Links

Agility Organizations

North American Dog Agility Council

United States Dog Agility Association

Puppy Mill Information

No Puppy Mills Canada

No Puppy Mills

Puppy Mill Rescue

Breeders, Puppy Mills, & BackYard Breeder Info


Other

Dog Whisperer

Canine Inherited Disorders Database

Pet Friendly Hotels

Canada's Guide to Dogs

Dogster

Catster

Pets Are For Life - A SPCA Video


for dog trainers and dog lovers

Canada Business Directory

Adopt from your local shelter or if you are buying from a breeder do your research, ensure they are a respectable and reputable breeder. Don't support Backyard Breeders or Puppy Mills!!! And remember a pet is a LIFE TIME COMMITMENT!!!

Things to Consider Before Getting A Pet

Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.

Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.

Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.

Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.

Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.

Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.

Will you be a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.

Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

Get an Animal for Life

Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old—animals who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the animal.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.

A Guide to Choosing a Responsible and Reputable Breeder

Whether you are looking for a family pet or companion animal, or you want a show quality dog, a responsible breeder is the best source for a well-bred, healthy dog. The breeder will carefully select the parents of each litter to emphasize desirable traits and minimize faults in their lineage.

So how do you find a responsible and reputable breeder? Here are some guidelines to follow:

Never, ever buy a puppy sight unseen. The breeder should insist that you visit the kennel or home where the puppies are and that you are given full access to their environment. Let your eyes, ears and nose be the judge. Make sure that conditions are clean, the dogs have plenty of space and look healthy and well cared for in all regards. The puppies should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly, without any signs of illness such as runny nose or eyes, skin sores, or dirty ears or fleas. Find out if the puppies have been socialized. Ideally, the breeder should raise the puppies in the house, around normal daily activities so that they are used to the noises and interaction with humans. If the puppies have been raised in "the kennel", try to get an idea as to how the puppies have been socialized. For example, find out if the breeder has spent enough time with them. Go with your instincts -- If you have any doubts, walk away.

Make sure the dam (mother) is available for you to see. No reputable breeder would have puppies without the dam being there. If the breeder does not allow you to see her, walk away. You should also ask if it is possible to see the sire (father). This, however, is not always possible because the sire may be owned by another breeder and was used for stud purposes only. Whatever the reason, the breeder should tell you why you cannot see him and should have photos available for you to see. The breeder should also have an official pedigree that describes the lineage of the puppy. This should include the name and registration numbers of at least three generations (the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents). Ask when the dam of the litter was last bred and the number of litters she has had -- If she is being bred every six months, this is too often.

A reputable breeder will take you through an interview process. They want to know that you know what you are getting yourself into, that you can take care of the puppy, that you are going to be a responsible, intelligent dog owner. They will evaluate you carefully just as you evaluate them. They will want to know about your lifestyle; where you live; if you have children; if you have time to spend with a dog; if you've ever had a dog, if so, what happened to the dog; if you have a fenced yard; and on and on. The interview process is an indication that the breeder really does care about placing their puppies in good homes. The breeder should also be very knowledgeable about their breed and able to answer all your questions.

Every breeder should have a breed standard on hand and be able to point out major, minor and disqualifying faults. They should also be aware of the major breed problems. Every breed as some, whether it's Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Heart Disease, Epilepsy, or some other, the breeder should know what their breed's major problems are. Reputable breeders will have established a breeding program that reduces or even eliminates the possibility of such disorders appearing in their dogs. Ask to see the formal health clearances for both the dam and the sire (even if the sire is not on the premises, they should have the clearances on file). Ask the age of the dam and sire -- They should be at least 24 months to have received final health clearances. Also ask the breeder about clearances on the grandparents and siblings of the parents. You should also ask to see the veterinary records for the puppies -- No good breeder would sell their puppies without an initial visit to the veterinarian for inoculations and general check-up.

Any breeder selling a dog as purebred must register the dog and provide the new owner with the registration certificate within six months of the date of sale. This is the law in Canada as required under the Animal Pedigree Act -- The parents, the litter and the puppy you are about to purchase must be CKC registered. At the time of purchase, the breeder should provide you with a litter registration paper indicating the breed, date of birth, registered names and numbers of the sire and dam, along with the name and address of the breeder. If the litter certificate is not available, get it in writing that the breeder will send it to you within a certain amount of time (usually 30 days). Obtaining the official papers is the responsibility of the breeder, not the buyer. Beware of a breeder who gives you the registration application and tells you to send them in or one who offers you the puppy at one price with papers and another without papers. In addition, in order for the dog to be eligible for registration with the CKC, the dog must be permanently and uniquely identified prior to leaving the breeder's premises. It is the responsibility of the breeder to pay for the identification. The two acceptable methods of identification are: a Canadian Standard microchip transponder or a tattoo. If the dog is microchipped, the breeder should have a scanner available to scan the dog to confirm the microchip is in place and that the identification number matches that which is indicated on the bill of sale. If the dog is tattooed, it should be easily read with the naked eye.

A reputable breeder includes a contract with every puppy sale. This contract varies from breeder to breeder, but usually indicates the rights of both the buyer and the seller, health information, a written guarantee against hereditary disorders, and a buy-back/return policy. The purchase of the puppy should also include a signed bill of sale stating that the puppy is being sold as purebred. It should be dated, include your name, the name of the breeder, the dog's identification number, a statement indicating that you will be provided with a registration certificate and the total price of the dog. If you are buying your puppy as a show or breeding animal, get this in writing also. Most good breeders will not sell pet-quality or even show-quality dogs without a "non-breeding agreement". For pet-quality puppies, a good breeder will insist that the animal be spayed or neutered. For show-quality puppies, the breeder may still insist that the dog be sold with the "non-breeding agreement"; however, the breeder may consent to cancelling this agreement if and when the dog is shown and has earned at least one title.

The vast majority of reputable breeders are involved in the dog fancy, whether it's competition with their dogs, such as conformation, obedience, field trials, agility or other sporting events. Ask to see the breeder's credentials, such as show-ring or field successes. Find out what breed clubs the breeder belongs to. Again, the majority of reputable breeders are involved in some form or fashion in their local or national breed clubs. The Canadian Kennel Club claims that "virtually all reputable breeders in Canada are members of the CKC." While membership in the CKC does not guarantee that all members are reputable breeders, those that are, are obligated to adhere to CKC policies and procedures and the CKC Code of Ethics. Check the clubs, including the CKC, to verify that the breeder is in fact a member in good standing. Also, ask for references from previous puppy buyers and verify them.

In conclusion, all puppies are gorgeous little bundles, no matter what breed, and you're sure to want to take the first one you come accross home, but remember, this little bundle is going to grow and what you want is for him/her to grow into a beautiful, healthy companion who will spend his/her entire life as your new best friend — Choose Carefully and Wisely! This is a lifetime commitment.

In the end, you must feel good about the breeder you choose — If you have any doubts, walk away. You'll find another one you do feel comfortable with. You should also visit several breeders, even if you do feel good about the first one you meet. If the first breeder turns out to be the best in your view, you can always go back, but visiting several breeders gives you a better idea of what to look for.

A Word About Designer Breeds

They are in ads in the paper, in pet stores, and in homes around the country. They are advertised as "one of a kind", "a brand new breed", even "rare and exotic." Curious? Who wouldn't be? Almost everyone wants something different, unusual, something new and exciting, something no one else has.

Meet the new "designer" mixed breeds; Yorki-poos, Peke-a-poos, Terri-poos, Rott-a-dor, and labradoodles, just to name a few. It is the new scam in the dog world. New breeds? Hardly. Yorkie-poos are simply yorkshire terrier and poodle crosses. Behind the hype and the clever name is a common mutt. And belive it or not there are people purposely breeding mixed breeds to turn around and sell them for as much or more than a purebred.

Unsuspecting people will believe the lies that these breeders say. These "one of a kind" dogs are no more "rare and exotic" than any other mutt and mixed breed in the shelters today. They are simply mixed breed dogs, that people made up fancy names for. Naming these dogs is simply a way to sell puppy-mill dogs and backyard accidents for an inflated price by duping the uneducated buyer into believing he is acquiring a purebred dog. You may find a truly "unusual" designer mutt, such as a "Box-a-Shiht" (Boxer/Shih Tzu) or "Bull-Shiht" (Bulldog/Shih Tsu)

Sure they make great pets, as all mutts do, but purposely breeding more mixed breeds is just irresponsible. Why are the breeders breeding these mixed breeds? Well, some are doing out of love for the mix, but these people are uneducated as to the effect that their breeding will have on the pet overpopulation issue. Most of the breeders are doing it for the money involved. The latest money-making trend is the promotion of mixed breeds with official-looking "registration papers" and catchy-sounding names. The "registrations" come from a burgeoning industry of registry services, each willing to issue documents at the drop of a few ten dollar bills.

How do these breeders survive? Well most people don’t do thier homework before buying a dog. They walk into a pet store and see a puppy with a cute face and a fancy name. There is also a lot of lying going on with these breeds. Here are a couple of the lies and the real truth behind them.

"We're making a new breed."
Unsuspecting people will believe the lies that these breeders say. These "one of a kind" dogs are no more "rare and exotic" than any other mutt and mixed breed in the shelters today. They are simply mixed breed dogs, that people made up fancy names for. Naming these dogs is simply a way to sell puppy-mill dogs and backyard accidents for an inflated price by duping the uneducated buyer into believing he is acquiring a purebred dog.

The process of creating a new breed and achieving AKC or CKC recognition is long and involved, requiring many years and many generations. A “breed” is a genetically similar strain of dogs that resemble each other in appearance and temperament.Bred together, two dogs of the same breed will produce puppies that are also similar in appearance to the parents and will develop in a predictable fashion. The first step is to set a standard as to what the breed will look. For example, what characteristics must a Yorkie-Poo have in order for it to be considered a Yorkie-Poo? What is a Cocker-Chon or a Peke-A-Pom supposed to look and act like? Only the Cockapoo has taken this first step. All other of these “new” breeds haven’t taken that first step. These dogs can look like a purebred of one side or another or anywhere in-between. They can have either breeds temperement and that includes good or bad points! There has not been any serious effort at all to create a distinct breed that the AKC or CKC would recognize.

Responsible breeders of purebred dogs, breed their dogs to try to combine the best temperaments and physical traits for that breed. People have long-admired and desired a pure bred dog because a buyer has a good reason to expect that the puppy they choose will resemble its parents and that it comes complete with both a historic lineage (a pedigree) and a breed history (where it came from; what its originators had hoped the creature to be; what the breed had accomplished)

“We're combining the best of both breeds into one! If we cross one breed with the poodle, we can get a non shedding dog!"
Not exactly. Genetics doesn't work that way. A breeder can't pick and choose what features will be passed on from each breed. It's strictly a matter of luck because the genetic combinations involved in the crossing of breeds is random and unpredictable. There is just as much of a chance that the puppy will grow up to have the worst characteristics of both breeds! To achieve the best combinations in every dog there has to be centuries of breeding behind that dog owner)

“These Beag-A-Poos are registered with the 'Dogs International Kennel Club'.”
The word “registered” has a magical effect on people. They seem to think something that's “registered” must be legitimate and valuable. Not so! Registered simply means recorded. Somewhere someone has the dogs name and date of birth written down. Registered certainly doesn’t mean healthy, or valuable (every dog is priceless to its owner). There are many canine registries in business today that will register any kind of dog whether it's purebred, mixed breed or even of unknown origin..

Any registration can often cause the price of a mutt to skyrocket, when the paper it's printed on may only be worth using for housebreaking. Puppy buyers are sometimes fooled into paying pay hundreds ofdollars for a "registered" mutt. Being a registered mutt does not make a dog any different from a similar one sitting in a shelter, and it certainly does not turn a mutt into a purebred. Basically being able to call these dogs registered gets the breeder, pet store or puppy mill more money.

“The price is so high because they're one of a kind.”
One of a kind, sure they are, just like every other dog sitting in shelters. Every mixed breed dog, whether bred deliberately or by accident, is one of a kind because these is no breed description as to what it should look like. No two are alike. Why should the breeders receive hundreds of dollars while millions of mixed breeds are euthanized everyday in shelters. No way. If “one of a kind” made a dog valuable, every mixed breed dog at the pound would be worth a fortune!

“We have been responsible breeders of Bass-A-Poos for four years.”
What is responsible about breeding dogs not knowing what the puppies will be like. Or worse yet doing it solely for profit knowing that dogs, just like the ones that they are breeding, are being euthanized . Almost every breeder claims to be “responsible.” How trustworthy is a breeder who deliberately misleads people about the value of a mutt? I think you can answer that question for yourself. Truly responsible breeders are honest and knowledgeable with a strict code of personal ethics. They care about the puppies they produce and the people who'll buy them. They would never let their puppies be sold in a pet store, and will always take their dogs back if there is any trouble at anytime during the dogs life. Would a responsible breeder deliberately cross dogs with completely different and potentially incompatible physical structures and temperaments? Would they deliberately mix any breeds? No, not when they know the results will be completely unpredictable and that there are already thousands of accidentally bred mixed breed dogs in need of good homes.

Does this mean that all producer of mixes are unscrupulous and deceitful? No, many of them are simply ignorant of responsible breeding practices and unaware of what they're really doing. Both the deceitful and the ignorant, though, prey on the ignorance of the public. Once people know the truth about these breeders and pets, people will start adopting instead of buying and the breeders will stop breeding. It is simple supply and demand.

There's no doubt that mixed can make wonderful pets. Thousands of people own and love mixed breed dogs of every description. But are these unusual mixes really valuable, unique, “designer dogs”? No, not any more so than the many wonderful mixed breeds available for adoption at the local animal shelter.

Don't be fooled by the cute names, “one of a kind” titles, and the high prices! You can find “designer dogs” of every size, shape, color and personality as close as your local humane society or rescue service and at a far more reasonable cost. Why not go there first and save a life? You'll be glad you did!

Signs of a Backyard Breeder

1. Motive for breeding: "fun", "good for kids", "to make money". Does not screen buyers and seldom refuses to sell, even if buyer is unsuitable.

2. Breeds the family pet to any convenient pet of the same breed just to have purebred pups. Has no concern for genetics, bloodlines, or breed improvement.

3. Though pet may be well loved, it was not x-rayed for hip dysplasia or checked for other problems.

4. Offers no health guarantee beyond proof of shots, if that. Unqualified to give help if problems develop.

5. Seller has little knowledge of breed history or of the AKC breed standard. May claim this does not matter for "just pets".

6. Pups raised in makeshift accommodations, indicating lack of long-term investment in breeding.

7. Even when selling "just pets", may produce AKC or CKC papers or "championship pedigrees" as proof of quality. Yet seller does not increase his own knowledge through participation in national, regional, or local breed clubs. Does not show own dogs to "prove" quality.

8. May be unwilling to show a buyer the entire litter or to introduce the dam of the litter. Cannot or will not compare/critique pups or pup’s ancestors.

9. Prices are at the low end of local range, since must move pups quickly.

10. No concern for the future of individual pups or the breed as a whole. Does not use CKC’s or AKC’s limited registration option or ask for spay/neuter contract to guard against the breeding of sub-standard pups. If you cannot keep pup, tells you to take it to a dog pound or to sell it.

Most Backyard Breeders are nice people who simply don't know that they are breeding irresponsibly. They don't think about the fact that there are too many POOR representatives of the breed in the world already, and that it is, for the most part, the kind of breeding that they are doing that has created that problem. (Most people think it's ok if a golden doesn't look exactly like the standard, and maybe they're right, but what they don't think about is that the other important characteristics that separate good goldens from not-so-good goldens are things like genetic health and temperament). They don't think ahead to the fact that many of their puppies, or their puppies' puppies, or their puppies' puppies' puppies, will go to homes that are poorly prepared, irresponsible, or even abusive, and that those puppies will then end up tied to a chain alone in a backyard somewhere, turned into rescue, dropped at the humane society, left stray to starve to death, or euthanized for bad behavior that was the fault of their irresponsible owners. They don't realize that just because their dog 'seems' healthy doesn't mean it isn't carrying genes that could create devastating problems for the puppies they produce - causing physical, emotional, and financial pain to both the puppies and their families. They're not usually bad people, they've just not spent the time and effort to think and learn before they breed their dog.

The Top Ten Reasons Why Animals Are Placed In Shelters (quoted from an American Rescue shelter)

1. Strays - These occur from guardians who let their pets roam; who don't spay/neuter them, so they look for opposite sex companionship; guardians who abandon their animals or never bother looking for them once they are gone; and by guardians who don't keep ID tags on their animals at all times (regardless of if the pet is an inside-only pet or if the pet has never before gotten out of the yard).

2. Moving - We can't tell you how many times a day we hear this one! Guardians moving to other cities who don't want to pay to transport their pets, guardians moving into an apartment complex that won't take pets, guardians who don't want to pay a pet deposit, guardians moving into a new house and don't want their pets to dirty it, etc. This is by far the number one reason why guardians dump their pets! Pets are not junk that you throw away when you move; pets should be family members that are brought along every time the family changes its residence! If this doesn't work for you then don't get a pet in the first place.

3. Having a baby - Why is it that so many people no longer want to keep their pet (whom they formerly treated as a baby), when they have a human baby of their own? We find that people dump their formerly beloved family pets due to no fault of the pet's simply because they have a baby. Often they tell us that the pet is wonderful with the new baby but that they simply don't have time for it anymore. Or they tell us that their pet isn't good with a baby and we find that they have selected a breed that is well known to be incompatible with babies and toddlers. If they had done simple research prior to getting a certain breed and if they had exposed their pet often to small children, they probably wouldn't have had this problem. Also, we find that some dogs don't do well with babies because the families dump the dogs into a permanent backyard existence or an ignored existence once they have a baby. We recommend that people have their family first and then adopt a pet. If that isn't possible, pick a breed or mix that is known to be good with children and socialize to children often. A good book to read is "Childproofing Your Dog" by Brian Kilcommons.

4. Don't have time for - The same people who were so enthusiastic about their new pets when they first got them often consider them a burden once they realize that they are living beings who have certain needs that cannot be ignored. They are not toys that can put away when the guardians feel like it. These people call us and say "I'm traveling more now", "I'm working more now", "I'm going out a lot now", "I'm not home enough and the pet isn't getting the attention it deserves" or "I feel guilty but don't have time for the pet". Don't get a pet unless you can make a 10-15 year commitment to its care.

5. Puppy has grown up - "The puppy has gotten too big", "We wanted a small dog", "It's not cute anymore", "It's gotten too big for inside the house/apartment", "Now that it's 9 months old it's acting too wild", "It's too rough for my kids" or "It's too hyper". Be very careful when you adopt a puppy that you are prepared to handle the dog when it reaches adult size. Don't just look at the tiny puppy and think how cute it is. Look at an adult of comparable adult size and make an intelligent decision. Keep in mind that a puppy needs lots of training and exercise in order for it to become a well-behaved pet. When you get a puppy, sign up for a good puppy obedience class and practice often. Also, keep in mind that most puppies and dogs will not exercise themselves...you need to exercise them by providing long walks, ball-throwing, etc. Remember that the large breed puppy may play rough and may be too active for your small children. Keep in mind that puppies are a lot of work and that there are hundreds of thousands of well-behaved adult dogs being killed at our shelters every day that might be a better choice for your family's pet.

6. Behavioral problems - "Dog barks too much", "Dog chews everything up", "Can't get it housebroken", "Too hyper", "Dog jumps on us", "Dog digs up garden", "Dog runs away or jumps fence", or "Dog is aggressive to strangers or other dogs". Dogs who are raised as outside-only pets are usually unhappy and bored and will develop many of these problems. Don't get a dog unless you will keep it mainly as a housepet. Puppies can't get housebroken unless someone is home during the day or can come home from work often enough in order to let it outside. Dogs who are not obedience-trained will often act hyper and wild. Dogs who are not socialized to strangers and other dogs when they are young will often act aggressively to them when they grow up. Dogs that are not spayed/neutered will often escape from the fenced yard in order to find a mate. If you don't want chewing, then don't get a dog under the age of 3 years. Puppies and young adult dogs naturally will chew, chew, chew. If you have this problem now, confine your dog to a "dog-proofed" room with plenty of chew toys when you're not watching it. Make sure that you have the time and money to spend with a puppy or adult dog and that you will allow him to stay mainly inside your home before you consider adopting a pet.

7. Children have lost interest - Loving parents often adopt a pet for their children with the understanding that the children must take full responsibility for its care. We have found that children lose interest in caring for their pets within a very short period of time and it then becomes a battle between the parents and children. Please don't adopt a pet unless you, the parent, want the pet as much as your children do. Children cannot handle the responsibility of housebreaking a puppy, obedience-training, exercising, feeding, brushing, health care, etc., so don't let their begging influence you. YOU will be the one responsible for this pet.

8. Elderly guardians - We get many calls from the children of elderly people who pass away or have to go into a nursing facility. They have made no prior arrangements for who is going to take care of their beloved pets. Please make arrangements in your wills for who will get your animals if something happens to you. If you are a senior citizen and are thinking about adopting a pet, please add 15 years to your current age to determine how old you will be when the pet reaches the end of its lifespan. If you think you will be too old to care for it, then consider adopting one of the many wonderful, already housebroken, older pets for your home.

9. Vacation - It is hard to believe that people could be so callous but "We're going on vacation" is a real excuse that has been used by people surrendering their animal. By not boarding their pet, that family saved about $100! over the course of a week-long vacation.