Dogs

[cali]

I had dogs growing up but have never bought one before. Where is a good place to start? Some people have suggested shelters or licensed breeders. Other told me not to get one from a puppy "farm". Looking to get a younger dog. ANy ideas or thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks

[be47320]

anyone who doesnt adopt from a shelter is basically an asshole so adopt

[garyrenard]

Not to put it as strongly, but I have 5 cats and 4 are adopted and the 5th is a stray a neighbor abandoned, so I'd vote for going to your local shelter and adopting. If you can't find one at a local shelter, travel as far as you would to buy one from a breeder and check other shelters.

[tw burke]

Originally Posted by garyrenard

Not to put it as strongly, but I have 5 cats and 4 are adopted and the 5th is a stray a neighbor abandoned, so I'd vote for going to your local shelter and adopting. If you can't find one at a local shelter, travel as far as you would to buy one from a breeder and check other shelters.

5 cats-yuk

[mrmarket]

Originally Posted by garyrenard

Not to put it as strongly, but I have 5 cats and 4 are adopted and the 5th is a stray a neighbor abandoned, so I'd vote for going to your local shelter and adopting. If you can't find one at a local shelter, travel as far as you would to buy one from a breeder and check other shelters.

We have 3 cats all abandoned in some way or another we took in. My neighbor volunteers for the SPCA and they always have lots of dogs to adopt. You can take them out for walks to see if your personality meshes with them too.

[JR7302001]

Anyone telling you not to go to a puppy mill just wants to control and will look down upon you like a Mike Vick!!

[Randle Pat McMurphy]

Depends on what you are looking for in a dog. If temperament is a big factor (ex. you have young kids, live in a crowded area, etc. so you need a calm, friendly dog), you would be better off researching breeds which fit the bill and then look for a reputable breeder who will stand behind their dogs.

At our local shelters, not many puppies and younger dogs. Most are ask least a couple of years old. Hard to gauge a dogs temperament in that environment as well.

One advantage of adopting is not having to go thru all the pains of raising a new pup. Lots of good, friendly mutts at the shelters. We have adopted and bought from breeders with good success.

Only dog we had problems with was a lab mix which was a free pup from a family in the neighborhood. Dog was wired and simply too much for our kids and our small home at the time. Gave him to a farmer who lived about 15 minutes away with lots of land to roam. Worked out well for all.

[cali]

I ended up getting a dog from the shelter. Beagle mix, thats a little over a year old. So far so good. He is quiet, not too much energy, and over the chewing stage. SHots up to date, neutered, and micro-chipped.

[Randle Pat McMurphy]

Originally Posted by cali

I ended up getting a dog from the shelter. Beagle mix, thats a little over a year old. So far so good. He is quiet, not too much energy, and over the chewing stage. SHots up to date, neutered, and micro-chipped.

Congrats, hope all goes well for a long time.

[Gobbler's Knob]

Originally Posted by be47320

anyone who doesnt adopt from a shelter is basically an asshole so adopt

We just adopted a 6 year old lab from the shelter. Best dog ever, great with the kids and thrilled to have a home. They let us visit with many dogs before we chose this one so make sure you spend time with a few before you decide.