My first dog was a stray, which I demanded my mom let me keep when I was nine. It was 1964, on Long Island, New York. I was in the cul de sac with some other friends when a tiny brown and black puppy ran up to us. We became perfect buddies, and I was determined to hold her firmly. My parents divorced, and my mom wasn’t well. My mother wasn’t in a desirable mood. However, my siblings convinced her to allow me to keep her. We depended on each other, and, at a certain point, my mom knew that.
Since that time, I’ve always had a dog – I usually have three or four – as well as abandoned dogs, difficult-to-find animals from rescue organizations, or handed to me by a furious customer. Over more than fifty years (56 years actually), I’ve never looked for an animal; they have popped up in my life as they needed homes. My pets, horses, and chickens, have been rescuing pets.
Now, at over 65, I’ve made a decision that I’ve never made before: I’m purchasing my first purebred dog.
WHEN BUYING A PUPPY MAKES SENSE
There are many purchasing motives, and it was not an impulse purchase. I’m sure it surprised many who have known me for my long-standing support of saving pets. However, I’m a massive advocate of thoughtful and intelligent buying a purebred dog, that is, with the following guidelines:
# The buyer knows what they are looking for and perhaps knows the breed of dog they’re looking for. In other words, they’ve conducted exhaustive research about health issues as well as coat and appearance maintenance, the temperament of their dog, its energy level, and the usual behavioral characteristics they would like to see in their breed.
# A reverse of this is: If someone is enthralled by the way that a specific type of dog is and behaves, yet isn’t knowledgeable and appreciates their character and how the dog behaves typically, it’s excellent for the dog owner to conduct additional research and make sure that the dog’s behavior is in line nicely with their style of living or will be a way to fail.
# The buyer has done the essential research to find the breed they are looking for and can prepare the perfect place for the dog they’d like to have. They should be sure that they’re well-suited to handle a dog with this breed’s typical traits, such as energy levels, level of activity, and temperament. Taking care of health concerns and maintaining the dog’s coat is also essential.
# A flipside of this is that a family is looking for an exact breed, but it has a high chance of being rejected if it has the right look but not a lifestyle. For example, those who are inactive, who live in condos without a yard, and who enjoy the appearance of an Australian Shepherd probably shouldn’t purchase an Aussie. Australian shepherds require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay busy and content.
# The purchasers specifically desire puppies. They are passionate about raising dogs from the very earliest possible age. They are willing to change their routines and lifestyles to accommodate puppies’ unique requirements in terms of guidance and exercise.
# There is a flip side to this: The people buying the product are operating under the impression that puppies are crated for several hours throughout the day and don’t need much adjustment or change in their routine. They believe that they don’t have to take on much to puppy-proof their house since the puppy is confined, and this does not take into account the psychological needs of the puppy or its capability to model behavior when they’re locked in a cage throughout the day.
# The purchasers are prepared to get an adorable new puppy. They are equipped with puppy pens and gates and an array of toys for puppies. They have a veterinarian and have pre-enrolled in a puppy training/socialization class. They know that training continues from adolescence into adulthood. There are plans to have dog play dates for puppies with dogs that are well-matched in size, breed, and age.
# What happens in this scenario is that There have been dogs in the past but haven’t had a pup for 20 years, and they believe they have everything taken care of, yet they’ve not located a veterinarian. They think that their pet’s toys are enough. They don’t know about the new scientific advances in training theories and techniques. They don’t understand that no trainer is the same.
# The buyers have located an ethical and responsible breeder. This person makes the right choices and considers that buyers are placed with puppies that will match the puppy’s temperament.
# What the flipside of this is that the buyers aren’t aware of the definition of a responsible breeder and don’t know the right they should ask. So, they’ve been looking for information online, using Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, or calling pet stores to see whether they’ve got puppies. They don’t know the definition of a puppy mill and are convinced that purchasing an uninitiated puppy from websites is legitimate. They do not realize that breeders sell puppies to any person who wants to buy the puppy, but with very little or no regard for the health of their puppy or the degree of compatibility they have with the purchasers.
WHEN RESCUE MAKES MORE SENSE
There’s a huge divide within the dog world concerning rescues: For people involved in rescue, it may be a bit irresponsible to purchase a purebred animal, given the number of pets in shelters or foster homes who are desperate for a permanent place to call home.
Money is exchanged between shelters and breeders—the cost of caring for the animals. The need for compensation is essential. Money is the driving force behind transactions, and it is up to us to exercise our diligence when finding people who genuinely put the well-being of animals at the top of their list.
A dog’s look is of no more importance for prospective owners than a dog’s character and behavior. The most significant advantage of adopting the “recycled” adult dog is that the coat, size, and temperament are well established. (Rescued puppies are slightly more risky about size!)
If a family is willing to save a dog, the list of things to consider could be similar to the one listed below. (Keep in mind that this list applies to those who would like to purchase a purebred animal, as well.)
# What’s more, can this dog be suitable for our family’s life? For example, physically active, curious, secure dogs could be excellent for families with active children, and quiet dogs are most likely to be material companions for someone less active, for example, who lives in an apartment and is content to take everyday walks but not much more.
# Do the prospective buyers like animals or children like pets? The issue must be determined if the adopter is a parent or has other pets.
Do the dogs have the necessary fitness and temperament to play the sport the owner would like to play?
# What is the suitable size for its owners? For example, those who are older may prefer dogs that are small enough to lift and carry in the event of need and aren’t a challenge to walk, even if the dog does pull (but maybe not too small so that they could be injured). Other families may want an enormous pet.
# Does the dog appear to be protecting, or is it a “guarding” type? Is this appropriate for the home with kids and other guests visiting and leaving?
# Is it affordable for your household if your dog is suffering from medical issues or an animal with a significant tendency to inherit health problems? Will the dog require a diet designed to avoid allergies, regular arthritis medication, and heartworm therapy? If the dog is handicapped in a particular manner (blind or partially paralyzed or partially paralyzed. ), Is the family in a position to take care of people with disabilities?
# Is the dog suffering from problems with behavior that need time, accommodations, and education? Be aware that some animals are rescued due to an issue with their behavior, which a different dog could not or wouldn’t handle. Are they willing to do the required training and behavioral modification to the problem?
OWNING A DOG REQUIRES WORK EITHER WAY
I’m acutely aware that some dogs taken in from being abandoned or surrendered could need much time and effort to benefit the dog’s integration into the community. For the last fifty or so years, and up until this point, each dog I have owned was previously owned.
Although I’ve purchased a puppy that has much more of a “blank slate” than I’ve previously had the privilege of taking home, I am aware that it isn’t a guarantee she’ll grow into a well-balanced, happy, and well-behaved companion for the rest of his life. Every breed requires a lot of time, money, love, effort, and time.
This is the main difference: I’m conscious of what health and behavioral challenges can be attributed to dogs as long as we are properly prepared, fully open to the world, and we fully accept the responsibility for their health lovingly and compassionately and understanding, we will not only live together in peace and harmony but also flourish.
MY INFORMED DECISION
I opted to adopt a Rottweiler puppy and have a couple of reasons to do this.
At first, I only had one dog, Timber, a 10-pound mixed breed. In the past, I’ve had a single dog, nor had one less than 30 pounds. I go hiking daily, and I’ve never been safe walking with only Timber, which would have been just a small meal for predators like coyotes or bobcats. I was looking for a new dog, but a giant dog that could end up protecting me and Timber in the woods and having the strength to take on challenging and long walks. I’m also a single person, and having a dog of a good size helps me feel safe.
A second reason is that I’ve thought of the idea of a Rottweiler in my mind for years. A few decades back, I was blessed with a Rottweiler Ninja that had been donated to me. When I was younger, I was in close contact with a therapist working with teens who were struggling, and Ninja immensely helped us in dealing with the lives of those children. Everyone loved playing with grooming and playing with the 125-pound snarky Rottweiler. They could relate to the dog with a big face that looked like a challenging dog on the outside but was mellow and even a little funny on the inner. Over the years, I thought that once my children reached adulthood and I closed my job as a dog trainer, I should consider buying another Rottweiler to serve as an emotional support dog for struggling teenagers.
Timber and I have been alone for the past year. I discovered photos and videos on social media about a Rottweiler puppy my colleague was working with. I could not take sufficient time to watch their progress. I began to realize that I was in a position to complete what I had always wanted to do ever since Ninja passed away in the early 90s.
Furthermore, I wanted to have a purebred puppy with a history of genetics, temperament, and breed characteristics. Although puppies possess a lot of writing to their slates before leaving for their permanent residences, I wanted to start with as clear a slate as possible due to my intention of doing therapeutic work with teens. There’s no assurance for a puppy regardless of whether we buy from an ethical breeder who is responsible and trustworthy or take a puppy from an animal shelter. However, I was confident that if I did my homework as an owner, I’d stand greater chances of getting an enthralling and healthy pup from one who had done their homework when they were a breeder.
THE RIGHT ONE
The author’s first purchased, purebred puppy, Leela, was chosen for specific traits that would help her succeed as both a companion and a partner in a particular career.
I didn’t have a keen interest in a puppy; however, after becoming enthralled by my friend’s dog’s appearances on social media, I told my friend I was interested in having a Rottie puppy. Without hesitation, she informed me about a friend who was a breeder and trainer of therapy and service dogs and had one of their own Rottweiler puppies that he wanted to take to a trainer who tried to teach it as a therapy dog. I was forced to get my hands on it.
I contacted the breeder to inquire about the pup he believed was a great therapy dog candidate. The conversation lasted for more than an hour, and I learned about all the hard work and dedication he poured into the litter. I knew this was the puppy I was looking for. I had the Rottweiler puppy, which will be my new therapy dog.
The man responsible for his work as a breeder is very serious and has learned excellent ways to help the puppies be successful before they are sent to their future home. In addition, as an instructor of therapy and service dogs, I could tell his breeding program is focused on temperament. He also gives early enrichment training and socialization, increasing the chances of the pups’ success. I consider temperament to be the top priority on my list. Early enrichment is an equally important consideration; this litter has both.
Leela refers to “play” in “Sanskrit, and precisely what my new puppy can bring the people who need it: an attitude of play. It has been seven months since she was older, and I could not be happier with what she has. The breeding company’s choices in picking her parents and the very early neuro-stimulation (ENS) activities he performed for the whole litter contributed significantly to her becoming the person she is today. She’sShe’sffectionate, willing, and confident dog who is highly interested in other dogs. She already has a sharp awareness of who requires her attention. When she’s grown up, this epidemic will be a thing of the past, and we’ll be able to begin to help those children who would benefit from her caring, compassionate, loving, and sweetheart.