a small dog. Some items can be purchased at garage & yard sales.

Some things listed may be more or less in certain areas. I wrote this a few years ago, so I'm sure some things are more expensive today.

Of course people are not going to run out and buy everything on the list. It just gives you an idea of how much things add up for owning a big dog. Please do your homework.

How much will a Great Dane Puppy Cost?
Basic Cost to Buy a puppy Show Potential Puppy...$850 to $2,500 some are even $5000.

Companion Pup..... $500 to $1,200 Rescue - usually adult......$250-500. Some harl pets are up to 2000 that come
from champion lines.

*note: prices vary according to region, color, kennel, gender, age,etc......

Cost of shipping a puppy if out of state using Delta Cargo for a 6month old in a 700 series kennel. NY to CA $900. Smaller Kennels can be shipped counter to counter for less then $200 one way. Pets must have a least one parvo vaccine and must have a Health Certificate and exam before Flying. Check your airlines regulations. Not all airlines ship pets.

Vet Costs:
Pet Ins........30+ a month. Will save you some money on Vaccinations, exams, x-rays & emergencies.
Heartworm pills .....$90
Puppy checkups and vaccines ....$100
Fecal test to test for parasites worm prescription from the vet.......
Worming paste from the local feed store (Safeguard)...$6.50
Tapeworm shot ......
Routine vet care - average ..$250
Advantage Flea and Tick control......
Spay/neuter ................$200+
Cropping (if not paid by breeder)..............$250 and up
Bloat Surgery........$1200+

Puppy Training:

Baby Gate............ $40
Collars, at least 2 will cost.... $25
Six foot leash ......$15
Crate (Size 700#) ...$134
Big dog wire crate 37 wide x 54 deep x 45 high.......$239.95
Crate Pad (for 700#)....... $50
ID tag...............$ 4
Dog license (pet=15 intact=40)....$15
Nature's Miracle, stain remover........$17.95 gallon
Obedience Classes ........$250
Handling Classes $5 for each class (daily cost)
Pooper scooper......... $18
Anti-chew spray -Bitter Apple.......$4.99
Rolled up newspaper...... 50 cents.
Smack yourself with it when your puppy piddles on the floor. You were NOT watching!

Puppy Feeding Supplies:
Dog Bowls (2)....... $30
Raised double bowl holder......$20 or use plant stands 9+
Premium adult dog food ($2.00 per day)
Innova dog cost about $32+ for a large bag.
Eagle Pack dog food $20-35
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid or ester) 500mg...100 TAB $6.95
Glucosamine Liquid, powder or Capsules 500mg
MSM 500mg

Grooming Supplies:
Nail Grinder, Dremmel ...$60
Nail clippers..... $10.00 for large dog
Shampoos and bathing supplies .......$40
Super Groom Message petting tool......$7.00
Brushes......... $5-10
Tooth Brush.............. 2.95
Tooth Paste...........3.95
Extras Toys (4 toys) .........$40+++
Large Raw beef bones from the Butcher......2.00
Fencing............ $500-1000++
Books about great Danes.....$20each
Boarding 2 weeks minimum.............$280 (usually around $10-$12 a day.)
Cleaning Rent rug shampooer twice a year ......$500
Cleaning supplies......$75

Ear Taping Supplies :
2 People & 2 glasses of wine! Trust me you're gonna need it! :o)
Foam Backer rod -(Insulation for pipes) From Home Depot or Masonry stores.
Tape-Zonas Tape or Elastikon Tape by Johnson and Johnson. 1- 1 1/2inch...............1.89
Sharp and Bandage scissors
Skin Bond- Helps everything stick to the ear better.
Medi-Sol - Adhesive Remover. Goo Gone works as well. Helps to remove
tape and Skin Bond easier. 4 OZ. $11.95
Alcohol-To clean pups ears inside and out. Cotton Balls and Q-tips- Use with Alcohol to clean ears.
Astringent Ear powder-If your puppies ears are wet inside. Helps reduce ear odor. This is good for uncropped ears as well.

Misc.
Treats............$100
Bedding for Dane size.....$30-90
You will need more then 4 toys ....$200
Chewed up reading glasses ....$200
A Suburban/Excursion to transport Danes ...........$45,000 (or other large vehicle)
New landscaping...........$2,500+++
New Furniture after the old ones get chewed up
Remote controls & Game controllers.
Eye glasses.
Leather designer shoes & purses.
New Carpet
Carpenter work, replacing chewed up decks and wood around the house.
Paint.

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Where are a few pet stores that sell puppies in wayne nj?

dog crates kennel club image

Bridgitte

My mom wont let me get another dog. But I want another dog because i think my dog needs a play mate. So I want to go to a pet store look at puppies.

Answer
The DISadvantages of pet shops

Pet shops acquire their puppies from breeders who don't test their dogs for health problems. You can't look at a pet shop puppy (or any puppy, for that matter) and say, "Well, he looks healthy!" and think that that's the end of it! The health problems I'm talking about are inherited on genes. If your puppy has inherited those genes, these health problems WILL show up eventually, long after you've brought the puppy home.

There are health tests that can determine, with 100% accuracy, whether a puppy has inherited certain serious health problems. There are other health tests that can't say for sure, but can predict the risk. Responsible breeders do these tests. Breeders who sell to pet stores don't.

Pet shop puppies are frequently inbred. Most pet shops don't even have a copy of their puppies' pedigrees for you to look at. Instead, they mail it to you AFTER you've bought the puppy. And you receive only 3 or 4 generations, not nearly enough to evaluate inbreeding.

Pet shop puppies may have "sham" registration papers and pedigrees. More and more pet shops are avoiding the stricter documentation requirements of the AKC and registering their puppies with an "alternative" registry like the Continental Kennel Club, APR, APRI, NKC, and others. Now, the AKC definitely has its problems with people falsifying registration papers and pedigrees, but the alternative registries are even worse. If a puppy has registration papers from any of these registries, I wouldn't believe that the parents listed on the papers are necessarily the true parents, that the ancestors listed on the pedigree are the true ancestors, or that the puppy is even purebred.

Dog with bad temperamentYou can't see the puppy's parents. This is a BIG negative because the parents' genes can have so much influence on how your puppy turns out. If you can't see the parents, how can you tell whether they might have passed on genes for unhealthy structure, bad teeth, or a bad temperament? Virtually ALL puppies look normal and healthy and are friendly and playful. But as the puppies mature, the genes they inherited WILL begin to assert themselves, and that's when all the problems will start!

You can't see where the puppies were raised. Another BIG negative. The majority of pet shop puppies are raised in small wire-bottomed cages in outbuildings. They've never seen the inside of a house. Many of them don't even know how to drink water from a bowl because they've been drinking from hamster bottles since they were born.

Many pet shop puppies are hyperactive and noisy. Raised in a small cage, they haven't been able to run and play and explore like normal puppies, so they've developed frenetic habits like running in small circles and excessive barking.

Many pet shop puppies are nippy. Some were removed from their mother before 7 weeks of age. You'll remember that puppies need a full seven weeks with their mother so she can teach them "bite inhibition". If they haven't learned this lesson, their nippiness will be hard to correct.

Other pet shop puppies have learned to nip from all the people who take them out of their cages and play wrestling games with them. This encourages the puppy to growl and nip and mouth people's hands -- bad lessons that can be hard to correct.

Housebreaking is difficult in petshop puppiesMost pet shop puppies are hard to housebreak. Where does a pet shop puppy go the bathroom? Right there in his cage. It's hard to take such a puppy home and teach him NOT to go to the bathroom in his crate or bed when that's what he's been trained to do!

Pet shop puppies often come with illnesses. You bring the puppy home and a few days later he develops a cough, or diarrhea, or vomiting, or listlessness, or he starts scratching or losing hair.... this happens over and over with pet shop puppies. Kennel cough, parvovirus, coronavirus, giardia, coccidia, mange, ringworm -- these illnesses are commonly found in commercial breeding kennels and pet stores.

Pet shops often overload their puppies with vaccinations and chemicals. Because the puppies are exposed to so many illnesses, pet stores often overdo the vaccines, dewormers, and chemical baths and dips. Overloading the poor puppy's immune system like this is very damaging for his long-term health.

Finally, a major disadvantage of acquiring a pet shop puppy is . . .

You're supporting a bad industry. When you pay money for a pet shop puppy, you're encouraging the industry to keep doing what it's doing.

You've emptied one cage, yes -- which creates demand for another puppy to be born to fill that cage. Even if YOU are lucky and YOUR puppy turns out "okay", a large percentage of the others will not, and YOU helped provide the incentive for them to be born by buying the one who came before them.
So what seems like a simple, isolated purchase actually contributes to:

* The misery of female dogs who spend their lives in a cage, being bred again and again so people will have a "quick and convenient" source from which to buy.
* The misery of future puppies born with health and temperament problems.
* The misery of families who will buy these puppies and then struggle to cope with all the health and temperament problems.
* The misery of animal rescue groups who have to deal with all the pet shop puppies dumped on their doorstep when frustrated families give up on the health and temperament problems.

When you buy one of those cute puppies in the pet shop, you buy more than the puppy. You buy the budding physical, behavioral, and health problems created by the bad genes passed on by untested parents whom you never get to see or evaluate. And you feed a profit-hungry industry that's doing a lot of harm to innocent creatures.

why does my Daddy Dog like to play or even be close to his babies?

PrettyNPin

Mom plays with the babies all the time, But my dog which happens to be the daddy absolutely hates being around his baby. We are keeping one of his pups and we are currently crate and house training her. But if she even come close to him he runs and hides...We would like them to start bonding seeing as they will be with eachother for quite awhile...Thanks any help is greatly appreciated!

Answer
This is normal. Males generally don't bond with the puppies like the mothers do.

I think some more research on breeding needs to be done before you breed again, as this is common knowledge among reputable breeders. Get a breeding mentor with the kennel club you are registered with, and take all of their advice, as they are well experienced and can tell you what you need to do to be a reputable breeder.

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How do I know if they are a Puppy Mill or not?

dog crates kennel club image

Brennan R

My family and I are trying to find a good dog breeder. We've found some close by, but don't know if they are a puppy mill or not. How would we find that out or find a good breeder?

Answer
First, youi likely won't be invited to look at a puppy mill. They sell through pet shops. You are looking to avoid back yard breeders.

Google the name of the breed + club to find the national breed club. Then find the nearest local club. Breeders who are members of breed clubs are generally checked out pretty carefully. Then go and see the facility. They will likely be in a kennel situation, so here are some things to look for: is it clean, are the kennels (not a cage or crate but a long kennel) roomy enough to the puppies can run and play, do the dogs look healthy and well cared for, is the mother dog friendly and will she let you handle the puppies.

Things to ask: Do they offer a health guarantee, will they take back the dog if you are not able to keep it and is that in their contract, do they health test their breeding stock?

If any of the answers are "no" look elsewhere.

What do you need for a new dog and whats the cost?

hihihihihi

I'm getting a new dog(my first one) and i wanna know what I need and how much it costs.Thx in advance

Answer
New Puppy Checklist:
Collar/Leash
Crate
Food
Treat (one kind for now)
ID Tag
Food Bowl
Water Bowl
Carpet Cleaner
Books (General Breed, Training, etc)
Toys

You'll also need a vet check within the week (preferably that day or the following day of getting the dog.) Just to make sure the dog doesn't have worms, fleas, and to set up a shot schedule.

A ballpark amount for all supplies: $200
A ballpark amount for vet check: $200
(Based on what i spent for my dog.)

Monthly fees will always be there - food, flea/tick prevention, heart worm prevention: about $150 depending on size of dog. You can also buy in bulk.
Emergency fees - illness or injury - can always arise, so please make sure you have some money saved up. I've heard of fees being as low as $400 and as high as $5,000 or more depending on what was needed testing and treatment wise.
Grooming fees are dependent on the dog. I pay about $60 for my dog to be trimmed every four-five months. Short haired dogs need less.

May also want to look into joining a group training session at your local kennel club - they're great for socialization and you get tips from a professional on training and any possible behavior issues.

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How do I know if they are a Puppy Mill or not?

dog crates kennel club image

Brennan R

My family and I are trying to find a good dog breeder. We've found some close by, but don't know if they are a puppy mill or not. How would we find that out or find a good breeder?

Answer
First, youi likely won't be invited to look at a puppy mill. They sell through pet shops. You are looking to avoid back yard breeders.

Google the name of the breed + club to find the national breed club. Then find the nearest local club. Breeders who are members of breed clubs are generally checked out pretty carefully. Then go and see the facility. They will likely be in a kennel situation, so here are some things to look for: is it clean, are the kennels (not a cage or crate but a long kennel) roomy enough to the puppies can run and play, do the dogs look healthy and well cared for, is the mother dog friendly and will she let you handle the puppies.

Things to ask: Do they offer a health guarantee, will they take back the dog if you are not able to keep it and is that in their contract, do they health test their breeding stock?

If any of the answers are "no" look elsewhere.

What do you need for a new dog and whats the cost?

hihihihihi

I'm getting a new dog(my first one) and i wanna know what I need and how much it costs.Thx in advance

Answer
New Puppy Checklist:
Collar/Leash
Crate
Food
Treat (one kind for now)
ID Tag
Food Bowl
Water Bowl
Carpet Cleaner
Books (General Breed, Training, etc)
Toys

You'll also need a vet check within the week (preferably that day or the following day of getting the dog.) Just to make sure the dog doesn't have worms, fleas, and to set up a shot schedule.

A ballpark amount for all supplies: $200
A ballpark amount for vet check: $200
(Based on what i spent for my dog.)

Monthly fees will always be there - food, flea/tick prevention, heart worm prevention: about $150 depending on size of dog. You can also buy in bulk.
Emergency fees - illness or injury - can always arise, so please make sure you have some money saved up. I've heard of fees being as low as $400 and as high as $5,000 or more depending on what was needed testing and treatment wise.
Grooming fees are dependent on the dog. I pay about $60 for my dog to be trimmed every four-five months. Short haired dogs need less.

May also want to look into joining a group training session at your local kennel club - they're great for socialization and you get tips from a professional on training and any possible behavior issues.

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why does my Daddy Dog like to play or even be close to his babies?

dog crates kennel club image

PrettyNPin

Mom plays with the babies all the time, But my dog which happens to be the daddy absolutely hates being around his baby. We are keeping one of his pups and we are currently crate and house training her. But if she even come close to him he runs and hides...We would like them to start bonding seeing as they will be with eachother for quite awhile...Thanks any help is greatly appreciated!

Answer
This is normal. Males generally don't bond with the puppies like the mothers do.

I think some more research on breeding needs to be done before you breed again, as this is common knowledge among reputable breeders. Get a breeding mentor with the kennel club you are registered with, and take all of their advice, as they are well experienced and can tell you what you need to do to be a reputable breeder.

how do i convince my parents to let me buy a pet dog?

manic_chil

they just dont like dogs but i love them.what do i do?

Answer
Unfortunately, it's your parents' house, your parents' money and your parents' rules - until you have a job and get out on your own. Ask them to let you get an easier pet to start and show them that you can take care of that properly. Maybe they'd let you get a rabbit or a guinea pig - they're not as much fun as a dog, but they're easy to keep, live in a cage, don't have to be walked or trained. You could volunteer at a local shelter - many of them love to have kids that can help walk, feed and socialize the puppies.

Dogs require a lot of time, energy and money to take care of properly. If the dog isn't properly trained, it can chew up your house and your stuff. If it's not housebroken, it can ruin your floors and your furniture. Your parents may assume that you'll get bored with the dog when you start playing sports and dating and go away to college. You can't keep a dog in a dorm or in most apartments. They don't want to be stuck taking care of a dog for 12 years if you can't handle it.

A good pup can cost $1000 or more. Even "free" dogs cost money to take care of. A crate, books and supplies can cost up to $300. Puppy shots are $200, then $100 a year for boosters. Annual Heartworm test and preventative medication $100. Professional trainer $600 and up. Going on vacation? Boarding kennel $40/day. Spaying? $250. If you can't afford to pay for a good dog, maybe you can't afford to maintain one either?

BEFORE you get any dog you should read some great books on training. (Try not to pick books randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also!) These are some of my favorites and you can get them on Amazon.com
What All Good Dogs Should Know - Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan
Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.

If they ever say yes, find a good breeder by going to www.akc.org or talking to people at dog shows. You can also find info about the breed clubs on the akc site - they probably have a rescue group where you can get an older dog for less money. The best breeders will be members of their breed club, promoting healthy dogs with great temperaments. They should ask you a bunch of questions to make sure their puppy will be getting a good home. If all a "breeder" seems to care about is whether your check will clear, you can be sure he won't care a week later when the pup is dying from distemper or parvo and you want your money back.

Whatever you do, DON'T go to a pet shop, a flea market or buy one sight-unseen off the Internet!!!! You'll pay top dollar for what is usually a poor quality puppy mill dog. And you'll be supporting one of the cruelest industries in the country. The breeding animals are often kept in deplorable conditions - spending their entire lives in small wire-bottomed cages. They probably haven't been vaccinated against contagious diseases or tested for any health or temperament problems or genetic diseases - that costs money and cuts into their profits. A female is often bred every time she comes into heat. When her poor little body can't take it any more, she is often clubbed in the head and tossed into a dumpster or an open ditch. Most puppy mills ship their pups to pet stores at wholesale prices and many pups die before they even get there.

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