In This Chapter
- Exploring possible places to find your new dog
- Buying long distance
- Rescuing a secondhand dog
- Getting an older dog from a breeder
- Understanding the importance of a puppy’s early environment
- Timing your purchase of a new puppy
- Taking in a stray
You can find love in three places: right in front of your eyes, farther afield but within driving distance, or on the other side of the world. The natural starting point is to look within your reach, but that isn’t always the best place, nor is it always successful. With some research, perseverance, and patience, you’re sure to find the perfect dog.
Don’t close your mind to
long-distance buying, because it can be worth the effort. When you’re adding
another member to your family, you need to pick
carefully. Don’t let a little inconvenience keep you from getting the
right dog. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time, energy, and money on
her in the years to come. This chapter introduces you to several means of and
places for finding your new dog, as well as other issues to consider as you’re
looking for the perfect dog.
Searching at Shows
If you decide that you want a
purebred registered dog, attending a dog show is a good idea. Watch the
prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show, which is telecast annually in
February, to see an overview of all AKC breeds. One (or more) is sure to appeal
to you. Shows offer classes for all recognized breeds, plus breeds that are
working toward recognition. Magazines and local clubs furnish information on
dates and sites of shows.
Plan to spend a full day to
observe several breeds. Catalogs are available, providing owner information and
schedules for each breed. Watch the breeds you’re considering both in and out
of the rings, and study behavior and personality. Talk to fanciers and mention
your interest in the breed.
Talking with exhibitors
Warning!
When exhibitors are finished showing and able to relax, they’re pleased to talk about their dogs and willing to answer your questions. Asking just before they walk into the ring, while they’re nervously concentrating on their three minutes in the limelight (especially if you muss up the strategically placed hairs of their dog), is liable to invite a snap — from the handler!
Tip
When you have a chance to talk to exhibitors, remember that most of them are breeders. Be prepared for a rosy picture — they’re enchanted with their chosen breeds. But they are truly a wealth of information. If you really want to know whether a particular breed sheds or can run a marathon with you, ask.
Benefiting from their experience
Show breeders usually have
dedicated themselves to one or two breeds. Their knowledge is helpful, so you
can gain from their experiences instead of having to get answers by guess and
by golly. Check out the AKC’s Web site at www.akc.org to find breeders in your
area (plus a whole lot of other useful information). Let your fingers do the
searching!
Although show breeders enjoy
showing their dogs, most of their puppies are sold as companions, for a couple
reasons. First, more people are seeking pets than show dogs. Second, even the
best-bred litter usually has a few puppies that will do better as pets than as
show-ring stars. But most of all, breeders want loving homes for all their
puppies, whether they’re pets or show prospects.
Checking Out the Club Scene
Many of the people who belong to
dog clubs are breeders. National (often called parent clubs), regional, and
local kennel clubs offer additional search avenues in your quest for a new dog.
Some clubs are limited to a single breed and are known as specialty clubs.
Others are all-breed clubs (also local). Similar group clubs serve breeds
within groups, such as all terriers or all sighthounds. And to add further
confusion, all-breed clubs rarely have all possible breeds represented within
their respective memberships; they just play host to shows that are open to all
breeds, unlike specialty clubs, which sponsor shows for only one breed.
Tip
If you want to see a lot of one breed, attend a specialty show. If you want to see a few dogs of several breeds, go to an all-breed show.
Regardless of appellation or
location, almost anyone active in a dog club can refer you to breeders — if
they don’t happen to breed the kind of dog you want, they’ll likely be able to
refer you to someone who does. Networking counts here!
And don’t forget obedience clubs
and other performance event organizations. People who love dogs know scads of
other people who love and breed dogs — dogs of a feather pack together.
Tip
Clubs may be listed in the phone book, but many have only small treasuries and, therefore, don’t have phones. Extend your search through a veterinarian or the Better Business Bureau, or ask someone you know who has attended a training class.
Researching Off- and Online
Most people think of starting
their search with the local newspaper. You can easily find popular breeds in
the classifieds. As in any other source, advertisers can be either reputable,
knowledgeable breeders or riffraff. Breeders also advertise in dog magazines.
You can probably find several on your local newsstand: AKC Gazette, Dog
Fancy, Dog World, Dogs USA, and Puppies USA. You can search the
Internet for other titles. Few, if any, newspapers or magazines require
credentials, so it’s up to you, the buyer, to determine where to buy your dog.
When you’ve settled on one or two
breeds, read everything you can find on them (especially books on individual
breeds) to gather various viewpoints. Concentrating on chapters that cover
character can help you see whether a
If you’re even
semi-computer-savvy, a world of information is right at your fingertips. If
you’re not a whiz, a friend or a librarian may take pity and help you do a
search and print a few pages. You can find information on almost every breed in
cyberspace. Many breeds have their own Web sites, as do individual breeders.
National and local clubs are listed as well and often feature breeder lists. To
expand your classifieds search regionally or nationally, don’t forget Craig’s
List (www.craigslist.org).
Nobody can guarantee that the
people listed on Web sites are the kind you want to have as birth parents of
your soon-to-be-adopted pup. Only you can do that by asking discerning
questions. The section on questions to ask a breeder (later in this chapter)
can help you get the information you need.
Bonding with a Breeder
No matter how you locate a
breeder — at a show, through a club, or over the Internet — buying a puppy from
a conscientious breeder is the best way to ensure that you will get the right
support and that your new addition will be healthy and happy. So how on earth
do you tell the difference between a good breeder and a bad one? Visit and
observe. Look for subtle as well as obvious signs of love and dedication. If
the place smells so bad that it brings tears to your eyes, leave. Go with your
gut feeling. Ask yourself whether you’d trust this person enough to buy a used
car from him. If you wouldn’t buy an inanimate object, how can you take a
chance on a living creature?
Recognizing a good breeder
When the breeder meets you at the
door wearing a sweatshirt that reads “Havanese Heaven” and dog-tag earrings,
you know she’s cuckoo about her breed. The 3-foot stack of dog magazines, the
shelves of books and bric-abrac, and the dog bowls nested beside the kitchen
sink are other obvious signs. You want a breeder to be crazy about her
dogs — it’s a good indication that she’d do anything and everything to ensure
their well-being.
You can discern more subtle signs
of devotion when the breeder speaks with enthusiasm about her breed. Still, she
should demonstrate that she understands your need to be realistic about any
drawbacks of the breed — size, grooming, shedding, or attraction to mud
puddles. Their idiosyncrasies may
But a good breeder is a valuable
source of information. She knows the history of the breed and what physical
problems occasionally occur. She’s likely to introduce you to the adults in her
household first so that you know what you’re in for. Puppies are always
adorable. A good breeder will
- Encourage you to train your pup.
- Suggest that you join a local dog club.
- Ask you to keep in touch.
- Offer instructions on feeding, vet care, and grooming.
- Give you spay/neuter requirements for a pet, or show and health documentation if you plan to breed your dog.
- Request that you notify her if you ever need to place your dog.
Notice whether the dogs look at
the breeder adoringly and whether she strokes them almost subconsciously when
talking to you. A physically sound dog’s eyes shine, the weight is good, and
the coat appears to be healthy (albeit a mite ragged, in the case of the
mother). By evaluating the dogs, you can tell what kind of care they’ve
received.
Breeders want their puppies to be
happy, and the best way to ensure that is for new owners to be happy, too.
Knowing what questions to ask a breeder
Don’t stop with just “How much?”
Although we all have to consider expense, money should not be the most
important consideration when choosing a dog. The dog’s health and the breeder’s
support and ethics should be high on your list of priorities. Ask these
questions:
- How long have you been involved with the breed?
- Why do you love this breed?
- Why do you breed dogs?
- How often do you breed? When do you expect your next litter?
- May I see the dam (mom) and photos of the sire (dad) and other relatives?
- Can I see where you raise the pups?
- What defects occur in this breed? Have you produced any of these? (If so, how many? A low percentage is good. Any breeder of more than two litters is bound to have had some problems.)
- Are the parents certified to be healthy? (Ask to see certifications.)
- Do you belong to any clubs? (Clubs often have codes of ethics.)
- Can I see the pedigree? (Look for titles within the first two generations — a sign of soundness and dedication.)
- Do you pick the puppy or do I? (He’ll want to match personalities.)
- What is the medical history of the pups? (Usually the pups will have had one or two inoculations, a fecal examination, and possible deworming.)
- What does the guarantee cover? (Ask to see the contract.)
- What is the average life span of the breed?
Families with children want to
ask whether the pups have been kid-proofed. Even childless people usually have
friends or family whose youngsters visit. And families with one or two
well-behaved children often have a half-dozen others running in and out the
door, sometimes not as quiet and mannerly. Pups need be exposed to household
noises, screeching kids, and wrestling mania if those sounds are to be part of
their future life.
Answering the breeder’s questions
A bad breeder doesn’t care what
you’re going to do with the dog, as long as your check clears. A good breeder
genuinely loves her pups and wants to make sure that they all have a good
lifelong home. Expect good breeders to ask you the following questions:
- What is your attraction to this breed?
- Have you thought about the pros and cons of owning a dog?
- Do you have children — if so, what ages?
- Have you owned dogs before? How did they die?
- Will this dog live inside? (Few breeders want to sell to someone who plans to tie a dog outside 24/7.)
- How do you plan to confine your dog? (The breeder will want you to have a fence or to walk the dog on leash.)
- Do you realize the expense of raising a dog?
- Do you understand that pet ownership is a commitment of many years?
- Will you contact me if anything ever occurs that means you must place the dog?
Now, are you ready to buy the
pup? Is this place the right one? Think, because this will be your final
answer.
Ironically, popularity often
sounds a breed’s death knell. Opportunists looking for a quick buck leap into
dog breeding to satisfy the desires of pet buyers. Without knowledge of
genetics and good breeding practices, the mass-produced misfits are plagued
with health and temperament problems. These junkyard dawgs are lost causes when
the wind changes direction. To avoid buying trouble, be sure to deal with a
reputable breeder.
Recognizing that breeding makes no cents
When you get a dog from a
reputable breeder, you can be confident that the dog’s best interest has always
been at heart. Most breeders breed dogs because they love them, not because
they’re trying to make a quick buck. An average litter of medium-sized dogs
produces about five or six pups. Many breeders plan a litter to keep one pup
for themselves and/or provide one for a previous buyer. That leaves four or
five for sale. Breeder expenses for raising a litter in a caring, nourishing,
and healthy environment include the following:
- Genetic testing for the dam
- Prebreeding tests for the dam
- Travel expenses or shipping to the sire
- Stud fees
- Puppy food and extra food for the dam
- Advertising
- Registrations
- Long-distance phone calls to prospective buyers (Many breeders also send photos or videos and educational material to prospects.)
- Pedigrees
- Initial exams and vaccinations for the pups
- Puppy-care packages to go home with the adoptive parents
- Replacement or refund guarantees
In/line/out: Breeding programs
Geneticists describe inbreeding as being
farther reaching than one generation, and outcrossing as breeding two
different breeds (such as Schnauzers and Beagles). But because you’ll be
dealing with breeders instead of scientists, we use the more familiar
breeders’ terms.
In breeder lingo, inbreeding means mating closely
related animals — in other words, sister to brother, mother to son, father to
daughter. The term linebreeding is used for litters produced with a
common ancestor (usually within the first three generations). To breeders, outcrossing
occurs when a pedigree (the family tree) contains no (or distant) common
ancestors.
Contrary to popular opinion, inbreeding of animals
is no more harmful than any other method of breeding them. Yes, any bad
traits can be doubled, but so can the good ones. The keys to success are
mating two animals without serious faults and choosing dogs who compensate
for each other’s less-than-perfect characteristics.
Many breeders employ linebreeding as their method
of choice, with judicious use of inbreeding and outcrossing when needed. For
instance, a kennel that has used linebreeding successfully for a number of
years may find that coat texture has become softer than desired and pigmentation
occasionally fades. The breeder looks for an unrelated (preferably linebred)
stud who is particularly strong in the characteristics the breeder’s stock is
lacking. The best progeny (offspring that exhibit the desired
attributes) from that litter eventually are bred back into the kennel’s line.
As a buyer, your charge is not to worry what method
was used, but rather to find a litter with healthy, sturdy parents and
grandparents. Those two generations have the greatest influence on the
puppies.
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Diggin’ That Doggie in the Window
Many pet stores have stopped
selling dogs and cats, preferring to deal with inanimate merchandise that
doesn’t require the care that live animals do. To encourage placements, some of
the largest chains conduct “adoption days,” when dogs from local shelters are
brought into the store. The wannabe pets are tidied up and often sport bandanas
around their necks to add to their appeal. Volunteers may teach the dogs basic
manners or maybe a few tricks, putting them through their repertoire for
visitors.
Identifying a conscientious pet store
A few pet stores, however,
continue to sell puppies that are obtained from various sources — either a
local owner who was unable to place the puppies
Warning!
Pet store prices are usually more than a breeder’s price, and the puppies are more often sick.
Getting the best from a pet store
If you decide to buy from a pet
store, be sure to ask the same questions you would if you were buying a pup
from a breeder (listed earlier in the chapter). Try to think with your mind
rather than your heart. Everyone’s first impulse is, “Aw, let’s buy him.” You
must do a few things before cuddling the pup, though (remember, cuddling is a
surefire sales gimmick):
- Ask to see the puppy’s registration form and health certifications for the parents.
- Check the guarantee.
- Obtain copies of all paperwork stating that the pup is in good health, has been checked for parasites, and has received his initial inoculations.
- Ask for the breeder’s contact information. Call the breeder to ask pertinent questions.
Puppy
Don’t buy a puppy that is younger than 8 weeks of age. For one thing, doing so is illegal in most states. For another, puppies need to be with their littermates to develop bite inhibition and social skills. Younger puppies have less control of their bowel and bladder functions and are more difficult to housetrain. Ask the pet store how long the puppy has been there. A pup may be 8 weeks old but was taken away from his mother and littermates two weeks before, which is problematic from the standpoint of social skills.
Warning!
If you buy a dog from a pet store, make a veterinary appointment ASAP — within 24 hours. Store refund or replacement policies are often in effect only within 24 to 48 hours of the purchase. Returning an ill puppy is not always easy emotionally, but don’t set yourself up for far greater heartbreak by taking a sickly pup under your wing.
Watching out for unchecked commercialism
Buyers want a puppy who’s been raised with love.
People who love their dogs raise them with kindness and the best care they
can give. It’s nearly impossible to give adequate care, let alone loving
attention, to 50 or more animals. Yet one commercial breeder boasts of
supplying semis full of puppies to stores — at a rate of 900 a week! If an
owner with 50 dogs spends 12 hours a day with his dogs, that still is only 14
minutes per dog, which isn’t enough.
You want to buy a dog from someone who understands
the breed and can help you with any questions or problems that may arise. You
want a puppy who’s been raised in clean conditions, not in crates or small
cages, sleeping among urine and excrement. You want a pup who knows that a
raised hand means it’s going to be kissed and cuddled, not smacked or poked.
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Adopting an Orphan
Some shelters have the same
rigorous requirements that breeders do. They may not place certain dogs in
homes with small children, or they may require a fenced yard. They want the
animal to have a second chance at a great home. Ask if you can bring other
family pets to the shelter for a preadoption visit to see whether the current
and future buddies tolerate each other. A few shelters require a 24-hour
waiting period to ensure that the adopter is not acting on a whim and is
sincere about wanting the animal.
Adoptive families need to ask
whether any history is known about the dog. Some dogs are surrendered by
previous owners. Reasons can vary from a move or divorce to a behavior that is
impossible for one family to tolerate yet is considered a bonus to another. If
the dog has been in the shelter for more than a few days (most strays are kept
long enough to be vet-checked and to allow the lost owner a chance to be
found), managers and employees will be able to provide you with helpful
information. They’ve probably observed whether the dog barks a lot or is
friendly, timid, or trained.
Most people want a dog who is friendly and calm, yet playful. Choose one who sparkles with good health. Most shelter dogs have something negative in their history, even dogs who were surrendered unwillingly because of the owner’s poor health or circumstances. A dog who appears unsure of herself in a shelter can bloom with confidence after a week or so of doting love and kindness. But one who is bouncing off the walls in unfamiliar surroundings usually requires someone who is at least as energetic and determined as the dog. Either can reward you with great joy if you choose with care.
Shelters have various adoption
fees and procedures. Fees are often $50 to $75, which may include a rebate when
the pet is spayed or neutered — they don’t want to place one animal only to
receive eight in its place. Some shelters participate in early spay/neuter
programs so that dogs are already altered (“fixed”) before they are adopted.
Others offer referrals to clinics that perform the surgery at a reduced fee.
The more responsible shelters follow up on adoptions, making sure that the dog
is altered and in a good home. Shelters occasionally have lists of local clubs
or breeders who are willing to provide you with tips about your breed.
Buying from Afar
How do you buy a puppy 1,000
miles away? It happens all the time. But if you cannot see the pups personally,
breeders should be willing to send you pictures of the parents and pups. With
today’s technology, they may send pictures and video over the Internet.
Trusting that the breeder has good ethics is especially important when buying
sight unseen.
Getting the ball rolling
Initial contacts come through
e-mail or phone calls. Once in a while, the courtship is conducted through
letters (although, frankly, the response to a letter is usually much slower and
sometimes nonexistent). Ask whether the breeder has a litter or plans one in
the near future. You’ll have dozens of questions to ask the breeder, and don’t
be surprised when you receive just as many. (See the sections on questions to
ask and answer earlier in this chapter.)
When you feel a connection with
this person you haven’t met, you’ll probably talk many times before Baby comes
bouncing into your home. Preliminary mailings usually include photos of the
sire and dam, their health clearances, pictures of past puppies, and
information about kennels. You may also get info about the breed and guidelines
on teaching manners, crate training, housetraining, and more.
Tip
While you’re waiting for a litter, or while you’re still trying to narrow your choices, ask the breeder to send photos or videos of the extended family and puppies as they grow. It’s sure to either help you make up your mind or endure the waiting period, depending on your situation.
Making travel plans
Many buyers are willing to drive
any distance within six to eight hours to avoid shipping. Beyond 500 miles,
unless you’re into long, long drives, your puppy likely will be shipped to you.
Flying to the breeder and bringing your puppy back as under-the-seat baggage is
the best way — unless, of course, you’re buying a Newfoundland, which would
have to travel in the cargo hold. Medium-sized or smaller breeds fit well.
Tip
Otherwise, the next best way to fly your puppy home is to have her marked “priority” or “counter-to-counter,” meaning she’ll be the last loaded into baggage and the first off. Make sure that you book a direct flight, even if you have to drive to a larger airport, so that your puppy doesn’t have to change planes. Breeders know all the best ways of handling transportation — consult them on the details. They want to ensure that their precious bundle of joy arrives safely in your hands.
Adopting a Rescue or Ricochet Dog
Maybe canine blue blood or
registry doesn’t mean anything to you. If that’s the case, many delightful dogs
are available through purebred rescue organizations and animal shelters, both
staffed with dedicated volunteers who do their darnedest to help canine
throwaways. Most rescue organizations focus on helping a breed of choice.
Animal shelters, on the other
hand, draw no such lines. Big/small, young/old, pure/mixed — they’re all the
same in their eyes: homeless dogs.
Dogs may end up homeless for many
reasons:
- Dogs are credited with helping their people to be healthier in mind and body. Unfortunately, it doesn’t mean a person will live forever, and sometimes an owner dies.
- Broken homes are a dismal part of today’s statistics, and when they occur, the pet can wind up with no home at all.
- People may become incapacitated and can no longer take care of a dog.
- A dog may accidentally escape and not be reclaimed.
- A move can mean that an owner cannot take an animal along.
101 unwanted Dalmatians
The popularity of the Dalmatian soared to great heights
following Disney’s feature films and then plunged to Titanic depths
when buyers found that these cute little spotted pups grew up and actually
behaved like real dogs rather than cartoons. Although the Dalmatian Club of
America strove mightily to warn people that no dog is appropriate for
everyone, many Dalmatian owners decided that their ship was coming in and
this was the time to set sail into Breeders’ Land.
Dalmatian pups sold like popcorn at the movies and
later were discarded like the empty boxes. Greasy cardboard is easily cleaned
up . . . not so for living creatures. Dalmatian rescue
agencies found themselves swamped with adolescent
Spots. You can check out some of these Dalmatians at www.thedca.org/rescue.html.
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Face it, people (especially
people who don’t read this book) make mistakes and form bad decisions about pet
ownership. Lifestyles change, and sometimes owners realize that, as much as
they love their dogs, their pets need more attention than they can give at
particular stages of their respective lives. So for all sorts of reasons, dogs
can become homeless.
Some buyers think that they want
to start with a puppy so they can mold his character and train him to be the
kind of dog they want to live with — or, at least, claim his bad habits as
their own creation. However, not everyone wants the “blessings” of puppyhood,
so they consider a recycled adult.
Elderly dog lovers often think
they’re no longer capable of training or keeping up with an energetic young
pup. Sometimes they also think restricting a young dog to a more sedate,
leisurely lifestyle isn’t fair. And occasionally, senior citizens fear their
dog will wind up an orphan if Father Time sounds the quitting whistle for them.
Thus, an elderly dog can be just the right soul mate for the winter of both
their lives.
However, not all homeless dogs
are adults — sometimes baskets of foundlings are left at the doorsteps of
shelters — although most surrendered dogs are at least several months old. The
saddest of all these victims of society are the older dogs, with their grayed
muzzles and bewildered eyes, not understanding why they’ve become canina non
grata.
The greatest numbers of homeless dogs are dogs reaching puberty, at approximately 1 year of age. At that age, the cuteness of puppyhood is starting to wear off and the novelty of dog ownership is becoming a chore. Longhaired dogs are at their worst coat stage, with mats forming by the minute. Hormones are surging in
those dogs who still are intact, and like human teenagers, they sometimes act
out their bodily urges and mental anguishes. But dogs can find themselves in
need of a home at virtually any age.
Rescues: Giving a Home to the Hopeless
Sadly, too many dogs find their
way to animal shelters and Humane Societies. However, networks of dedicated dog
lovers (some are breeders) do all they can to rescue as many of these hapless
pooches as possible and place them in new homes.
Most breeders love all dogs,
particularly their own chosen breeds. Breeders who are active in rescue check
out strays or dogs who have been surrendered at Humane Societies. Rescuers
examine them to determine whether the dog can be placed or whether she has
unsolvable mental or physical problems. Almost all national parent clubs
support rescue organizations for their breeds.
Rescue organizations don’t want
repeat offenders. They’d just as soon place the dogs in the right home to begin
with. They’ll ask as many questions as breeders and make certain emands on the
adopters. In fact, they may even be more particular because they know the dog
already has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or abandonment and they want to
avoid further trauma for the dog.
Rescue associations will conduct
follow-up visits and interviews to make sure that the dog (and you) are
adjusting to each other. Because they know the breed so well, they’ll be
available to give advice when you need it.
These organizations stay afloat
mainly through donations given by grateful adopting families and from club
members devoted to helping their breed. Rescuers are not paid for their efforts
and, in fact, often donate their expenses as well as their time.
Understanding how rescue systems work
A national coordinator solicits
help from club members or regional assistants (sometimes even calling upon
experts in other breeds) to identify the dog as a purebred. Foster homes are
found; healthcare is provided. Almost without exception, the dogs are spayed or
neutered if they are intact. They’re debugged and dewormed.
Some individuals — like Beardie
lovers — help out Neardies when possible. (A Neardie is a dog with a lot of
Beardie in him — he’s nearly a Beardie.)
During foster care, the dogs’
hungry tummies are filled with good food, and they’re also nourished mentally
with the love and attention they hunger for. They gain weight and regain
health. Matted dogs often must be shaved or shorn. It can be humorous to watch
a formerly filthy, dejected beastie strut in style after a session with a
groomer.
Tip
Want to “try on” a breed? Volunteer to foster a dog until a home can be found (or the dog becomes your permanent resident).
Foster families carefully observe
their charges for behavioral and temperament problems. Breed rescues operate on
a shoestring and can’t afford to be sued for placing a vicious animal. Nor do
the volunteers want anyone to be injured. But what one family can’t tolerate
may be exactly what another person is looking for. Matching the dog to the
family is of prime concern. Dogs who are too rowdy for young children or
elderly people often fit the bill for a family with teenagers. Timid dogs are
happy to curl up in the lap of a quiet adult.
When the dogs’ bodies and minds
are healed, the adoption process begins. Transportation can be provided,
through an “aboveground railroad,” shuttled by dog lovers across the country,
if need be, to a new home.
Recognizing who gets rescued
The lucky breeds have waiting
lists for rescues. With more populous breeds, however, dog lovers make
desperate efforts to save all they can, but knowing so many dogs’ lives are
lost is disheartening, even though those dogs have done nothing wrong except be
in the wrong place at the wrong time. Dedicated rescuers struggle on, saving
one dog at a time, as in the story about the little boy who saved one starfish
by placing it back in the ocean. He knew he couldn’t save them all, but he
could save that one.
Rescue organizations can be
located through the national clubs of the various breeds, which you can find by
contacting one of the registering bodies, such as the AKC or UKC. Several breed
rescues have Web sites that you can easily access by using your favorite
Internet search engine.
Rehoming Ricochet Dogs
Breeders want one thing above
all: a forever, loving home for each of their puppies. Sadly, it doesn’t always
work out that way. No matter how much effort a breeder puts into interviewing
buyers and finding the right homes, occasionally the unexpected happens.
Ricochet dogs are dogs
whom owners return to the breeder for whatever reason. Placing these ricochet
dogs in new homes is called rehoming. Conscientious breeders who love their
dogs always welcome their pups back — at any age — if they ever need to be
placed again. In fact, they usually stipulate this requirement in the sales
contract.
Breeders hate to make mistakes in
matchmaking, and they hate that the dog must adjust to returning to his
birthplace and again to a new (and, hopefully, permanent) home. But taking
these dogs back is one of the obligations breeders assume when they bring
puppies into the world.
A breeder generally hears the
words “I can’t keep him” with a sinking feeling in the abdominal pit. Yet no
matter how a responsible breeder has to shuffle other dogs or her own life, her
immediate response is, “Bring him back.” She sets another place at the table
and throws another burger on the barbie.
Ricochet dogs may be any age. If
they’re elderly, they usually join the pack in the home where they were born.
If they’re sickly, the breeder may have to bite the bullet and face the
difficult choice of euthanasia.
Most, however, are rehomed
through the breeder’s waiting list and rescue network — which have been
expanded and made even swifter by the Internet. Many breeds have electronic
lists that their breed lovers can subscribe to, and word passes quickly.
One advantage of obtaining a
ricochet dog from a breeder is being able to ascertain the health of the
parents and having access to health records. The breeder’s knowledge of the
dog’s ancestors also is helpful.
Owners and breeders need to
prepare for the unexpected and plan in advance for what-if scenarios. Never
collect or produce more dogs than you (or a relative or friend) can comfortably
house, at least temporarily.
Finding Restful Homes for Retirees
Breeders have busy lives. They
also usually have a menagerie of puppies, young show prospects, brood matrons,
stud dogs, and golden oldies. Sadly, Grams and Gramps may receive the least
attention, just because their needs aren’t as immediate. Old dogs usually fit
in well. They’re used to routines and often are content with snoozing on the
couch.
Because former stars of the show
ring and whelping box are less demanding, they’re fed, watered, vetted, and
petted, but they’re only one of the pack. Although heart-wrenching, some owners
think their oldies deserve individual attention and that placement in a one- or
two-pet home is better for the dog, so they’re willing to place them in new
homes.
Mixed breeds offer many charms
One advocate of mixed breeds says, “I want one of
these and one of these and one of those . . . and I think that’s why I end up
with mixes. That way you get them all, one way or another. I say that’s part
of the charm of a mixed breed: You don’t know exactly what you’re getting,
it’s unique, and you’ll never again have one just
like that.”
Many buyers have a breed or two or ten in mind. But
if you simply want a pet who will love you, you may find the perfect dog
waiting for you at a pound, shelter, or Humane Society. As many as 25 percent
of shelter inmates may be purebred, but the other 75 percent — mixes — need homes,
too. Just choose carefully. Dog lovers want to empty shelters, not fill them.
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Not all retired dogs are old.
Many are middle aged but have retired from a breeding program. Males can stand
at stud for several years, but females often are spayed after three or four
litters (at about the age of 5 or 6). Thus, most retirees are females.
Tip
Retirees can be great choices for people who are too busy to train puppies (or who’ve been there, done that, and don’t want to do it again). Many of these animals are former show dogs and thus are well-trained, outstanding examples of the breed.
Sorting through Shelter Stats
The world would be a perfect
place if everyone, human or canine, had a loving home. Sadly, until all
breeders carefully plan litters and judiciously place puppies, and all buyers
choose wisely, shelters will always overflow with unwanted dogs. While some of
these homeless dogs are purebreds, many others are mixed breeds.
Shelter statistics indicate that
adopters most often choose small or medium-sized, fluffy, purebred puppies. So
a larger, short-haired, mixed-breed adult has the least chance of being
adopted. Yet such a dog just may be the perfect one for you.
Some dogs are known to be half of
one breed and half of another. Others are so obviously indiscernible that
they’re called Heinz 57 because many varieties of dogs may be adding
their genes to the mix. If the ancestry is known, some guesstimate may point to
the instincts and proclivities of the individual. Maybe she’ll be a good
retriever like her Chessie mom and aristocratic like her Pekingese dad. Then
again, maybe she’ll just join you in the bathtub and under the hair dryer now
and then.
Considering Pup’s Early Environment
Puppy
When you’re trying to decide on a canine companion, consider not only his future with you, but also the environment of the dog’s puppyhood. When you can, watch how the breeder interacts with the litter. If the pups greet him with glee, eagerly welcoming pats and attention, they’ve been handled with love and are well socialized. Eyes sparkle with health and fur shines (though they may have just somersaulted through a puddle on the way to meet you).
Some owners tuck the whelping
box (where pups usually spend their first four to five weeks) in a corner
of a room. Not everyone, however, has space for this arrangement. The nursery
may have been in a simple unadorned kennel, basement, or garage, but it needs
to be clean, comfortable, and visited by people several times a day.
Puppy
Breeders can’t acclimate pups to every noise, creature, or contraption that they’ll meet in life. However, exposing pups to a loud radio, slamming doors, and a dropped pot now and then can alleviate future trauma. Baths, collars, car rides, and nail clipping need to be part of a pup’s background by the time he’s ready to depart the nest.
Tip
When searching for your pup, ask about health. Individual lines differ, but in most cases, health clearances are for the parents rather than the puppies. So don’t expect your pup to have certificates of health. A few tests, such as heart and juvenile cataract exams, can be conducted in puppyhood. Talk to a veterinarian about what to look for in your chosen breed. See the chapters in Book Dog Nutrition and Health for a lot more on health concerns.
Timing Your Adoption
Good breeders won’t permit a pup
to go home with a new owner on a child’s birthday or a major holiday,
particularly at Christmas — with rare exceptions (such as to homes with one or
two adults planning a quiet celebration in front of the fireplace). Holidays
are hectic enough, with parties to attend, visitors popping in, shopping to
finish, and popcorn to string. Pups are likely to be underfoot, putting an
extra demand on time. If you want to surprise the kids with a pup, plan ahead
by asking the breeder for a picture of the pup (or the parents). Wrap a bowl,
brush, leash and collar, and box of dog biscuits. Buy books about the breed,
training, and even puppy names.
Getting a dog from a neighbor or colleague
Neighbors, co-workers, and acquaintances whose
dogs have puppies can suddenly become your best friends. If the litter is unplanned
(except by the two guilty parties), the owners may be desperate to place the
little critters who eat and eliminate copious amounts of food. People who
give away pups for little or nothing aren’t motivated to invest a lot in
their care. Anyone can be a breeder — not everyone is a good breeder.
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Tip
Unfortunately, breeders can’t arrange litters during the prime times for buyers. Pups are born throughout the year (in fact, usually during the most inconvenient times). Begin your calls several months before you’re ready because finding the perfect pup often takes a few weeks or months. If you want a pup in the summer, start calling in the winter. Litters are often reserved before they’re born or shortly afterward.
When You’re the Matchmaker: Stray Dogs
Occasionally, you don’t choose
the dog; the dog chooses you. One morning you open the door and there, smiling
his way smack into your heart, is your new dog. Or you’re driving down the road
and run into (but not run over, as long as his guardian angels are watching out
for him) the saddest story in dogdom: a dog who has been abandoned and is
hopelessly searching every face in every car for his erstwhile loved one.
Remember
If you give your heart and your home to a stray, whether purebred or mongrel, you’re performing a good deed, serving as a lifesaver for the dog, who’d otherwise likely end up as a pound stat or roadkill. Adopting a foundling also is a good deed for society because your dog won’t be a canine criminal, chasing and destroying farm stock. The rescued foundling won’t bite-and-run, dirty the streets, strew garbage, or haplessly spawn more happenstance homeless canines.
Some homeless dogs are on the
streets through no fault of their own. Others are there because of behavior
problems or uncurbed instincts that urge them to Run! Chase! Bark! Their
previous owners hadn’t bothered to channel those instincts or found it
difficult to do so. Although most animals (again, like their human
counterparts) are on good behavior while settling in, once settled,
If you decide you cannot live
with a particular problem, take the dog to a shelter. Be truthful about the
particular bugaboo. If the person to whom the dog is surrendered has an idea of
what the annoying behavior is, placing the dog in a suitable home or retraining
it still may be possible. Don’t replay the abandonment story the dog has
already suffered once. The final chapter of that book always is a sad one.
Although taking in a stray dog is
the least expensive way to obtain a pet, it bears mentioning that because Fido
doesn’t come bearing medical records, he’ll need a complete work-up at the
vet’s office.
Whether the story has a happy
ending for you, however, only time will tell. When you’re unsure of the environmental
circumstances and genetic influences molding your dog’s temperament, you’re
groping in the dark, unable to see what’s ahead. If that’s what your heart
tells you to do and you’re prepared to face and conquer problems, bless you.
But if you think that taking in a stray is an inexpensive way to obtain a pet,
it does neither you nor the dog any good to rerun this scenario.
by Eve Adamson, Richard G. Beauchamp, Margaret H. Bonham, Stanley Coren, Miriam Fields-Babineau, Sarah Hodgson, Connie Isbell, Susan McCullough, Gina Spadafori, Jack and Wendy Volhard, Chris Walkowicz, M. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD
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