Responsible dog breeders?

Question

I am taking lessons on how to train assestance dogs for the handicaped.

My question is how do I find a responsible breeder? I want to find Golden Retrivers, German Shepherds and Labs?

Are there any other breed that would make good assestence dogs?

I know not to buy off the internet or newspapers. I want to know the puppy I buy to train was tooken care of at the breeders home.

How do I find breed rescues?

Answer 1

ok now that you have all the answers you need,

i want to say God Bless you for what you do, you are an angel to these pets, and handicapped!!

Answer 2

1. Check out your local shelters. There are sooo many dogs in need of good homes that would make excellent service dogs.

2. You can also check out the parent club websites of the breeds you are interested in. They always have information on the rescue organization for the particular breed.

3. Go to dog shows and talk to breeders there. Meet some of the dogs and see which breeds have the personality you are looking for in your service dogs.

Answer 3

Pure breds are not the only dogs suitable to be trained as ASSISTANCE (service) dogs. There are many shelters and rescue groups that can provide you with a suitable dog that has been well TAKEN care of at the foster home. But, if you insist on a pure bred, then contact someplace like Assistance Dogs America or even the AKC and get their input. Also, you should check out http://www.wolfpacks.com/serviced.htm A great website with lots of info. FYI - LOTS of service dogs come from animal shelters. There are so many great dogs out there just waiting to be found!

Answer 4

Hello, I am in the process of finding a stud to breed my Dogue de Bordeaux. They are a therapeutic breed and could be used for the handicapped, the best thing about them is they NEVER forget what they are taught. I would suggest however buying a female.

A good reputable breeder will most likely have a well organized website and openly show their breeding stock pedigree. I like breeders who have lots of open acres, and who have been breeding the dog for more than 5 years. Overall just use your best judgement.

Answer 5

Hi, I would suggest contacting an assistance dog organization and asking them what types of dogs they use for various things. I used to run a pet rescue organization and my husband used to be on the board of directors of an assistance dog program (Hearing and Service Dog Program of Minnesota) and I know that they can use various dogs, depending on what function they need the dog to perform for the individual person. Call them and ask where they get their dogs - I know some come from animal control facilities (pounds), some come from breeders, etc.

Do a search on the Internet for assistance dog organizations, call them or email them. Ask a lot of questions.

Breed rescues are on the internet too - check www.petfinder.com and also search for dog rescue organizations.

There are a lot of awesome pets out there - not just purebreds and not just from breeders. I know you can go that route (if you do, go visit the breeders facility, see it all to ensure they are not a puppy mill (see www.bestfriends.org or www.animalarkshelter.org for more info on puppy mills and bad breeders) - but I also want to let you know that pets from dog rescue organizations, humane societies, and shelters can also make excellent assistance dogs. And, these types of organizations get not only mixed breed dogs, but also purebreds. I think your cause is noble, so go for it!

Answer 6

You need this dog from a very young age, so shelters or petfinder may not be ideal. The training is very intense, but well worth the effort. You should go to

http://www.inch.com/~dogs/service.html

It's a state by state list of established trainers and organizations that specialize in this area. They will assist you in any way they can. Thanks for caring about the disabled and trying to make a difference!

Answer 7

guide dogs of america is very strict about the types of dogs they train. these dogs have to go through a series of tests before they can be considered elligible for training as a guide dog. dogs that don't make the cut, might be good to practice with, but maybe you should see about volunteering or becoming an apprentice at one of these types of places. i know there is a Guide Dogs of America in Sylmar, California. go to guidedogsofamerica.org

Answer 8

I hate to say it, but look online. There are Rescue Groups for any breed. And there are many great dogs waiting.

Answer 9

Go to http://www.petfinder.com and type in the area and/or breed your looking for. They have all kinds of rescues and shelters..........If you want a reputable breeder, there are those that breed especially for that and will start your pup as well. Good Luck
PS. as for other breeds, a lot of different breeds are ok , it's the dog itself that has to have the temperament.

Answer 10

I found a good puppy adoption coordinator on the Internet. She has a pretty good website. ABuddy4U. It's on the website below.

Answer 11

go to the humane society or animal control. there are plenty of animals who could make wonderful assistance dogs, my neighbor has seizures and her dog looks like a cross between a basset and something else, this dog has saved her numerous times