Is getting a puppy a good idea?

[ElizK]

Someone, quick, talk me out of this!!!

I thought I found a dachshund puppy about 10days ago, but it didn't work out. Then I'vd found that I may have a medical problem that will have to be taken care of, possibly surgically (not sure yet), so decided it was a good thing the pup didn't work out. I got a wild hare this morning and called a lady in the newspaper selling dachshund puppies. She has another littler that is 3/4 dachshund, 1/4 chihuahua. She says they look like full bred mini dachshunds -black/tan. She's asking less than half the price of those compared with the full blood, and I feel certain I can talk her down some more.

I can have it at home when my family gets back tomorrow afternoon... what a surprise that would be for my DD12 and DD9!

Ok, so now I need you to talk some sense into me. What the heck am I thinking??

 

[Miss Cleo]

Well, I don't know about taking on a puppy when you already are committed to a rabbit. You could talk to always quiet about caring for a wild rabbit though! She would love to help. A rabbit and puppy might be a bit much for anyone!

 

[ElizK]

Originally posted by Miss Cleo
Well, I don't know about taking on a puppy when you already are committed to a rabbit. You could talk to always quiet about caring for a wild rabbit though! She would love to help. A rabbit and puppy might be a bit much for anyone!

No, no, no... "a wild hare" is an expression meaning "a wild idea". Sorry to be unclear.

 

[missyc]

Too funny...I thought the same thing!

 

[avdeane]

ElizK,

Ok, I may be adding fuel to the fire but if you really want the puppy I say go for it!! As long as the family is fine with the addition and there will be someone who could let the pup out while you are having your surgery and recovery. JMO!

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

Speaking from experience here.

The only kind of purebred dog you should be seeking is one from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders do NOT advertise their dogs in papers.

The best way to go about it is to find the official organization involving your particular breed and get a list of breeders from them. YOU call them and they will drill you about whether you are ready for a dog or not. Another thing a reputable breeder always does is take back the dog...whether its a week or ten years later, if you decide you no longer want it.

Yes, you wait and yes you pay more, but you have a peace of mind knowing you got your puppy from someone who knows what they are doing.

That's not to say you can't end up with a healthy dog if you do it another way....but you are playing with the odds, and worse encouraging money-hungry so-called "breeders" to keep doing what they're doing.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Originally posted by theSurlyMermaid
Speaking from experience here.

The only kind of purebred dog you should be seeking is one from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders do NOT advertise their dogs in papers.

The best way to go about it is to find the official organization involving your particular breed and get a list of breeders from them. YOU call them and they will drill you about whether you are ready for a dog or not. Another thing a reputable breeder always does is take back the dog...whether its a week or ten years later, if you decide you no longer want it.

Yes, you wait and yes you pay more, but you have a peace of mind knowing you got your puppy from someone who knows what they are doing.

That's not to say you can't end up with a healthy dog if you do it another way....but you are playing with the odds, and worse encouraging money-hungry so-called "breeders" to keep doing what they're doing.

Uh...what she said!! Going through a reputable breeder recommended by the AKC is definitely the way to go! Saves a lot of heartache in the long run.

 

[ElizK]

Actually, the puppy I would get is a mix, 3/4 dachshund 1/4 chihuahua. I've been mostly checking rescue sites and Petfinder.com, so I guess getting a pup from a good breeder isn't a high priority for me, though I will be VERY careful about puppy mills. The dog we already have is a full bred beagle that we got from the humane society about 6 yrs ago. She's a really sweet dog. I'd go that route again in a heartbeat.

 

[Mimi Q]

Well as someone with a puppy right now, I would say just remember how much work they are. She is chewing everything in sight all the time and has sooooo much energy.

 

[kild]

I would wait until you know more about your condition. Most people know, the first little while of having a puppy can be like having a baby. Ok, you can't throw the puppy out in the backyard as easy as you can the baby, but they do need lots of care.

No, reverse that.

 

[tiggersmom2]

Um..... I AM a reputable breeder with the AKC of Akitas and Chow Chows and I DO advertise in the paper on occasion, if I have a pet quality puppy. The breeder quality and show quality are on waiting lists but not the pet quality. So it is possible that a reputable breeder is advertising in the paper just wanted to clear that up.

 

[missyc]

Originally posted by ElizK
Actually, the puppy I would get is a mix, 3/4 dachshund 1/4 chihuahua. I've been mostly checking rescue sites and Petfinder.com, so I guess getting a pup from a good breeder isn't a high priority for me, though I will be VERY careful about puppy mills. The dog we already have is a full bred beagle that we got from the humane society about 6 yrs ago. She's a really sweet dog. I'd go that route again in a heartbeat.

I agree! Get the puppy! You know you want to, and probably will before everyone's done posting here anyways!
Oh yippy! I love new puppies!

 

[phillybeth]

If you want a puppy, there is not much of a difference between buying one from the paper or adopting one from a shelter or rescue group, to be honest. Shelter and rescue puppies mostly come from mills and 'backyard' breeders. There are good hobby breeders out there that concientiously breed pet-quality pups.

That being said, puppies are cute but they are A LOT of work! I just fostered a 4 MO pup for my rescue group and WOW. He had two speeds- high and stop. If he wasn't sleeping he was running around like a maniac and getting into everything. And it isn't necessarily fair to bring a pup into a stressful situation. The poor pup might end up getting the short end of the stick if you are seriously ill or hospitalized.

 

[snuggles]

We just got a Daschund puppy 2 wks ago. She is already a member of the family and we love her to pieces. If you are going to have surgery, you might want to wait. It's like having a toddler around all the time! She is into everything and the potty training is beginning to work, but gonna take a while. Hope you heal fast and can get your new baby soon!

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

Originally posted by tiggersmom2
Um..... I AM a reputable breeder with the AKC of Akitas and Chow Chows and I DO advertise in the paper on occasion, if I have a pet quality puppy. The breeder quality and show quality are on waiting lists but not the pet quality. So it is possible that a reputable breeder is advertising in the paper just wanted to clear that up.

Well, that's good, but its not commonplace. When we were looking at cavalier king charles spaniels, we were repeatedly told (and I do mean repeatedly) that reputable breeders don't go to you....you go to them.

 

[tiggersmom2]

Originally posted by theSurlyMermaid
Well, that's good, but its not commonplace. When we were looking at cavalier king charles spaniels, we were repeatedly told (and I do mean repeatedly) that reputable breeders don't go to you....you go to them.

Not trying to start an arguement here but I have alot of breeder friends (dogs and cats) and I can definitely say it IS commonplace in our set. Maybe it isn't commonplace with your breed As I said before we only advertise our pet quality in the paper and on the internet.

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

Originally posted by tiggersmom2
Not trying to start an arguement here but I have alot of breeder friends (dogs and cats) and I can definitely say it IS commonplace in our set. Maybe it isn't commonplace with your breed As I said before we only advertise our pet quality in the paper and on the internet.

Man, I wish I had known you then, because it would have been nice to know I could rely on someone good...rather than being ignored by all the top breeders of cavs. It may have been a cav thing (we didn't end up buying a cav, 3 dogs may have been too much)...with their serious congenital heart issues and growing popularity, I think all the reputable breeders began to feel very protective of the breed.

But generally speaking, I still wouldn't do it unless I was very, very comfortable with the breeder and they asked all the right questions and said all the right things (like, I'll take it back at any time for any reason, Not that I would EVER give a dog back, though).

 

[tiggersmom2]

Originally posted by theSurlyMermaid
Man, I wish I had known you then, because it would have been nice to know I could rely on someone good...rather than being ignored by all the top breeders of cavs. It may have been a cav thing (we didn't end up buying a cav, 3 dogs may have been too much)...with their serious congenital heart issues and growing popularity, I think all the reputable breeders began to feel very protective of the breed.

But generally speaking, I still wouldn't do it unless I was very, very comfortable with the breeder and they asked all the right questions and said all the right things (like, I'll take it back at any time for any reason, Not that I would EVER give a dog back, though).

It is very scary when buying a pet. There are so many cretins out there that it is hard to know who is legit and who isn't. My advice to potential pet buyers is DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Check many internet sites and once you find someone you think you like - GET REFERENCES!!! ANY reputable breeder will give you references. SurlyMermaid - I'm so glad your dog worked out well for you, I hope everyone has good experiences and stays away from puppy mills or sorry breeders!

 

[ElizK]

Ok, you and another friend have helped me decide. I'll wait to see what the doctor says, and then I'll get the puppy. Sigh.

Sure would have been fun, though, to see my DDs' faces when they get home tomorrow.

Thanks, all, for your input.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Also you should pick the dog out with them. A good match is a good start!
Good Luck!