Dan's Papers - June 13, 2008 - Pet Agree By Jenna Robbins

In my last column, I discussed important issues that play into choosing a pet. This week, we'll discuss breeders, pet shops and other venues and, most importantly, what to ask.

A breeder that is recommended by someone you know and trust is better than one listed on the Internet that you know nothing about. The breeder can be someone in a private home or a six-acre facility. Preferably, the breeder you choose raises only one or two specific breeds and not a canine grab bag.

Don't be put off by a breeder who questions you about your intentions and your home life, as well as your dog expertise. It shows care and concern.

What breeds does this breeder specialize in? How many dogs are on premise? Where are the dogs kept? How many litters do the females have in their lifetime? How long do the puppies nurse for and how old are the puppies when they're taken from their mother? Are the dogs let outside to exercise, play and bathroom? (Yes, you're going to check him out too.)How old are the puppies before they are allowed to go to their new home? If the dogs are pedigree, what is the breeder's standing with the AKC? (Don't ask the breeder, ask the AKC.) If you go to a large facility, find out where the puppies come from because they probably do not breed all of them.

Look around the premises. Is it clean and ventilated or does it smell foul? Is it too crowded for the amount of dogs? Is there molded dog kibble in the corners of the floor? Are the food and water dishes clean? Are there drip bottles in cages, which might indicate long periods of confinement? Do you see birds, or wildlife? This may mean that the breeder is not only kind to animals but is a "collector" who has too many animals to care for properly?

Bigger is not always better. Chain store pets do not necessarily live in better conditions or come from better breeders than privately owned small stores. Just like any other business, the conditions of the shop will depend on the proprietor or management.

It's not a good sign if you walk into a pet shop and you can't catch your breath. I agree that is doesn't mean you won't find a fabulous puppy, but I do want you to keep it in mind when you look around at other questionable conditions.

Do the puppies come from a local or out of state breeder? How long has a particular puppy been at the shop? How old is the puppy? Do they have "papers" you can review? Are the dogs ever taken out of the cages for bathrooming, grooming, playing, or socializing? Are they vet checked and do they have records? Can you take a puppy into a private room or special play area and spend time together? What is the store's policy in reference to veterinary care? What will they be responsible for prior to and after your puppy purchase? What are the store hours and who is there to care for the puppies when the store is closed? How long has the shop been in business?

How many puppies are there in the store? How many puppies in each confinement? How many employees? Are the puppies eating, drinking, playing, sleeping, urinating, and defecating in their small cage? Are there any play areas to indicate that the puppies are not always locked in cages? Do you notice anyone cleaning kennels or changing water and food as a routine? Do the puppies have identification tags? When asking about a puppy, notice if the tag is checked and the records or "papers" pulled to match that tag. Don't be so sure that the "papers" belong to the "puppy"!

Okay... I know...The pictures on the Internet are too cute for words. I also know that these dogs deserve a loving wonderful home. Been there. Done that. I just want you be aware and know what to expect.

If you only see an e-mail address, ask for a phone number. Get as much personal information as you can. Name, address, phone, cell phone, veterinarian name, address and phone number and use them to ask questions. If they are out of state, have them send additional photos of the puppy and premises. Ask them how the dog will be delivered to you. If by plane, call the airline and the airport where the dog is coming from and ask what their regulations are. Notice if the seller shows concern and says something like "it's too hot for the puppy to be at the airport in the middle of the afternoon, so we need to do an early flight." Ask if the puppy will be given tranquilizers or motion sickness medication before the flight? Question the age of the puppy before it leaves home. If you're looking for a toy breed, will the breeder tell you that the puppy must be old enough, big enough and strong enough to travel? Asking for pictures of the parents is always something that make me roll my eyes. Someone please tell me how you know that those dogs are the parents.

How many listings for puppies does this breeder have? How many breeds does this breeder advertise? Do they offer personal information and welcome e-mail inquiries? Can you call to talk to someone? Notice if the photos are professional from dog shows. Sometimes the photos will have a winner's plaque next to the dog, with usable info on it. Ads that say no photo available at this time should make you think twice about the site - the photo might not be of the dog you receive. Requests for too much of your personal info on the Internet would make me uncomfortable too.