Why?
Let’s explore why adding a dog to your home could be a great choice or a really poor choice that may end up breaking someone's heart. Over the years, some of the most common reasons people have decided to get a dog include:
Teaching children responsibility
Providing companionship
Enhancing personal and property security
Offering a chance to rescue a dog in need
While these reasons can be compelling specially when trying to decide between rescue vs breeder, it’s important to note that many decisions to get a dog are made out of compulsion rather than thoughtful consideration.
So how to find a dog that best qualifies for you?
Rescue vs Breeder
Rescue
Rescuing a dog is indeed a noble and compassionate act, but it’s important to approach it with careful consideration. Here’s a deeper dive into the questions and factors you should think about:
Competency as a Dog Handler:
Experience: Do you have experience with dogs, particularly with the behaviors or challenges that might come with a rescue dog? If not, are you willing to learn?
Training and Behavior Management: Rescue dogs may come with a variety of behavioral issues that need to be addressed. Are you familiar with basic dog training techniques, or are you prepared to seek professional help if needed?
Willingness to Seek Help:
Support Systems: Are you open to consulting with veterinarians, trainers, or behaviorists if the dog needs additional help? Recognizing when you need assistance and reaching out for it is crucial for the dog’s well-being and your own peace of mind.
Financial Capability:
Medical Costs: Dogs, especially those from shelters or rescues, might have pre-existing health issues or require vaccinations, spaying/neutering, or ongoing medications. Can you afford these expenses? Consider setting aside a budget for unexpected medical costs.
Understanding the Dog’s Background:
History and Needs: Dogs in shelters often have unknown or complex backgrounds. Are you prepared to deal with potential behavioral or health issues that may arise from their past experiences?
Compatibility: Consider whether the dog's temperament and needs align with your lifestyle. A dog’s background, such as being from an abusive situation or having been a stray, may require special care and patience.
Family Dynamics:
Impact on Household: How will a rescue dog affect your family dynamic? Are all family members on board with adopting a dog and ready to contribute to its care?
Time and Attention: Do you and your family have the time to devote to training, socializing, and caring for a new dog?
Assessing the Dog’s Suitability:
Mixed Breeds and Genetics: Mixed-breed dogs can have unpredictable traits and needs. Are you prepared for the possibility of dealing with unknown genetic predispositions or health issues?
Trial Periods and Adjustments: Many rescues allow for trial periods to see if the dog is a good fit. Are you ready to be flexible and adjust your expectations based on the dog’s behavior and needs?
By thoroughly considering these aspects, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision about rescuing a dog. It’s important to ensure that you can provide a stable, loving, and suitable environment for the dog, which in turn will help the rescue process be a successful and fulfilling experience for both you and the dog.
Breeder
This option is generally suited for someone who is seeking a specific breed, ideally for its intended purpose. What do I mean by that? Breeds are developed over many generations to enhance specific traits that are suited for particular tasks. Nowadays, this understanding is often overlooked or ignored due to the tendency to treat dogs like children. This mindset can be misguided. Unlike humans, the unique characteristics of dogs contribute to the strength of our bond with them. The tendency to humanize dogs, especially working breeds, has led to a dilution of their inherent abilities, resulting in dogs that may struggle to perform the tasks they were originally bred for.
To determine if this is the right path for you, thorough research is essential—really thorough research. I recommend joining a sport club or community where people own the breed you’re interested in. Gain a deep understanding of the breed, especially the distinctions between show lines and working lines. It's a common misconception that combining show lines with working lines will produce the best of both worlds, but in reality, this often leads to suboptimal results.
Avoid dogs with a BRN, or "Bullshit Registered Number." These are essentially mixed breeds with papers. Let me be clear: while it’s possible to find a good dog with a BRN, if you're investing in a well-bred dog, you should get what you’re paying for. I’d prefer a well-bred dog with average traits over a good mixed breed with questionable papers. When acquiring breeds like German Shepherds, Dobermans, Malinois, Rottweilers, Boxers, Giant Schnauzers, or the true American Pitbull (not the subpar backyard Bullies), you are essentially taking on a piece of history and should commit to preserving that legacy for future generations. A well-bred dog can reproduce effectively if its lineage has been carefully maintained.
Now that I’ve finished my rant, here are some useful tips for deciding where to get your dog:
European vs American
European does not necessarily mean better than American. Visit kennels to assess the consistency in appearance and family resemblance; if these are lacking, the genetics you’re interested in might be missing as well.
Find Help
Consult with a trainer who specializes in the type of dog you're considering.
Spend time observing litters, both collectively and individually. Look for healthy, confident, and happy puppies. Also, evaluate the parents to compare. If you’re searching for a guard dog, don’t dismiss puppies that are a bit solitary; they might be well-suited for working alone on your property. However, make sure you fully understand what makes a good guard dog before starting your search.
Should you use a Broker
Avoid brokers whenever possible. Most brokers are primarily motivated by their commission. While some may have good contacts or access to quality dogs, they often prioritize preferred customers and inflate prices significantly.
Research
Facebook groups can provide valuable insights into the breed and reveal potential issues and/or reputable sources. They often highlight common scams and unreliable sellers.
Separate your trainers and your breeders. Many people now days want to be experts in everything instead of finding their niche and sticking to it. Talk training with trainers and breeding with a competent breeder.
Find a Competent Breeder
Seek out breeders who focus on preserving the breed and its inherent traits, rather than those attempting to recreate or modify it.
Ask plenty of questions—good breeders are usually eager to talk about dogs. Inquire about their breeding philosophy and the techniques they use, such as line breeding, outcrossing, or inbreeding.
Remember, breeders are eager to place puppies as keeping them longer incurs additional costs for their care. Don’t let breeders rush or persuade you with tactics like claiming high interest from others. Take your time to make an informed decision.
In summary, finding the right dog involves careful and thorough research. Once you’ve put in the effort, you may discover the true joy of having man’s best friend. The good news is that PupNinja is here to help. We can guide you through the process of selecting the dog that best matches your needs and wants.
