Which dog should I get?

Question

My last two dogs were really sick all the time. My mom says that's because one (from the humane society) came from a bad home and another (from a pet shop) she thinks came from a puppy mill.

Now we're thinking about getting another dog, and she insists that we get one from a well known breeder so it doesn't get sick all the time. I, on the other hand, insist that we adopt a dog from the shelter or something.

What should we do?

Answer 1

You can try a breed rescue or adopting from a no-kill shelter. These dogs tend to be better socialized and tend to have better vet care.

http://www.petfinder.com

Answer 2

It's admirable that you want to rescue a dog. There are so many dogs, really good dogs, needing a good home like it sounds you have. However, you will never know the full background of such a dog.
My suggestion is to see if it is possible for you to spend some time with a shelter dog. Many shelters have an room or area where you can get to know the dog. They also have on-site vets that can give you an honest, but basic, estimation of their health.
If there is a dog you see at the shelter that you are seriously interested in (a real heart-melter, no doubt) you can take him to your own vet to have a thorough exam. If you do this before adoption, then you will have a clear picture of his health status.
If you decide to go the other route, buying a puppy from a home-breeder (not a puppy mill) is a good way. You'll be able to tell right away when you talk to a home breeder on the phone. They'll be the ones asking you all the questions to try and determine if your home and heart would be suitable for their precious pups.
I'm still in contact with the home breeder of my dog, and he's almost 4 years old now!
Good luck!

Answer 3

Get the dog from a reputable breeder who has tested the dogs for everything and taken good care of the mom and pups.Your mom has to pay the bills for the sick dogs, so she should have a say about where you get your next dog.

Your intentions are good and your heart is in the right place but there is nothing wrong with getting a pup from a reputable breeder so you can make sure it is healthy.

If you have your heart set on taking in a homeless dog, check with breeders for dogs that have been returned. Good breeders take dogs back when a family's circumstances change. You'll help a dog that is no longer a pup (and thus harder to place) and you'll know the dog's health background.

My pup's breeder has a perfectly wonderful four year old dog who was returned because of a family health crisis. The dog has obedience and agility titles and is simply wonderful, but her owner is terminal.

My breeder will keep the dog until she finds a good home for her If the dog had been available when I was looking for a pup I would have forgotten all about a puppy and snatched her up! Don't tell my dog LOL

Answer 4

Well, pet store dogs are always a problem. They're never properly socialized and 9 times out of 10 they're from a puppy mill. So I have to agree with your mom on that. Now, on the shelter thing... I'd have to disagree. Just because your dog came from a shelter does not mean it had anything to do with it being sick. It could have had to do with it's genetics or possibly the breed of dog. A lot of animals who come from shelters usually have minor problems, such as an URI (upper resp. infection) but rarely does it contribute to lifetime problems. I've gotten many of my pets from shelters and they're perfectly healthy, well-adjusted animals. I think you might have just had some bad luck with dogs so far and I wouldn't sign off from the shelter thing just yet. One option you might want to consider is asking a few of the veterinary clinics in your area if they know of any dogs who need a good home. My vet's office has a whole bulletin board in their waiting room that's dedicated to finding dogs and cats and even exotic pets good homes. It's worth a shot! Sometimes veterinarian offices even end up with a stray or two boarded there who need good homes. I got my Whippet that way. Good luck to you and looking for a new dog!

Answer 5

it is a good idea to go to a shelter that has a no-kill policy and you should completly check out the dog's background and ask people there how the dog acts. Maybe the shelter has a website you can go to and search around. I have had many dogs before and i have found that my favorite ones have been mutts! dogs that come from a breeder can be bratty and acustomed to eating habits that are hard to get the dog off of (such as raw hot dogs). I hope you find a good dog!

Answer 6

Rescue organizations are usually better than the local pound. Most of those dogs are in foster homes. Many of the problems you can get from a shelter dog comes from the overwhelmed and under staffed pound and it condition. Maybe if you volunteer at the local shelter you can help them care for the dogs and pick out a nice one for yourself.

Answer 7

1st off - HEY designer dog person - how do you know your dog doesn't have congenital problems if you just got it? Designer dogs come from breeding two purebred dogs together - hence you have the risk of inheriting those two breed of dogs potential common problems. They aren't always deformities that are obvious at birth.

You certainly can try a shelter, just research the breed of dog you think the one you are looking at comes from (common mixes seem to be Shepherds, pits, terrier types, and labs) Or try Petfinders and you can rescue a purebred dog - just research the type to know what the potential problems could be. Every breed (AND mix) has it's risks.

Answer 8

well I myself would get one from a shelter, they don't always get sick, just ask your mom if you could atleast go to the shelter and look, and then if you find some that you like ask some1 that works there if they could tell you what type of invierment it came from.....and if your mom still says no....well....at least you will have a dog!

Answer 9

People make fun of the new "designer dogs" but I just bought a Bichonpoo. Half Bichon Frise Half Poodle. I got her after a long arduous search I made sure she wasn't a puppy mill puppy. She is real healthy doesn't have pure bred deformities or congenital problems. Doesn't have socialization problems. She is real cute, real mellow and easily trainable. This is one of the smartest dogs I have ever owned. She has a health guarantee which you won't get from a shelter. The breeder pays for all her 1st year shots, exams and wormings.

Answer 10

I'm sorry about your other dogs.I think if you get your dog from a shelter that you should ask for any back ground info that is available if it is there.