Personally, I would rather rescue a dog than purchase one. However many rescue dogs have behavior problems and you may not have the experience to rehabilitate them. However there are many dogs that need rescuing which have been trained and will make excellent pets. A large percentage of dogs needing rescuing are senior dogs; I have also seen certified therapy dogs needing rescuing.
I don’t recommend purchasing dogs from pet stores. Generally, dogs sold in pet stores are bred in puppy mills or by local “backyard breeders”. Some people considered to be “backyard breeders” know what they are doing and are reputable, but a vast majority are not and you could easily be buying a dog that will turn out be medically expensive. That is very unfair to both the owner and dog.
Although puppies purchased in pet stores are “AKC purebreds”, they are generally not socialized, have inbred genetic defects, and will likely develop behavior problems. I have also never received a believable answer to the question: “what happens to the puppies that you don’t sell?”
That being said, there are qualifiers. First, you have to do your research. Sophie was purchased from a friend who could fall into the category of “backyard breeder”. However we knew them, trusted them, and Sophie has turned out to be a fine hunting dog.
In researching dogs, you need to ask around. Find out from other hunters, AKC members or NAVHDA members who are the reputable breeders. The breeder/owner you buy from needs to understand dogs well enough to help you pick one that is suitable for you. They should know which dog’s energy level and personality is compatible with yours. Of course, nothing can be guaranteed. A reputable breeder or owner will often allow you to return your dog within a certain grace period, usually a week or two. But you must realize that a couple of weeks may still not be long enough for your new dog to get settled in and their true personality comes out.
Before buying a dog, you should verify that the parents are medically certificatied that they are free from genetic diseases. One web site that lists the genetic disorders of many breeds is HandicappedPets.com.
Hopefully these tips will help you and your dog get started on the right path that may lead to years of enjoyment and companionship.
