Things to Consider Before You Buy A Dog
By Susan Engel, Certified Trainer

Research the Breed: Choose a breed that best fits your lifestyle but more importantly, fits your leadership style. If you want to “baby” your new dog, be sure not to choose a breed that has a dominant nature or your dog may have serious behavior problems down the road, including aggression. i.e. if you do not want a dog that digs, a terrier would not be a good choice since they were bred to dig, find vermin and not stop until they found the fuzzy creature!

With over 200 breeds of dogs, not all breeds are right for all households. In fact, many breeds are not right for the average family of today. This is proven by the statistic: 1 in 5 households will give up their dog before age 2 yrs. Every breed has good characteristics and negative characteristics. You will know a breed is right for you if; when you read all of the challenges the breed might present, you still want that breed. Also, it is important to realize that some breeds have a higher percentage of health issues that may require surgery to repair or lifetime maintenance, which can be costly. i.e. cocker spaniel with ear problems, retrieves and shepherds with hip problems or bulldogs that have a host of health problems. Here is a great website to read the truth about each breed’s challenges and health issues. www.yourpurebredpuppy.com

Beware of Code Words: When researching characteristics and temperament of a breed be careful of code words. Many times a breed’s negative characteristics are camouflaged with seemingly innocent words. Beware of words/phrases like: “protective of the family” - “loyal to one person” - “aloof” - ”good watchdog” - “good with children/other dogs IF socialized from an early age”…these phrases mean the breed has a high territorial/protective instinct. And may have an aggressive tendency towards “outsiders”…your kid’s friends, company and the pizza man! A liability nightmare.

Other phrases like: “highly intelligent” - “dominant” - “mind of their own” –“strong –willed” - “independent” – “ stubborn” - “owner’s need to be a strong leader” - “need to give this breed a job”…these phrases mean a dog will be dominant in nature. This type of dog will not do well with a family who ‘babys’ the dog. Most will need advanced training to get him/her to see things your way. If not controlled, these dogs may display dominance aggression towards their families.

Choosing a Breeder: Temperament is 60% hereditary. Find a responsible breeder who is breeding healthy, stable-tempered dogs. Breeders are a dime a dozen, however, responsible breeders are one in a million. Educate yourself about what makes a breeder a responsible breeder; it will pay off in the long run. The AKC website is a great place to start. www.AKC.org

Stay in NJ -Contracts a Must: many breeders are not aware that New Jersey has strict business requirements for NJ breeders. New Jersey’s Puppy Lemon Law protects buyers better than any other state on the east coast. However, many NJ breeders do not follow the requirements; the best choice is to choose a breeder who is following the law. To read the NJ state law in regard to selling animals and the information the breeder should provide a buyer: Division of Consumer Affairs website: http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/ocp/ocpreg.pdf In the index look for Subchapter 12. SALE OF ANIMALS

There is a separate law for dogs from Pet Stores: Consumer Fraud Act: thttp://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/ocp/ocplaw.htm#cf1 In the index look for “Pet Purchase Protection Act”

AKC Papers...You’ll be surprised at their worth.

One of the most misleading facts surrounding buying a dog is that a dog with “papers” ensures health, quality of temperament or even purebred status. Most people will be surprised to learn that American Kennel Club (AKC) papers are in no way an indication of good health, stable temperament or even purebred status. The AKC organization does not regulate breeders or evaluate their breeding dogs. AKC is only a dog registry and registration is done by mail. AKC admits registration is on the “honor system”. Because of this, it is easy to obtain false AKC papers and unfortunately, this not an uncommon practice. Most dog professionals consider the value of AKC papers to be worthless.

More to know

In one year, we received 128 phone calls from owners whose dogs were growling, snapping or biting…91 or 71% of the dogs that were showing aggressive behavior came from pet stores or backyard breeders.

Choosing a dog can be a very emotional experience. It is all too easy to see a cute little bundle of fluff and instantly fall in love. This can lead to making an impulse decision from your heart and not your head. Making this major decision without researching the breeder or truly understanding the work involved with raising a happy puppy may result in frustration and heartache in the long run.

When people choose to have a dog in their life they imagine enjoying time with a loyal and sweet companion; a healthy dog physically and emotionally, that will become a lifelong member of the family. This is the reason why it is crucial to purchase your puppy from a responsible, quality breeder. Responsible breeders do all that can be done to produce healthy, sweet- tempered dogs.

1. Did you know that the absence of proper, accurate information about caring and training for a dog can lead to aggression and other serious behavior problems?

2. Did you know temperament and health are largely hereditary?

3. #1 Rule: When buying a purebred puppy always meet at least the mother. Reason: unhealthy or aggressive parents produce unhealthy or aggressive puppies. Note: You may not see health or temperament problems until your pup is older.