Clarewood Labradoodles

“To shop or adopt? To buy from a Breeder or from a Shelter? What is right for me and my family?, it is a hard question isn’t in?  All of us want to take care of the dogs that do not have loving families, and have them feel the abundance of love we have to give, but is it right for your family?….. Let’s explore it a little further.

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of getting a dog from a shelter versus buying one from a breeder. Then you can make the best decision based on you and your situation. You can also read my blog Are You Ready for a Puppy? Important things to consider before making a decision.

Adopting from a Shelter

There are many shelters and most have an online presence so you can look regularly to see what is available.  Remember that you are only able to choose from what is available, so that may mean a wait until the type of dog you want becomes available.

Pros of adopting a shelter dog

1. You will be taking a dog out of the shelter environment: You will be giving a deserving dog a forever home. Few things can bring you more joy than getting puppy kisses from a dog that you know would not be around if you hadn’t adopted them.
2. Most Shelter Dogs Are Pre-Chipped, “Fixed,” & Given Vet Care: Most shelters insert a mircochip in dogs before they are adopted, and they have been examined and treated by a vet, so you can be pretty sure that they are in good health.  You do need to keep in mind that this does not include genetic testing on younger dogs, and they may still be carriers of certain diseases, that do not show up
3. Saving a Life: You could very well be saving a dog’s life. You may also be saving the life of the next dog who takes your dog’s place in the shelter.
4. Some Shelter Dogs Are Already Pawfect: While some dogs end up in shelters due to behavioural problems, there are also some dogs in shelters that are happy and healthy. Some families have very dramatic changes in circumstances and have no option but to give up perfectly wonderful dog.
5. Save on the Initial Expense: It is generally less expensive to adopt from a shelter than buy from a breeder. While adopting from a shelter isn’t cheap, most of the cost goes toward chipping and caring for the animal.
6. Mixed-Breed Dogs Often Have Less Health Issues: Most shelter dogs are mixed breed so they might be less likely to have inherited genetic problems that some purebreds might have.
7. Adult Dog Allow You to Skip the Trials of Puppyhood: You can adopt an adult and avoid all the puppy problems, like toilet training and chewing. The majority of dogs have the basics of sit, and possibly toilet training etc mastered.  This is especially good for those who have had little experience with caring for and training dogs. They will still need work, but at least some of it has been done for you.

 

 

Cons of adopting a shelter dog

There are some downsides to shelter dogs, so you have to consider the problems that might come with them as you make your decision.

1. Possible Trauma/Training Needed: Many dogs have been traumatized or injured and need special care, which accounts for a larger percentage of the dogs that get returned to shelters. However, hiring a professional trainer to work one on one with you can help correct unwanted behaviours in many cases.  While many dogs are relinquished due to hard ship within families, many are left because they constantly escape or their issues are too hard to deal with.
2. You May Not Get the Full Story: Shelter staff might not be aware of all the challenges a particular dog might have, especially if the dog was surrendered or picked up by a ranger, or is relatively new to the shelter. Often these dogs have not been exposed to children or other small animals.  As a consequence there are restrictions on families with children under a certain age.
3. Separation Anxiety is a Real Possibility:  Many dogs that find themselves in shelters after being picked up from the street or even after being surrendered by a loving family, find it extremely traumatic.  Many shelters dogs are prone to exhibiting separation anxiety once in their new home.  This of course can be addressed however, it can be a very long and labour intensive road to correct it.  Separation anxiety can display as destructive behaviours or constant barking while you are away.
4. You May Not Pass the Shelter’s Requirements: Most, if not all, shelters screen potential families, and you might not pass their screening.  Some even conduct home visits to ensure that you can care for a dog properly.. While it can be inconvenient, they are doing it to make sure that you are able to provide a safe forever home for the dog.
5. You May Not Find the Breed You’re Looking For: Often you will find shelters have many dogs of just one or two breeds.  Often these breeds are not so great for young families.  So you may not be able to find the breed of dog you are looking for. You may need to wait and hope the breed you are after shows up, or be prepared to take a second or third choice.   Just be sure that you are confident that you made the right decision when you adopt. It won’t be good for you or the dog if you rush into adoption, pick a dog that you aren’t completely happy with, then want to return it a month later.
6. There Is Often Mystery Behind Your Dog’s Health: Depending on how the dog gets to the shelter, you might or might not know your dog’s medical history. Shelters do, give each dog a medical check, but they don’t catch everything. And some hereditary conditions aren’t always visible early in a dog’s life.
7. Not All Shelters Are Created Equal: There are no national standards for shelters, so they don’t all care for their dogs properly. Most shelters are underfunded, so proper training and correct descriptions can sometimes be off.  Without proper funding it is difficult to care for the dogs the way they would like. Some shelters see rehoming the dogs in and out of the shelter, as a way to help with finances and might focus more on making a sale than seeing that their dogs are adopted by a responsible and compatible dog family.

Buying a dog from a breeder

Many people with small children often consider getting a purpose bred puppy instead of adopting. Others really have their hearts set on a specific breed, which can be difficult to find at a shelter. If you fall into this category, use the following pros and cons to help you build confidence in your decision or give you insight into why adopting from a shelter may be a better option.

Pros of purchasing from a dog breeder

1. You Can Get the Exact Breed You Want: When you know what you want and will accept nothing else, you will want to start looking for breeders for that breed of dog. Finding and building a relationship with the breeder of your choice is a great idea.  You will get the breed that you want with the appearance and characteristics that the breed exhibits.
2. The Benefit of Getting a Puppy from the Start: You will be raising them from a pup, so you will be able to train your new dog to behave the way that you want, and you will get to enjoy the antics that only puppies have.
3. Breeders Often Know Their Pups’ Personalities: A good breeder will help you pick out the pup that is best suited for you and your families situation. While their personality is not fully formed, the breeder will have a really good idea of how active, bold, intelligent, etc. a pup is and assist you in making a wise choice.   Choosing a puppy by temperament is fundamental in getting the right dog for your family.
4. A Good Breeder Ensures Health: Breeders take pride in their pups and will make sure that you are aware of any genetic problems that they might have. While breeders have to make money raising and selling their dogs, they also love their dogs and their breeds and will do all they can to achieve what is best for you and the pup.
5. Socialization Is In-Place: A good breeder will make sure that their dogs are socialized and ready for your home. The pups are with their mother as well as people and should be good with other dogs and your family when you bring them home. The pup should also have the foundations of toilet training, and crate training and will have been encouraged to not be as mouthy with people as they are with their siblings.
6. Sometimes You Can Return the Dog If Your Situation Changes: If you have to give up the dog, many breeders will take them back, or spend considerable time helping you find the pawfect home for your beloved pet. They understand that unpredictable things happen in life and want what is best for the dog, even if it means taking a dog back.
7. Get Your Dog’s Family Tree: Breeders have more knowledge of the dog’s ancestry which might give you an idea of the puppy’s characteristics in the future. Most breeders will have experience with the puppies parents and grandparents, so they have a good idea of how your puppy will grow.
8. Receive Papers for Showing Your Dog or Other Activities: If you want to breed dogs in the future or show your dog, the breeder can supply you with the necessary papers. Maybe in the near future, you will be helping other prospective puppy parents pick out the right pup for themselves.

 

Cons of Purchasing a Dog from a Breeder

1. The Risk of Irresponsible Breeders: Unfortunately, not all breeders are responsible. You need to check on the background of your breeder and make sure that they are registered and have a good reputation before you start looking for a puppy.  If you are not sure look for recommendations either online or in person.
2. The Possibility of High Vet Bills Later On: Studies show that purebred dogs do tend to have a higher propensity for genetic health issues. Before bringing home your new best friend, you will want to look into if the breed you’re buying has a higher disposition for long-term health issues such as allergies and joint dysplasia.  For a breed like the labradoodle you want to ensure that the parents have both had full genetic testing for both the Poodle and Labrador breed, and also that the parents have been both hip and elbow scored at average or above.
3. Added Up-Front Cost: It will be more expensive to buy from a breeder than to adopt from a shelter. It can be as little as twice the price up to ten times the price, depending on the breed and the individual puppy. But if you want a certain breed, you are better off spending the extra money than adopting a pup that you won’t be happy with.
4. Waiting for Your Pup to Be Old Enough to Come Home: Breeders can’t magically make puppies appear, so you might have to wait until puppies are born and then weaned.  Don’t make the mistake of going with the first breeder to have puppies available.  You still need to ensure that the Breeder is ethical, and have done full health testing on the parents of the litter you are purchasing.  How much back up does the breeder give you once you take the puppy home.  Contact the breeder and they can give you a good idea when puppies will be available.
5. The Typical Plight of Puppies: Puppies can be a handful! You will be getting a puppy that comes with all of the typical puppy hiccups, like toilet training, chewing, crying, etc. So be prepared to spend extra time, energy and money on your new pup–and take into account their unique needs.

 

How to avoid dogs from puppy mills

If you do buy from a breeder, make sure it isn’t a a puppy mill, in disguise.  You may think you are helping that puppy by getting it out of that environment, but the best way to help that puppy and the many more to come is to report the breeder to the authorities, both the RSPCA and the local council of the establishment.

Some of your research may include:

• Facebook or Instagram pages with recommendations from previous buyers
• Are they licensed and registered with their local council,
• Are you able to visit the premises at an age-appropriate time to visit the puppies
• Does the breeder show regular videos and photos of the pups growing on their social media or website? **To just see photos only of puppies ready to go is a red flag for a scam.
• Is the breeder happy to talk with you on the phone and answer any questions you may have in relation to the breed or the puppies available.

Puppy mill owners care less about their dogs than responsible breeders do, they are out to make quick and easy money. They tend to sell online or to pet stores where buyers often make quick decisions based on a puppy’s cuteness. They generally won’t let you visit their facility to see the condition that the dogs are being kept in and offer little or no support after you have paid for the puppy.

How to spot if the advertiser is a scammer.

• Do the puppy photos all have the same background or do they look like they are all taken at different places?  This may be a sign that the photos have been stolen from a reputable breeder or owner. You can also right click on a photo and select search google for image.  Does it come from the breeder’s page or someone elses?
• Is the breeder happy to speak to you on the phone, answer any questions you may have or face time with you and the puppies?
• Do they use Australian language like toilet training, or do they use ‘potty’, vaccinations or ‘shots’, do they offer ‘shipping’?  Many breeders will transport pups to another state, but it is usually organised directly through Australia’s airlines a quote from that company should be available for you to view.
• Do you see photos of the pups developing over time, or only the ‘sale’ photos.
• Copy testimonials into Google and see if they have been used before.
• Check how long their website has been online.  Most reputable breeders have had an online presence for years not a couple of months.
• Are the puppies hundreds of dollars cheaper than other reputable breeders?
• If you are not sure ask someone who is computer savvy to help, generally if it sounds ‘too good to be true’ it most likely is!

I hope this blog has been helpful to you, and helps you make the right decision so just like above you can be as happy as our Clarewood Pip with his stick