When it comes to how to get a dog, you typically have two choices: buying or adopting. While adoption is widely encouraged, I want to explain why I ended up buying.
Why I Chose to Buy Instead of Adopt:
1. I want a dog that doesn’t shed much.
These types of dogs are quite popular and tend to get adopted quickly. It’s often difficult to find one in a rescue center or shelter.
2. I want to live with my dog for as long as possible.
The average lifespan of a dog is around 12 years. If I adopt a 6-year-old dog, I might only have another 6 years with him. Plus, if the dog wasn’t treated well by the previous owner(s), there’s a chance his health may not be great, which could shorten the time we have together. I don’t want to say goodbye too soon.
3. I’m a newbie dog parent with no hands-on experience.
I know that once a habit is formed, it’s hard to change, for both humans and dogs. Dogs that are abandoned often come from irresponsible owners who didn’t take their training seriously. Poor training in a dog’s early life can lead to behavioral problems, such as aggression or destructive habits. As a new dog owner, I’m not confident in my ability to handle a dog with existing issues. Training a puppy is challenging enough for me. I don’t want to take on behaviors that I might not be able to fix.
These three factors played a big role in my decision to buy a dog instead of adopting one.
The Importance of Knowing Where to Buy:
Before I purchased a dog, I did a lot of research. One of the most important lessons I learned is where NOT to buy a dog. It’s crucial to understand the difference between puppy mills and reputable breeders.
Puppy Mills:
Puppy mills are large-scale commercial breeding operations that prioritize profit over the welfare of the dogs. These facilities often breed dogs in poor conditions, with little attention to their health or emotional well-being. Dogs in puppy mills are typically kept in overcrowded, unsanitary environments with inadequate food, water, and veterinary care. The focus is solely on producing as many puppies as possible, with no regard for the animals’ physical or emotional health. The breeding dogs are usually kept in cages with little human interaction and are bred repeatedly without rest until they are no longer profitable. It’s incredibly cruel.
Reputable Breeders:
In contrast, reputable breeders are small-scale operations that focus on the health, temperament, and well-being of their dogs. They often specialize in one or two specific breeds and are committed to maintaining high standards. Dogs in reputable breeder homes live in clean, well-maintained environments and receive proper nutrition, veterinary care, and socialization, which is critical for their development. Puppies from these breeders also begin learning to get along with humans at an early age, including things like potty training.
The Common Mistake New Dog Owners Make:
One common mistake I frequently see is that new dog owners assume that pet stores or individuals selling a wide variety of dogs online are breeders. They’re NOT. These sellers are middlemen. They buy dogs from breeders or puppy mills and then sell them to you, at a marked-up price. The problem is, no one can breed dogs cheaper than puppy mills, so these middlemen almost always source their puppies from there. As a result, their mark-up is often unbelievably high.
Puppy mill dogs, although cute and often healthy-looking as puppies, are at a much higher risk of developing health issues later in life, including genetic disorders due to inbreeding. These dogs are bred for profit, not for their well-being, and the middlemen care only about selling you a dog, not about the dog’s future health or happiness.
If you see someone selling a wide variety of dog breeds, that’s a red flag. Reputable breeders typically focus on one or two breeds, like mini poodles only, and they can provide health and genetic reports for their breeding dogs. This greatly reduces the risk of health issues in the puppies.
Why Buying from Reputable Breeders Is Worth It:
Although buying from reputable breeders is the most expensive option, I believe it’s worth the investment. Medical bills for unhealthy dogs can quickly add up, and dealing with a sick dog is not only emotionally difficult but also time-consuming. A healthy, well-bred dog from a responsible breeder is much more likely to live a long, happy life, which ultimately saves you both money and heartache.
As a dog parent, I sincerely wish puppy mills didn’t exist. That’s why I’m sharing this article, to raise awareness and encourage others to avoid supporting these unethical operations.
