Don’t Buy Dogs Online
Shopping online is so easy now; the world is literally at everyone’s fingertips. Online shopping offers varieties that were previously limited before. A perfect example of this is the variety of dog breeds available to consumers, giving rise to buying dogs online.
When searching for a puppy online, people usually select their preferred dog breed by reading descriptions and looking at the photos. Then, they click on links to breeders selling the puppies. This may seem convenient, but this is the worst way to bring a puppy into your life. Before buying a puppy or dog online, please understand these very common risks.
Are You Sure That Dog Breed is Right for You?
As a professional dog trainer, I’m shocked when potential pet owners choose a specific breed of dog based on Internet descriptions. Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed senior citizens (in their mid-80s) purchasing robust Rottweilers, Bouviers and Belgian Malinois, all of which are large and highly energetic dogs that can easily knock someone over. Some people purchase Mastiffs because they wanted a large dog, but were unaware that this breed drools buckets of slobber every hour.
Most online breeders are trying to sell puppies quickly, so they will tell you anything you want to hear. These irresponsible breeders will tell potential pet owners a certain breed is perfect with children, other dogs, cats or whatever. There are pros and cons to everything, including different dog breeds.
How to Choose a Breed of Dog
Before choosing a puppy to bring into your home, take the time to meet several of these breeds in person. Local dog shows are a perfect place to meet and pet dogs, talk to knowledgeable dog breeders, and have all your questions answered. Another way to meet dogs is to contact reputable breeders from a specific breed’s AKC parent club (not the breeders listed on AKC’s website).
To find reputable AKC parent clubs, visit a search engine and type in your chosen breed’s name and “club of America” afterwards. Examples include: “Rottweiler Club of America,” “Bouvier Club of America” or “Belgian Malinois Club of America.” Reputable dog breeders will spend hours explaining the good, bad and ugly of a specific breed, and will always take their puppies back.
Online Puppies are From Puppy Mills
Puppy mills continue to breed dogs in horrible conditions to maximize profits. Online puppies’ parents are kept in rabbit cages, are rarely fed, and have never seen grass or sun. These poor dogs have no veterinary care and are treated as livestock. In the past, puppy millers would sell puppies on roadsides and to pet retailers that sell puppies. Due to the upsurge of protests from animal lovers, puppy mills now hide and sell their puppies online. Don’t let their prices fool you either. Many puppy mills sell their puppies at high prices, so potential pet owners assume they’re reputable breeders.
It’s a Gamble
Puppy mills select, and even steal, photos of cute puppies to post on their website or social media page. Irresponsible dog breeders will promise a perfect puppy and tell unsuspecting people whatever they want to hear until a money transfer has been completed.
Terrible breeders will convince them that their puppies were born and live indoors, which is never true. Plus, it’s impossible to verify because potential pet owners aren’t able to visit the puppy’s home.
Once people receive their precious puppy, most are shocked that their puppy doesn’t resemble the one in the picture. And it doesn’t stop there. They’ll soon realize their puppy has health issues after a well puppy vet visit, and feel like they’ve been bamboozled.
Fortunately, most pet owners won’t return their puppy because they feel sorry for him or her. It wasn’t the puppy’s fault the breeder didn’t care. However, for puppy millers, they’re beyond thrilled with your decision because they get to keep your money and will continue to pull the heart strings of other potential pet owners. It’s a lucrative business.
Only purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder or, even better, recuse a dog in need.
