How do you help people understand that adopting is better then breeding/buying?

Question

Some people seem so set on this. It's frustrating working in shelters, and seeing dogs come and go. Their are an estimated 400 million stray dogs alone in this world (not to mention cats, and other animals). Why are people so fixated on breeding, buying from pet stores, or back yard breeders? There are dogs of all ages, puppies to adults, mixed to pure breeds. But instead at Christmas everyone goes and buys a puppy. Not to mention the shelters that are overwhelmed with 8 month dogs in spring. There are shelters everywhere that are good, some are pounds and put the dogs to sleep after 72 hours. What does it take to get through to people? Dogs arn't fashion accessories and they arn't disposable!!! Does anyone feel this way too? How do I get people who ask or say that adopting is bad and taking on another dogs "problem" to understand?

I don't know what adopting regulations at humane societies near you are like, but be warned that their are people who repeatedly adopt and kill dogs for various uses including hunting, and testing. Just know that "crazy animal rights people" while crazy, are usualy well intentioned.

Answer 1

I was a breeder and exhibitor of purebred dogs. My dogs were in conformation, obedience and herding trials. As a breeder, I thoroughly knew the breed I was working with, my puppies were sold only to approved homes, on contracts and I knew where each and every one of them was. If a puppy, for whatever reason, didn't work out in the home it was in, I took it back.

I love purebreds for many reasons, chiefly that I like to be able to do things with my dogs in various competitions. It's a recreation and much more.

I am in no way responsible for the amazingly large amount of idiots who breed their dogs - mutts or pet quality pure breds, and flood shelters with unwanted dogs. Therefore, I see no reason why I should have someone else's problem dog, a dog I would have no interest in.

The ignorant and uneducated people who shouldn't even be allowed to own a dog, never mind breed them, are NOT going to dictate to me what kind of dog I'm going to have!

Answer 2

It is a matter of choice and you will not ever get all people to understand. Although you may not like it a lot of people do not want a dog that has problems and not only that but where I live the shelters here make it near impossible to adopt a dog. I know because I tried and they would not let me adopt a dog because according to them I was not a good choice for a home because my youngest child was 7 and I was out of the house for 5 hrs a day ( the dog was a golden/ shepherd mix 11wks and I owned my own home with a large fenced yard and I have owned dogs my whole life). I bought one and honestly because I have kids I would not have adopted a full grown dog because I know it could have problems and realistically You can not keep kids away from the dog at all times when you can not supervise. It is sad so many dogs are put to sleep but unfortunantly we live in a throw away society and until ppl stop getting animals because of some fad and realize that pets are for life this is just going to be a reality.

Answer 3

I feel the same way. It is very frustrating, and there are limited things you can do. But helping at a shelter and educating as many people as you can will help. My sister in law bought a dachshund from a backyard breeder, then decided that since she was a pure bred she wanted to breed her with her neighbors dachshund. When she told me of the idea i started to educate her. I told her that she should save breeding for the experts. And i reminded her of all the animals in the rescues, and that those puppies could also end up there. She decided to spay her dog. Just by educated as many people as you can will help. Those people can then pass along the information to others, and so on. It is so hard to get people to understand that just because they own a purebred, it doesn't mean the HAVE to breed it. I know it is frustrating, and there will forever be more and more dogs coming into shelters from irresponsible owners. Just do the best you can.

Answer 4

For Tyke...that's dumb saying "if somebody wants a cheap,no-known-background,alre... "ruined" dawg,there are certainly MILLIONS to choose from at every pound." I think animals that come from shelters are the best kind of dog you can have. People who really honestly love their pets don't care what background they came from or how much their pet costs. Which means for someone who is always going around talking about people who shouldn't have pets you sure are the one to talk. But back to the answer. I agree with you. I am SO SICK of people not spaying/neutering their animals and then breeding them for money purposes or just because they feel their animal has to be bred. There are so many animals that need homes...and it's so frustrating to not be able to do anything about it...so I guess the best thing is to educate people. I think there should be tougher laws though....in order to keep people from abusing animals and in order to keep bad people from owning animals. I agree with you....some people think people who are into animal rights are crazy...but we're not...we just understand and appreciate God's creatures.

MJ- I understand what you mean about doing something about the "appreciation" and just to let you know...I am a volunteer for the humane society. Around where I live that really is the only place to volunteer for animal aid...and I have no doubt about their cause. I know where the money goes...and all they get...I can see the direct results in the animals. So I don't have to do any research on them. I don't think you meant to be mean and I hope you understand I'm not being mean either.

Answer 5

Adopting is better for most people because they are simply getting a companion. Most dogs that are adopted can fit this purpose. Additionally, if they want a 'pure bred' they can also check into pure bred rescues who help find homes for pure bred dogs who don't have a home (it isn't only mixed breeds who don't have enough homes to go around).
When people talk about breeding I ask them why they are breeding. most people think that because they have a 'registered' dog that they should breed or they do it to make money. I explain to them all the reasons why you should not breed and the reasons why you should breed and let them know the real cost of breeding a quality dog. Sadly, the biggest offenders around my area are people who have dogs that let them roam, no neutering and the puppies just keep coming. Those people need to be educated that to own a dog means that you owe it a duty to take care of it and that includes spaying or neutering.

Answer 6

Its a tough question. I will share with you that I tend to buy because the adoption process is so lengthy-and sometimes a bit off putting. I don't mind having someone visit my home, in fact, I think that's a good idea....but having to list every pet I ever had and what happened to it is kind of tedious and intrusive.

If I had a long history of "accidents" with animals or something like that, it would be different-but I have had two indoor cats (neutered) get outside and disappear-and I am a decent owner-sometimes things just happen. Having to explain that and live through that again and again in order to adopt is just too much, so I opt to find a reputable breeder.

Try adopting a chihuahua-because they are so easily exploited and popular you are subjected to almost a criminal background check. Even though I understand why, I don't really want some well meaning but rabid activitist going over my personal life.

Answer 7

i have a dog from a breeder and soon i gonna adopt one from a shelter .
I gonna explain why i have a dog from a breeder . But first i wanna say . I will not breed with my dog because i think for breeding you need to have the time and the knowledge about genetic and lot's more. Ok
I wanted to have a socialised and healthy Bulldog . this breed is a difficult breed and i want to make sure (as sure i can ) that my dog was raised good , comes from an healthy bloodline and was not from a backyard breeder or a petshop. I saved money for almost a year to get my " dreamdog ". also i conntaced the Breeder of the Bulldogs that i liked (from the pedigrees ) She dont have many litters )and she put me on her waiting list .My doggie was expensive (1800 Euros = around 2100 $ )Now my doggie is 1,5 years and she is just a sunshine and she is healthy and a very good girl.So this was for me but we have soon more space and then i gonna adopt one also .
My Bulldog is moving with me /us from Germany to USA and she is worth every € or $ and her breeder did a great job .

But you are also right in your way ...and as i saied i gonna adopt one (that get's along with rox ) to do something good .

I also dislike ppl that uses pets like "throw away " stuff. And i can't understand that a lot of ppl which bought a registerd dog think they must breed with them .

excuse my lausy english ...i am from germany

Answer 8

I suppose I burn up each spare ounce of tolerance and endurance in this web site. I actually consider this web site must be an open discussion board, accordingly all people has a proper to mention their reality right here. As an AP, I peculiarly have extra tolerance for adoptees perspectives, reviews and sure even those who I might remember bad and now not very optimistic (in my view). Because I can't aid continually pondering whilst I learn anything on right here from an adoptee, even though it relatively makes my blood boil, that if that used to be my youngster expressing their perspectives even if it's conveyed in a sour and irritated procedure - that I might pay attention it doesn't matter what and permit them to have their vent. I consider Mama Kate, there may be plenty of harm in the back of a few of the ones irritated phrases. It honestly makes me suppose sorry for that individual as an alternative than irritated.

Answer 9

How am I trying to get through to people? By having 3 great pets (2 dogs and a cat) that I got from shelters, and have worked with to be great, well-trained companions. There's an old saying that you can buy a dog, but you can't buy the wag of his tail. No pure-bred or designer dog can compare with my mutts taking their place on a picnic blanket with my daughters for a tea party!

Answer 10

"Just know that "crazy animal rights people" while crazy, are usualy well intentioned."

Only if you agree that ending ALL pet ownership means good intentions. Most of the funds they raise are used to lobby for more anti-dog laws to further their no more pets agenda. *I* don't agree with it, I LOVE my dogs and my life would be pretty darn empty if I were no longer allowed to have them.

The shelter problem is partly from owner retention. It is also because people are too stupid or lazy to manage their animals and allow them to roam the streets and make their own breeding decisions. I know many breeders, and it isn't either their pups, or mine, that are in the shelters.

I don't think adopting is bad, I have friends that have done that, as well as had a couple of rescues myself. But it is not the breeders fault, it is the idiots allowing their mutts to be bred by the neighbors Lab, I do not consider them breeders.


Laurel - " I agree with you....some people think people who are into animal rights are crazy...but we're not...we just understand and appreciate God's creatures."

Yep, "appreciated" from a distance (direct AR quote). Not in a home, not on your couch, and not in a nice green pasture. You need to be aware of the agenda and true nature of the groups you are affiliated with, click on my links below.