We're Buying from a Breeder

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Originally Posted by Crazy-Cat-Lover

Gee, I guess I should have kept my mouth shut. I have many reasons why I want a dog from a breeder.

1.) My local SPCA most likely WONT adopt a dog to me. I dont have a yard and I have a 2 year old daughter, according to the SPCA, most of their dogs wont tolerate small children. I did my practicum there, so I know how their adoption process works. I live in an apartment and the location doesnt help - the SPCA probably wouldnt adopt to me just because of that. They are more strict than any other shelter I have seen. Other rescues can be extremely strict, making adopting a dog harder than it seems.

2.) The avoidance of backyard breeders.

3.) My DH and I both want a Lab, we feel this is the best choice for our daughter. We already had a terrible experience with a Rottweiler, it scares the crap out of me - my daughter could be dead because I chose the wrong breed of dog for our lifestyle.

4.) Like I said, I feel that I CANNOT handle a dominant dog or aggressive dog.

5.) We are still keeping our eyes peeled at the shelters, but most labs are adopted VERY quickly.

There are people with purebred dogs, there are people with mixed breed dogs. Does it make me a bad person for wanting a purebred? I think not.

And it hasnt been a few weeks, it has been over 5 months that we have been looking.

:o

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To set it straight, I NEVER said anything against you buying from a breeder. NEVER. If you don't want opinions then quite possibly a message board isn't the place for you. People have the right to express their opinions anywhere, anytime.

I didn't mean literally a few weeks. It took us years to find Nala, the "perfect" puppy for our family. Not all dogs from shelters have problems with children or dominance/aggression issues. Nala is a Lab Mix shelter puppy, and she is one of the sweetest dogs I know and is very careful around children and has never lived with a child. But, when we have visiting children she is always making sure she doesn't run into them or knock them over.

You didn't ask for opinions but, again, I think I have the right to express them. I am very passionate about animals.

I may be reading it wrong but, it seems you are interested in getting a puppy rather than an adult dog. I think if you're worried about aggression/dominance/etc and you don't have a backyard - getting and adult would be the best route. Therefor you know what you're getting into with the dog and more than likely an adult dog would be happy without a fenced in yard, whereas I think a large breed puppy NEEDS a backyard. Generally rescues, shelters, etc have very good reasons for not adopting out a dog to a family without a yard. IMO, I think large breed breeders should consider that as well.

Again, this is just my opinion and I know you haven't asked for it. None of it was meant to be offensive but since you got a bit impetuous about my first post, please take a moment if you do the same with this one.


And to sweet little buttercup132, I DID read the whole post, thankyouverymuch.

I do agree with Kay and K9soul that the apartment situation with a young child and a puppy could cause some issues and that it really may be better off to have an older more settled down dog to start with but if you really have your mind set on a puppy then make sure you research really well, like it looks like you are doing. There will be issue and problems that arise from having a puppy that may not when getting an older dog but you are the bset one to gauge how you can handle those.

As to cataholic, there is a HUGE difference between irresponsible BYB breeders and responsible breeders who do health testing, conformation testing, and tempermanet testing on their dogs before breeding. I disagree with your opinion that all breeding should stop, if that was the case then only the irresponsible breeders would be left and sickly and poor representations of each breed are all that would exist. What needs to stop is indicriminant breeding of designer dogs and pets and the negligence of not spaying and nuetering. I will gladly support ANY responsible and ethical breeder who takes the time and money to do it right because I LOVE certain breds of dogs and thier characteristics and they would be bred out and disappear if the good breeders weren't supported. This is my opinion though, and thankfully we are allowed a difference of opinions=) Responsible breeders cannot be held accountable for all of those who aren't..they can only do their best to make sure THEIR dogs are as healthy and of sound mind and body as possible. They are not the cause of the overpopulation problem, most produce very few puppies, it's the mills and stupid people of the world that won't fix their pets that cause the problem, blame should be placed duly where it belongs. I do support rescues and those who do it and no kill shelters, I donate to several, but I also think GOOD breeders are necessary as well.

I have to admit I've never understood going after the responsible to fix problems created by the irresponsible. It's this same type of reasoning that's moved us towards banning breeds.

That said, with your situation, apartment, no yard/fence and a 2 year old, I think it's going to be extremely hard to get a responsible breeder to sell you one of their puppies, especially an active breed like Labs. I think you'd have to have proven experience with dogs and a rock solid plan to be able to talk your way into a puppy from a responsible breeder.

With Oz, I had to prove I had a fence and yard, before the breeder would even consider giving me one of her pups. I also went over with her how I was going to handle integrating him into the pack, since I was upfront with her about Maddie and Murph's dog aggression.

Responsible breeders are going to be discerning about who gets their dog. If they're not, major red flag that they're not responsible breeders.

I have to agree with K9soul, that you shouldn't rule out an adult Lab too.

Par...

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Generally rescues, shelters, etc have very good reasons for not adopting out a dog to a family without a yard

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I was kinda thinking that. Shelters aren't doing it to be mean they want the animals to be adopted out but they don't want them to end up back on the streets or have to save them from being neglected again. They do have there reasons and they are for the better of the animal. I think you should ask them what type of dog would be best for you. Oh and if Hubby dosen't like long haired dogs you can get them shaved....

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And to sweet little buttercup132

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You really think I'm sweet or were you just exagerating?

A good breeder will likely ask the same hard questions that the shelter will because they want to make sure their pups are going to good homes.

Many breed specific rescues have dogs that have come from breeders so you can find a nice, calm, adult non-mix.

:)

Either way, good luck finding a dog that will fit in with your family.

Sorry to say, a lot of breed rescues are not going to adopt to someone with a two year old child and no yard. Yes, part of the reason is that they don't want the dog returned or let go on the street and part of the reason is they do not want to be held responsible if someone should get hurt as a result of the dog's actions. It is going to be very difficult to find someone who is going to adopt a young dog to you in your situation.
Good luck on your search for the perfect addition to your family.

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Originally Posted by ramanth

A good breeder will likely ask the same hard questions that the shelter will because they want to make sure their pups are going to good homes.

Many breed specific rescues have dogs that have come from breeders so you can find a nice, calm, adult non-mix.

:)

Either way, good luck finding a dog that will fit in with your family.

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This is true. Actually in all reality, if a shelter and/or rescue won't place a dog because of the situation, finding a good breeder who will may be even harder. I hope things work out for the best but be prepared to be let down quite a bit in your quest and don't settle for a BYB dog because you want one as soon as you can, it could turn out really badly. You can also ask good reputable breeders if they have any adults they are trying to rehome. Many good breeders look for good homes for their females who are done producing as they can't keep all of them once they are done having puppies and they often have older dogs who didn't turn out or didn't like the show ring etc and are in need of good homes. You can find a really great dog that way, I did.

Thanks to everyone that had positive posts. This place is so negative, I actually would have been better off asking a bunch of strangers on the street. I will and always will be an animal lover. I love all animals, big and small. I have seen threads made here for people that are buying purebred dogs and they were never harrassed about not going to the shelter. Irresponsible people put those dogs in shelters not me - so I feel that I have the choice to choose a breeder. I have looked at all my options, there are NO Lab rescues in BC. None whatsoever. I never said no shelter would adopt to me, just the SPCA. I understand why, but they could be a little less strict.

This means that if I was interested in a dog, that fit in my lifestyle, but they wouldnt adopt to me bacause I dont have a yard - that dog would die. It is the SPCA's fault that alot of these dogs are euthanized. Some of them have been in shelters for years, they just wont adopt to just anyone. I shouldnt have to feel like a pile of crap because I am not a "perfect" dog owner. Shelters do more harm than good here in BC. When there are potential adopters, they overlook them because of small problems.

When I was at the SPCA doing my practicum, the vet actually said to me that if they saw my tattoo, they would see me as a whole different person. Why? Because I live in Surrey, BC. Yes, the place with the highest number of car thefts, an increasing amount of murders and lots of drugs. I live in a indesirable (to the shelters) place in Surrey. Many people that live in these apartments are irresponsible dog owners. That makes ME look like one, which I am not. The SPCA is always here, whether its to remove a negleted/abused animal or another reason.

Now, as for my daughter being so young... She is a very well behaved little girl and I can almost guarantee you that if you met her, you'd think she was older than she is. I am a good mother, I taught her how to be respectful early in life. She never does ANYTHING without asking me. She is smart and knows how to properly play with puppies - after all, her Auntie has a ACD/BC/Lab mix. She is not your typical 2 year old, she is the complete opposite. People are actually shocked when they find out shes only 2, because she is very well mannered and respectful.

Cats... I have three of them and they adore dogs. Whether its a calm, happy dog or an energetic puppy - they adore them.

Do any of you live in Surrey, BC? No, didnt think so. Do you know how our shelters work? Surrey is a harsh place, every second house has a pittie lunging at the fence, every young 16 year old kid is walking a Rotti. These are all for protection purposes. How can you judge someone you dont know? You have never met my daughter, seen my aparmtent, met my cats or my DH. You dont know enough about me to judge me. I know myself better than everyone and know that I am ready for a puppy. Not just because they're cute, but because I will be the one raising the puppy.

You cannot judge a dog in a shelter just by looking/petting him. Even taking the dog out for a walk or doing a trial period isnt enough. I dont want to end up with an adult dog that has "hidden" issues that will force me to return him. I would much rather raise a puppy and know exactly what goes into that dog. We have already agreed that the puppy with go through obedience training, Canine Good Neighbor (BC's version of Canine Good Citizen), agility and possibly therapy work.

I may not have a yard, but I have a wonderful, LARGE 2 bedroom, ground floor apartment. I would never let my dog run loose in a yard anyway. You know how many times my mom has had stray dogs in her yard? Not to mention the amount of coyotes in the city. Dogs should be inside with their owners, not locked up outside. I have a HUGE park one block from here that has a fenced off area I can let the dog run in. We are the city of parks, every where you go theres a park.

Labs are a good match for apartment living ANY DOG IS! Who cares if I dont have a 3 bedroom, 2000 square foot house on an acre of land. It wouldnt change how I treat my dog or how I love my dog. It makes no sense to me why people see an apartment as a bad place for a dog. What about some of you young kids? I know some of you are under 16. Do you think that when you move out you will be able to buy a house with no troubles? You to will have to rent and when you do, slap yourself in the head for telling me my apartment isnt good enough.

ccl People arn't trying to be negitive the concerns are genuine, it's not just the dog we worry about it's you and your child as well. Most of the responding folks have had years of working around dogs and people . They have seen a lot of the type of situation you are in and how most turned out. I'm not saying you will be one of those you most likely will be the exception . But we are just wanting you to really think out all the possiblities that can happen. I do hope you fond the best match for you.
I will most likely get it from others but a medium dog would be the best for you a Cocker sized Small enough for the apt and yet large enough not to hurt your daughter if she gets knocked down by it.
You should go on the Akc Or ckc sites and see what you can find tht fits your needs in that size .

Once again our words have been construed and completly taken out of context. Whatever. :rolleyes:


Good luck lady.

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Originally Posted by Kfamr

Once again our words have been construed and completly taken out of context by this woman. Whatever. :rolleyes:


Good luck lady.

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I am sorry, but dont you live at home with your mom and dad? I live with my common law husband, yes, husband and I am not much older than you. I am independent, I dont depend on my parents for a house, I dont have parents making the decisions. I make the decisions around here, my DH just has to agree with them. It is not my fault that he wants whats best for his daughter. She could be dead because I stupidly agreed to let him get a Rottweiler puppy <---- very BAD choice.

Trust me, I take all of these posts to heart. Every post matters to me, they all have an impact on my decision. I didnt mean to make everything sound so personal, I was simply expressing how I feel about all of this. Do I think you are an irresponsible teenager? Of course not. I have never in my life seen better trained dogs than yours. You take beautiful pictures of your dogs and you can see how much you love them. You are very mature for your age, I was the opposite and that was only 2 years ago that I was 18.

Please dont take it personally, my posts reflect the way I feel about this. If you knew me personally, you would probably love to hang out. I really am a caring, loving person who makes friends with everyone I meet. I just think the message board isnt the place for me to be expressing my feelings, because my words are seen differently than how I see them. I dont mean to make people get defensive, or mad at me.

I truly am sorry if I hurt anybody, but people hurt me and that reflects on my posts. I seriously dont want anyone to take anything personally. Like I said, if I could talk to you face to face, you would see me as a whole different person.

http://www.smileypad.com/v10/Cache/Sad/Sigh.gif

Well I personally wasn't trying to be offensive and I don't think anyone else really was either, but oftentimes message boards can be hard to get points across in because we all interpret the very same words differently or perhaps out of context at different times. I do wish you the best of luck in finding a dog/puppy that fits your family and everything works out for you all and the dog.

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Originally Posted by Crazy-Cat-Lover

I am sorry, but dont you live at home with your mom and dad? I live with my common law husband, yes, husband and I am not much older than you. I am independent, I dont depend on my parents for a house, I dont have parents making the decisions. I make the decisions around here, my DH just has to agree with them. It is not my fault that he wants whats best for his daughter. She could be dead because I stupidly agreed to let him get a Rottweiler puppy <---- very BAD choice.

Trust me, I take all of these posts to heart. Every post matters to me, they all have an impact on my decision. I didnt mean to make everything sound so personal, I was simply expressing how I feel about all of this. Do I think you are an irresponsible teenager? Of course not. I have never in my life seen better trained dogs than yours. You take beautiful pictures of your dogs and you can see how much you love them. You are very mature for your age, I was the opposite and that was only 2 years ago that I was 18.

Please dont take it personally, my posts reflect the way I feel about this. If you knew me personally, you would probably love to hang out. I really am a caring, loving person who makes friends with everyone I meet. I just think the message board isnt the place for me to be expressing my feelings, because my words are seen differently than how I see them. I dont mean to make people get defensive, or mad at me.

I truly am sorry if I hurt anybody, but people hurt me and that reflects on my posts. I seriously dont want anyone to take anything personally. Like I said, if I could talk to you face to face, you would see me as a whole different person.

http://www.smileypad.com/v10/Cache/Sad/Sigh.gif

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My living at home with my mother and father has nothing to do with anything. I pay them rent out of every paycheck, I have things I am supposed to do around the house, I cook, I clean, etc. The rest of my money goes towards my dogs. I don't depend on them, infact if I left they'd probably be in a huge hole as my salary is a large part of our bill paying money. They don't make my decisions and they've expected me to make my own decisions for years. I'm not sure what you're trying to get at mentioning all of that, however.


No one here is trying to be negative like you implied in your posts. I do believe every post so far has been out of concern, not only for you and your daughter - but the animals who are defenseless. I just don't think you're comprehending some of the intentions of these posts. No one wants you or another dog be put in the hole you were before. No one wants you to get your hopes up and then be denied for the same reasons as the shelter. Which generally responsible, reputable breeders are highly into rescue and shelter work - more than likely they will think the same way as your local shelter does.

Calling this a negative place, stating you'd be better off asking strangers off the street... That is certainly going to upset some of us who have put our hearts and beliefs into our posts, and do so everytime.

Again, this is all just my opinion again. I don't know if you're going to understand it or not, but please don't get upset or angry, like I said previously, that is not my intent.

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Originally Posted by Vela

Well I personally wasn't trying to be offensive and I don't think anyone else really was either, but oftentimes message boards can be hard to get points across in because we all interpret the very same words differently or perhaps out of context at different times. I do wish you the best of luck in finding a dog/puppy that fits your family and everything works out for you all and the dog.

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Vela, I didnt see anyones posts as offensive, just negative. Thank you for all your help, it really means alot to mean since you bought from a breeder. I will keep looking in shelters and maybe a lab will show up. Trust me, if a lab shows up that is a match, we will definately go and meet him. Just as long as its not the SPCA. Alot of shelters WILL adopt to me, there just isnt any labs in them currently that fit into my lifestyle.

One question... Will shelters in the US adopt to someone living in Canada? They are alot of labs in the US that need homes.

There are currently 68 labs that need homes in BC and BC is HUGE. We have 19 cities and dozens of little towns which all (excluding the ones without shelters, some only have 100 people living there) have their shelters on Petfinder. Labs are a rarity in our shelters, we see more Rottweiler and Pitbulls - most people have them for protection purposes only.

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Originally Posted by Crazy-Cat-Lover

One question... Will shelters in the US adopt to someone living in Canada? They are alot of labs in the US that need homes.

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Check out this page http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/...rt/dogse.shtml

It should give you good info on bringing pets into Canada.