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Considering buying a puppy or adopting a new rescue puppy/ dog? Vet check it first...
'It's about a good fit - the right pet dog for the family - a healthy dog that will thrive in the right environment'
Buying a new puppy from a registered breeder:
- registered breeders like the ones registered with Dogs Victoria - have a contract of sale with client and provide proof that puppy's parents have been checked and are clear from passing any inherited diseases typical to the breed to its siblings
- they vet check puppies before sale happens. The number of times it all depends of the breeder. Usually at least once when puppy is due for its first vaccination and microchip.
- Some contract of sales establish that puppy breeder requires new puppy owner (client) to have puppy checked by its own Veterinarian as well, once it gets to its new home. Some breeders may offer a period of 48 hrs, 5 days or 7 days after the puppy sale. And if any serious health matter is found, the puppy returns to the breeder and a full refund is offered.
- it's wise to check all the 'Contract of Sales' clauses and to understand what all means before signing it
- there are many unregistered breeders selling puppies online and you need to know you can trust the person, that the breeder is knowledgeable, that she keeps healthy dogs at the premises and that you are buying a healthy puppy and not inheriting a problem...
- Think rationally and don't rush buying the 1st puppy you find online. Spend time researching it...
- Because once you get the puppy home and become emotionally attached to it, it'll be hard for you 'to let go' if you find something wrong with its health
- Keep in mind that it's only after a reliable Vet check and if it comes up 'all clear' that you should then consider this puppy is ok to be yours...
- That's how it should be all the time...
- And the more knowledge people have of these aspects of puppy ownership, the better decisions pet owners are likely to make
- After all, you didn't sign up for having to spend thousands of dollars in Vet bills for conditions that could have been easily picked up by your Vet and the situation avoided, if you have had the time to do the proper initial Vet check.
Buying a puppy/ dog from a rescue organisation:
PUPPY
- please check if the rescue organisation/ shelter you are considering getting your puppy/ dog from has a 'Contract of Sale' available as part of its sale agreement with you
- and if they include a Vet check as part of the initial adoption process (when puppy first arrived at the facility - when was desexed and microchiped and later on too) and if the initial puppy breeders had the puppy's parents checked for any inherited diseases/ health problems.
- Unregistered breeders who breed puppies from dogs with health/ temperament & inherited genetic problems are actually breaking the law. Because by doing so, puppies' parents are likely to pass these serious conditions to new born puppies and you'll end up getting a puppy with some serious health problems , what it's likely to cost you a lot of money in future vet bills.
- If the rescue organisation has a 'Contract of Sale' for every puppy sold, please check if it has the part that allows you to do a Vet check by your own vet - on 1st week you have the puppy, and if anything serious is found with puppy's health, that you can return puppy to rescue org. and have a full refund.
DOG ADOPTION FROM Shelter/ Rescue Organisations:
- When adopting a dog from a shelter/ rescue organisation all the above listed for 'Puppy' applies too but in addition it's really important to only get a dog that has had a
- 'Temperament Assessment' - ideally by a qualified dog trainer/ behaviourist or a properly trained staff member of the organisation.
This Temperament Assessment will provide you with valuable information about the dog's history (if previous owner disclosed any information when surrendering the dog) and about the dog's temperament.
Some of the precious information a 'Dog Temperament Assessment' can give you:
- If the dog is safe to be around children
- if the dog is friendly with other dogs
- if the dog is reactive to other pets : eg: cats, small animals
- how the dog walks on leash
- if dog jumps up on people
- bite inhibition: if dog's mouth approaches human skin 'softly' or if the dog is mouthy, nippy
- any dog to dog and dog to people aggressiveness issues displayed
- any resource guarding issues
- any separation anxiety issues
- and more...
So you know if this is the type of dog for you or not.
Getting a dog that you don't have any information about it, that doesn't suit your family life can be an expensive exercise and be emotionally distressing if things go wrong. For you and for all the family members.
We as dog trainers see on a regular basis dog owners who made the wrong choice of dogs for the family. It's sad and it could have been avoided if the right steps were taken first.
Try to minimize risk, including keeping the children safe around dogs.
Not all dogs are ok with children.
The Animal Welfare Victoria part of the Ministry of Agriculture website
has some valuable resource content including Victorian laws of dog breeding establishments and about laws and regulations on animal ownership in our state.
See it here:
From the Animal Welfare Victoria department - Minister of Agriculture
a link to the video: 'Amendments to Puppy Farms Legislation'
about new changes in the law. Good educational video for future puppy owners & breeders.
Any guidance you may require when considering adopting a new puppy/ dog and with dog training after your purchase you can count on us @ Pet Pals Dog Training
We'd like to help build ever lasting pet - owners relationships.
Mob: 0416 971 051 E: info@pet-pals.net.au