Where to buy your dog

Q. Where can you find the dog, which is right for you?  A. From a registered rescue centre or an accredited breeder with a good reputation.

The reason we say ‘buy’ your dog is because you are usually required to exchange funds for a dog.  Even a ‘free puppies’ sign at the markets as I saw recently, is no indication of a bargain.  You could walk away with a pup full of worms and potential health problems, genetic or otherwise. Buying from a breeder allows you the chance to meet at least one of the dogs’ parents’ which in most cases will be the mother.  You can also sometimes ‘adopt’ a dog needing a home via a breeder.

You should be able to maintain ongoing contact with the source of your pup or dog as long as is necessary.  Shelters will allow you to take your dog home and find out if he/she is a good fit for your household.  They can give advice when needed and will take back the dog if any problems warrant a return.  The same goes for a good breeder and in this way the dogs next home will also be careful chosen.  This is the responsible way to manage the movement of dogs between ownership.

If you are about to rehome a dog of any age or description you should have a list of questions ready.  A puppy may remain with you for 15 years. A good shelter or breeder should have plenty of questions to ask you too, in order to assess whether you are fit to take a particular dog.  If whomever you sourcing your dog from does not ask you a bunch of questions about your home environment and beyond then I would probably advise you not to take an animal from them.  Unless they are totally dedicated to finding the right home you should not be doing business with them.  And please… if you are planning on getting a dog, brush up on a bit of dog speak.  That is, learn how humans can best communicate with dogs, as it is unfair to expect dogs to understand our human world.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)