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 Veteran
Posts: 124
| Where do most of you get your dogs? Rescues, breeders, pet shops, etc?
I'm not trying to fan any flames or start arguments, but it seems to me that most barrel racers (in my area, anyway) tend to only get purebred puppies. It makes me sad to see so many puppies pumped out day in and day out when roughly 2,000 dogs are euthanized every DAY in the U.S. alone. I get that some people show them or need working cattle dogs or hunting dogs, but why the need for expensive purebred dogs when you just want a pet? There are plenty of purebred dogs, including puppies, in rescues and shelters everywhere. That includes heelers, Aussies, labs, pits, dachshunds, and many other popular breeds.
Like I said, I'm not trying to start arguments or **** people off. The last dog we got was a purebred Weim from a breeder for my husband to hunt with. But I spent many years in three different animal shelters volunteering, and MOST of the dogs I saw that were euthanized were fairly young, healthy, happy dogs. I think there's a misconception that only "problem" dogs end up in shelters, when usually it's a dog who's there for no fault but the owner's.
And if you are a dog breeder yourself, I really hope you're doing it for the betterment of the breed and not just to make easy money. That means genetic testing, spay/neuter contracts, taking the dog back if it's not wanted to rehome it somewhere else, etc. I know there are lots of responsible breeders out there, but for the most part I see mostly backyard breeders. And don't even get me started on puppy mills! (Google if if you don't know what those are!!)
OK, PSA/rant over. | |
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 The One
Posts: 7997
   
Location: South Georgia | I prefer a purebred dog like I prefer a registered horse. I have a better idea of health track record, an idea of the size they will mature to, etc. I purchased my current two Jack Russells 16 and 15 years ago from the same breeder.
I don't support puppy shops or breeders who make shady choices, but I do support a breeder breeding for the bettermenet of the breed who cares about her puppies. To each their own. I see this argument remarkably similar to the having children of your own vs. adoption situation. There are a ton of children without parents, yet, people still have their own children. And I will probably get flamed for that.
Edited by horsegirl 2018-08-23 10:02 AM
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | I'm very big on getting your pets spayed or neuter, so there would be less in shelters or on streets or being dumped, to many unresponsible people out here. I love purebred's nothing wrong with wanting a purebred of any type, just be a responsible owner.
Get your pets spayed or neuter as soon as possible like yersterday. 
Edited by Southtxponygirl 2018-08-23 10:13 AM
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 Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | I adopt every time I get a dog and they're the best dogs ever. It doesn't take long or far to look to find a purebred heeler, aussie, Catahoula, corgi... you name it you can find them in shelters.... sadly they all came from breeders or careless backyard breeders who thought or said "they'd get good homes" I wonder how many dogs percentage wise end up in shelters nationwide because I know it's huge. especially in Oklahoma and Texas but Kansas isn't much better honestly.
I know most people think if they get a puppy they're getting a "blank slate" so to speak and this isn't true IMO, I know plenty of people who got a dog as a puppy and can't handle it and it's developed issues so they dump it. I have fosters hundreds of dogs and only ever had issue with one of them that's less than 1%. I wish there wasn't such stigma for rescues. it's hardly ever the dogs fault so they die for what a human did as people fear they won't be "perfect". | |
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Veteran
Posts: 124
| horsegirl - 2018-08-23 9:57 AM
I prefer a purebred dog like I prefer a registered horse. I have a better idea of health track record, an idea of the size they will mature to, etc. I purchased my current two Jack Russells 16 and 15 years ago from the same breeder.
I don't support puppy shops or breeders who make shady choices, but I do support a breeder breeding for the bettermenet of the breed who cares about her puppies. To each their own. I see this argument remarkably similar to the having children of your own vs. adoption situation. There are a ton of children without parents, yet, people still have their own children. And I will probably get flamed for that.
I'm glad to hear you support responsible breeders. That was important to us in choosing our Weimaraner.
My biggest issue is with these breeders cranking out mutts and labeling them stupid names like "labskies" or whatever just so they can make an easy $400 per litter and not spending any money on shots or worming.
My mission in life is to educate people on pet store puppies and where they come from. Puppy mills are just horrible.
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Veteran
Posts: 124
| Southtxponygirl - 2018-08-23 10:07 AM
I'm very big on getting your pets spayed or neuter, so there would be less in shelters or on streets or being dumped, to many unresponsible people out here. I love purebred's nothing wrong with wanting a purebred of any type, just be a responsible owner.
Get your pets spayed or neuter as soon as possible like yersterday.
So glad to hear you support spay and neuter! Accidental litters are also a big part of the problem when we're talking about over pet population.
We adopted all three of our kids (by choice, not necessity). And yes talk about another controversial topic! I could spend all day telling everyone about the misconceptions about adopting from foster care. I'll save that for another day :) | |
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Member
Posts: 37
| All my dogs are a gift from God. They either showed up at my house or were dumped out on the road. I fix all my pets, dogs or cats. I feel so bad for all the animals in the shelters, but we currently have 10 dogs, so I can't go adopt anymore. Well, maybe one more won't hurt. | |
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Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | lilpeppy - 2018-08-23 10:43 AM
All my dogs are a gift from God. They either showed up at my house or were dumped out on the road. I fix all my pets, dogs or cats. I feel so bad for all the animals in the shelters, but we currently have 10 dogs, so I can't go adopt anymore. Well, maybe one more won't hurt.
What an amazing person and family you have! 10 dogs that would otherwise be dead, alone or homeless! | |
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Married to a Louie Lover
Posts: 3303
| It really depends on what we’re looking for.
We’ve talked about when we are down a couple dogs getting a good cattle dog - if we do, It will come from a breeder and go through training to be a good working dog.
If we are looking for a house dog or an outside dog we will check out shelters and rescues - sadly some of them take offense to the fact we live on a farm and don’t have a fenced yard and therefore won’t adopt to us. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1515
Location: Illinois | I prefer heelers and they are rarely in any of the shelters around me, and the heeler rescues in the state wouldn't let me adopt when I was looking because I had no fenced yard. So I purchased one from a more backyard type. Not registered, but I knew the parents and person and they are good farm dogs so I was comfortable purchasing. And they were just asking $100 for them, to cover the costs of raising them. She's 3 now and a unicorn. Super mellow, doesn't bother anything, enjoys people and never lets me leave her sight. She's never pottied in the house except for the back rug by the door as a puppy when someone probably wasn't there to let her out. She's never chewed anything up, if she's in the house she's usually asleep on the couch. Her and my house cat are the absolute best of friends, always together. If someone comes to the house she barks & warns, but that's the only time she ever makes noise. Loves other dogs & doesn't bother the horses too much. She's never nipped at anything like a normal heeler. I did have her spayed & sometimes I wish I hadn't so I could have a couple pups out of her, but I also don't want to bring more dogs into the world either.
If I were wanting something with known problems, like breeds with hip issues or something I would go the quality breeder route. If I just want another heeler I may get one from the same place or find another breeder, but I did try to adopt first and would at least look there first for something. | |
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Veteran
Posts: 124
| OhMax - 2018-08-23 11:19 AM
It really depends on what we’re looking for.
We’ve talked about when we are down a couple dogs getting a good cattle dog - if we do, It will come from a breeder and go through training to be a good working dog.
If we are looking for a house dog or an outside dog we will check out shelters and rescues - sadly some of them take offense to the fact we live on a farm and don’t have a fenced yard and therefore won’t adopt to us.
Unfortunately, I volunteered at a shelter in college that was way too picky. They turned away several potential homes who later just bought puppies instead of rescuing. I was turned away by two rescues in college when I wanted to adopt my dog of a specific breed because they had a policy where they didn't adopt to college students. I went on to buy a puppy from a breeder and still have him 10 years later! We looked into a rescue when we got our Weim and ran into the same problem as you.... we live in the country and don't have a fenced in yard. | |
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  Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | I wanted a purebred Corgi that came with no health issues and was problem free, so I went to a breeder, a responsible breeder that I looked into and knew only had 1 or 2 females and raised them with her family.
Then for a lab, I tried rescues. Several. All gave me the run around and I was so freaking mad by the time I got screwed over (after passing all their tests) to find out when I drove 3 hrs to get the puppy, I "might" have to enter a bidding war if someone else wanted the same pup, that I went with another breeder.
I'll be honest, if I want a pet, I may go to the shelter as I have owned 3 shelter dogs, but otherwise I am done with rescues. They are a joke and I think only a small % actually have the pup's best interest in mind. | |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| I have 6 dogs, 4 were rescues/found, bought my mini Aussie and the 6 th was just added -a Frenchton 1/2 bull dog 1/2 Boston Terrier. I have 8 cats, 3 house cats, one is a Scottish fold, the other 2 are kittens I bottles raised when the wild Moma absndoned them. The rest are barn cats and I just live trapped another this morning, at the vets right now getting fixed and shots. I do not feel bad purchasing a dog, I research and buy from a responsible breeder and I do not breed.
Edited by rodeomom3 2018-08-23 3:43 PM
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Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | JLazyT_perf_horses - 2018-08-23 11:30 AM
I prefer heelers and they are rarely in any of the shelters around me, and the heeler rescues in the state wouldn't let me adopt when I was looking because I had no fenced yard. So I purchased one from a more backyard type. Not registered, but I knew the parents and person and they are good farm dogs so I was comfortable purchasing. And they were just asking $100 for them, to cover the costs of raising them. She's 3 now and a unicorn. Super mellow, doesn't bother anything, enjoys people and never lets me leave her sight. She's never pottied in the house except for the back rug by the door as a puppy when someone probably wasn't there to let her out. She's never chewed anything up, if she's in the house she's usually asleep on the couch. Her and my house cat are the absolute best of friends, always together. If someone comes to the house she barks & warns, but that's the only time she ever makes noise. Loves other dogs & doesn't bother the horses too much. She's never nipped at anything like a normal heeler. I did have her spayed & sometimes I wish I hadn't so I could have a couple pups out of her, but I also don't want to bring more dogs into the world either.
If I were wanting something with known problems, like breeds with hip issues or something I would go the quality breeder route. If I just want another heeler I may get one from the same place or find another breeder, but I did try to adopt first and would at least look there first for something.
I could help you find one.. any day of the week! If you check the fb pages Heeler inn from the shelter or Heelers for rehoming, you can find TONS all over the U.S. ALL rescues are super different, I help with one and we adopt out of state ALL the time and each application is on a case by case basis, we adopt to many homes without fenced yard as long as they can justify how they'll keep the dog safe and off the road. I can't begin to even save a fraction of all the heelers around where I live.. There's a cattle rescue in Michigan called Aucado and I know they have a ton too. or try petfinder.com or adoptapet.com
Good for you spaying her. There's definitely way way more than enough dogs in the world. | |
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Expert
Posts: 1432
Location: Never in one place long | wyoming barrel racer - 2018-08-23 1:33 PM
I wanted a purebred Corgi that came with no health issues and was problem free, so I went to a breeder, a responsible breeder that I looked into and knew only had 1 or 2 females and raised them with her family.
Then for a lab, I tried rescues. Several. All gave me the run around and I was so freaking mad by the time I got screwed over (after passing all their tests) to find out when I drove 3 hrs to get the puppy, I "might" have to enter a bidding war if someone else wanted the same pup, that I went with another breeder.
I'll be honest, if I want a pet, I may go to the shelter as I have owned 3 shelter dogs, but otherwise I am done with rescues. They are a joke and I think only a small % actually have the pup's best interest in mind.
that's too bad about your experience. Just remember every single rescue is different. I know some are way too picky but I know many that are wonderful. I was able to get my nephew a yellow lab pup from a high kill shelter in Texas this year. It's the best pup ever! It can be frustrating but I encourage you to try again in the future, maybe look up review and ratings. I hate when people have bad experiences but just wanted you to know each are so different.
I definitely have the best interest of dogs in mind. I drive thousands of miles each year, spend thousands of dollars of my own money and my whole life revolves around caring for rescue dogs. Getting them adopted is essential towards saving more. Our rescue has amazing reviews and we work with people. | |
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 I'm Cooler Offline
Posts: 6387
Location: Pacific Northwest | My family does both! We have purebreds and shelter dogs. Everything we own - dog or cat - is spayed and neutered. Even the barn cats get trapped and fixed.
I don’t have a problem with reputable breeders but I really can’t stand designer breeding...people combining two breeds and creating essentially a mutt that has no use other than it’s cute. I’m not talking about when people breed two different kinds of working dogs. I’m talking about like the Aussie x corgi trend. They’re adorable and I’m not trying to offend anyone who owns one, but almost $1,000 for something that is not even a real breed is just crazy in my opinion.
But, not my dogs, not my problem. To each their own. | |
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A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | lilpeppy - 2018-08-23 10:43 AM All my dogs are a gift from God. They either showed up at my house or were dumped out on the road. I fix all my pets, dogs or cats. I feel so bad for all the animals in the shelters, but we currently have 10 dogs, so I can't go adopt anymore. Well, maybe one more won't hurt.
Same here all the Dogs that I have had always picked me it seems, the last two dashhounds I found were running down the middle of a highway going on 4 years ago this summer the older one was really old so took care of her untill this past july 5th I had to have her put to sleep with a heavy heart, I miss that old dog a whole lot she was blind but was a sweet old thing and the younger one I still have.. I either find them running down a highway or they come to me, lol thats ok someone's got to love these dogs.. The two dashhounds are such cute little dogs and who ever dumped them should be so ashamed of themselves. I wish I could find out who they were.. | |
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 Peecans
| I have both and will always have both.
I really prefer to know where my working dogs come from as I need very specific genetic traits and have strong preferences to the style of dog, and you can not access that without knowing its family history.
Our kids dog is from the same shelter we foster for, if a working breed dog came through there I would not be apposed to a trial but on the whole im pickier about my cattle dogs than horses to be very honest lol. | |
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 Independent Cuss
Posts: 3977
Location: Dearing, GA | I have had three Heinz 57 adopted dogs and two purebreds. My Aussies are purebred, and I LOVE them for their smarts and farm abilities, but do not plan to breed or buy again until these two go (They are super young still, one 2 years and the other 8 months). I do have plans to continue adopting as my budget allows. I don't prefer one over the other, I always match my personality to the dog and have never regretted it. | |
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Veteran
Posts: 127
Location: Nebraska | My first dog I got from a shelter. He was a fantastic dog, and if I could find another just like him I would. but he was one in a million. My second one is coming from a reputable breeder. I've been pretty persnickety in my search for a good breeder- my friends all think I'm too picky but I want to make sure I'm supporting good practices. This puppy has had health tested parents and is from proven show lines- he's going to a pet home because, while he fits the breed standard, he has a tiny white stripe on his back that is usually frowned upon in the conformation. He's being sold to me on a neuter contract with a 3-year genetic guarantee. | |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | All of ours are rescues--1 found starving to death in the woods behind our house, 1 dumped at my parent's house when they flooded in '16 (starving and mangy) and a purebred Siberian Husky that the owner was taking to the shelter when we went and got him. Since 1989 all of mine and my parent's animals have been rescues/throwaways. Even had someone dump 5 in my yard--but they were kind enough to also leave half a bag of food and a tinfoil pan 
And there's NO reproducing around here!!!
Edited by Chandler's Mom 2018-08-23 7:48 PM
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Industrial Srength Barrel Racer
Posts: 7264
| wyoming barrel racer - 2018-08-23 1:33 PM
I wanted a purebred Corgi that came with no health issues and was problem free, so I went to a breeder, a responsible breeder that I looked into and knew only had 1 or 2 females and raised them with her family.
Then for a lab, I tried rescues. Several. All gave me the run around and I was so freaking mad by the time I got screwed over (after passing all their tests) to find out when I drove 3 hrs to get the puppy, I "might" have to enter a bidding war if someone else wanted the same pup, that I went with another breeder.
I'll be honest, if I want a pet, I may go to the shelter as I have owned 3 shelter dogs, but otherwise I am done with rescues. They are a joke and I think only a small % actually have the pup's best interest in mind.
This irritates the living CRAP out of me! Why in the world are some rescues like this?? I TOTALLY get that they want to find them good, forever homes, but this sounds crazy! | |
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 Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | It depends on the dog. When I go looking for another heeler, I'll likely buy a puppy. It is so important to instill boundaries in high-drive herding breeds from day one and expose them to everything. I have high standards for the behaviour of my dogs and it's just easier when you can start from scratch.
For my husband's next dog, we'll probably adopt. He likes a dog to snuggle with and ride in the car and take hiking. That's pretty easy to find. IF we can find a shelter/rescue that will adopt to us. We've been turned down before. Heaven forbid you go to work for eight hours a day, live on the farm without a fenced yard and livestock, and don't agree to have the dog leashed at all times. Never mind that they'll have acres and acres to roam on, I install **** good recall on all my dogs, and they're practically guaranteed a spot in the bed next to my husband every night. #bitter   | |
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | Our past few dogs have come from what I call "do-gooders" lol! Not a breeder or a rescue, but just someone who found a litter of puppies dumped on the side of the road and rather than take them to the shelter they tried to find them all homes.
Unfortunately it happens a lot where I live, and I appreciate the people who go out of their way to help dogs that aren't even their responsibility.
We've had all kinds, strays/rescues/purebreds. They all make good pets. You end up loving every one of them. | |
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | Four of my five dogs came from a shelter. I prefer older dogs so I can skip the puppy stage, and so I know about how big they'll be. I definitely have breed preferences, so I always look for a dog that is obviously at least half of that breed.
I don't even consider going through rescues. I feel like you have to jump through hoops with their super long applications and crazy adoption fees (I've seen $300-500 fees). I get that they have expenses, but I may as well get a purebred dog from a breeder if I'm shelling out that kind of money. I've seen rescues that will only let you look at certain dogs based on your application, require a home visit and then a trial, and then they reserve the right to show up at anytime to check on the dog and can take if back if they feel it's necessary. No thanks, once I have a dog, that's it, I don't want to have to answer to anyone about it. Not that I'm doing anything wrong, but if someone is having a bad day and they for whatever reason don't agree with what I'm doing, I don't want them to be able to confiscate my dog.
I don't have anything against people wanting purebred dogs even if they're just pets and not a "working" animal. | |
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Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | DLV - 2018-08-23 3:25 PM
wyoming barrel racer - 2018-08-23 1:33 PM
I wanted a purebred Corgi that came with no health issues and was problem free, so I went to a breeder, a responsible breeder that I looked into and knew only had 1 or 2 females and raised them with her family.
Then for a lab, I tried rescues. Several. All gave me the run around and I was so freaking mad by the time I got screwed over (after passing all their tests) to find out when I drove 3 hrs to get the puppy, I "might" have to enter a bidding war if someone else wanted the same pup, that I went with another breeder.
I'll be honest, if I want a pet, I may go to the shelter as I have owned 3 shelter dogs, but otherwise I am done with rescues. They are a joke and I think only a small % actually have the pup's best interest in mind.
that's too bad about your experience. Just remember every single rescue is different. I know some are way too picky but I know many that are wonderful. I was able to get my nephew a yellow lab pup from a high kill shelter in Texas this year. It's the best pup ever! It can be frustrating but I encourage you to try again in the future, maybe look up review and ratings. I hate when people have bad experiences but just wanted you to know each are so different.
I definitely have the best interest of dogs in mind. I drive thousands of miles each year, spend thousands of dollars of my own money and my whole life revolves around caring for rescue dogs. Getting them adopted is essential towards saving more. Our rescue has amazing reviews and we work with people.
There's a huge difference between a shelter and rescue. Shelters are run by the city/county and usually just want to rehome animals and don't have a ton of requirements. Rescues sometimes act like they're the end-all, be-all of dog saviors and no one can possibly care for a dog anywhere near as well as they can. | |
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Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | TrackinBubba - 2018-08-24 8:32 AM It depends on the dog. When I go looking for another heeler, I'll likely buy a puppy. It is so important to instill boundaries in high-drive herding breeds from day one and expose them to everything. I have high standards for the behaviour of my dogs and it's just easier when you can start from scratch.
For my husband's next dog, we'll probably adopt. He likes a dog to snuggle with and ride in the car and take hiking. That's pretty easy to find. IF we can find a shelter/rescue that will adopt to us. We've been turned down before. Heaven forbid you go to work for eight hours a day, live on the farm without a fenced yard and livestock, and don't agree to have the dog leashed at all times. Never mind that they'll have acres and acres to roam on, I install **** good recall on all my dogs, and they're practically guaranteed a spot in the bed next to my husband every night. #bitter
Ha ha, right?? I can have all five of my dogs out and if they see a rabbit or something and go after it, I just have to whistle or holler and they stop and come back.
My sister's two German Shepherds on the other hand are holy terrors. They bark non-stop and have zero discipline. I can seriously be standing next to her having a conversation and they're barking their heads off at something and she compeltely ignores it. I just have to give them the death stare and they go hiding, lol. Anyways, if they get out of her yard, she literally has to chase them down, they have zero recall. It's so annoying. | |
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Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | Gunner11 - 2018-08-24 10:00 AM DLV - 2018-08-23 3:25 PM wyoming barrel racer - 2018-08-23 1:33 PM I wanted a purebred Corgi that came with no health issues and was problem free, so I went to a breeder, a responsible breeder that I looked into and knew only had 1 or 2 females and raised them with her family.
Then for a lab, I tried rescues. Several. All gave me the run around and I was so freaking mad by the time I got screwed over (after passing all their tests) to find out when I drove 3 hrs to get the puppy, I "might" have to enter a bidding war if someone else wanted the same pup, that I went with another breeder.
I'll be honest, if I want a pet, I may go to the shelter as I have owned 3 shelter dogs, but otherwise I am done with rescues. They are a joke and I think only a small % actually have the pup's best interest in mind. that's too bad about your experience. Just remember every single rescue is different. I know some are way too picky but I know many that are wonderful. I was able to get my nephew a yellow lab pup from a high kill shelter in Texas this year. It's the best pup ever! It can be frustrating but I encourage you to try again in the future, maybe look up review and ratings. I hate when people have bad experiences but just wanted you to know each are so different. I definitely have the best interest of dogs in mind. I drive thousands of miles each year, spend thousands of dollars of my own money and my whole life revolves around caring for rescue dogs. Getting them adopted is essential towards saving more. Our rescue has amazing reviews and we work with people. There's a huge difference between a shelter and rescue. Shelters are run by the city/county and usually just want to rehome animals and don't have a ton of requirements. Rescues sometimes act like they're the end-all, be-all of dog saviors and no one can possibly care for a dog anywhere near as well as they can.
and this is what I encountered. I have a friend from HS that rescues dogs and keeps them, trains them to rehome. She does a phenominal job and she has my full respect. If I have a critter here, it stays until it dies. She has the dogs best interest at heart and makes sure they go to homes that understand that particular breed.
With shelter and rescue dogs I do worry about all the genetic crap they can have, at least in purebreeds. It seems a mutt is like a grade horse. As sound as they come. But for some things a mix breed isn't always what we need. I like to hunt pheasants and wanted a lab that appeared to be as full lab as there is. It really limited it to a couple of pups in a 4 hr radius when I was looking at shelters. And then they wouldn't talk to you via phone. It all had to be done via email. And it took forever for them to respond and they would only answer about 2 of my 10 questions. Payment and pick up was some mysterious business and that is when I went to looking at their reviews to find that several people had to get in a bidding war when they went to the "1 day a month" adoption event. The pups already cost $150 and if I was going to end up paying much more than that, I would just get a purebred. I got my lab from a lady 2 hrs away and paid $350. The extra $150 for knowing his parents were clear of hip and eye issues was worth it. THAT is the problem with some rescues. They charge so stinking much for something that might be a mental case and have a ton of health issues.
With that said, I will always look in a shelter for a pet kind of dog. I have owned several and my first lab cross bird dog was from the Cheyenne WY shelter. Also the smartest dog I ever owned was a heeler/Kelpie cross from that shelter.
Edited by wyoming barrel racer 2018-08-24 11:43 AM
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Veteran
Posts: 225
Location: Montgomery TX | We have a purebred lab that is technically an "employee" of my husbands company, he's a hunting guide and our Brute does what he is bred to do. He minds better than most kids these days. However, when its not hunting season he follows me on trail rides, goes to barrel races, sleeps in the house and generally runs all the extra energy out of the kids. I honestly think we have the best of both worlds as far as working dog and family dog in him. But he definately knows when its time to work.
If we were looking for another working dog, then we would probably go with another from a reputable breeder, but if I was looking for a pet, I would look for one at a shelter or rescue that is a little older that is past the puppy stage. One that is finished growing so I know how big he/she is and whether or not it would fit our lifestyle. I do not want a puppy!! I have in the past, gotten a few older dogs from a rescue that just needed a good home for their final days. My mom fosters and does a lot for a rescue, so they may or may not bend the rules a little bit for me, but they know that their last days will be happy and comfortable with me. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 824
Location: Duvall, WA | Well that depends on what you expect and want from your dog. I have been breeding Labradors for 35 years, and have some of the top show dogs in the world. At the same time I demand a very specific type of temperament from dogs in my breeding program because I want to enjoy living with them and appreciate the great puppy buyers I've developed over the years simply via reputation of producing nice dogs. I want my dogs biddable, calm, and to have no temperament extremes like nervousness, high energy, ANY aggression (they're Labradors) or spookiness. They need to be cleared of all the important genetic diseases via DNA or radiograph, show good working ability and fit the AKC written standard as closely as possible. None of this is easy, of course, and is a responsible breeder's life's work. We travel and read and learn from each other all the time. It is just like getting a barrel horse that is bred to the hilt, typically everything about it is a pleasure over and above the talent for running barrels.
If none of this matters to you, get your dog anywhere. But I agree with all of those who say how frustrating it is people these days are guilted into "rescuing" dogs that are homeless basically because some other person was totally irresponsible. And these days half the shelter dogs are imported from other countries! And I guarantee you none of my dogs have ever ended of in a shelter, they are expensive and are sold with binding contracts that they will always be returned to me should the owner be unable to care for them. And that has happened twice in 35 years. I love a beautiful dog. Pet people love a beautiful dog who is healthy and easy to live with and train to do what they want. To take that option off the table would be a shame.
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Neat Freak
Posts: 11216
Location: Wonderful Wyoming | NipntuckLR - 2018-08-24 11:22 AM Well that depends on what you expect and want from your dog. I have been breeding Labradors for 35 years, and have some of the top show dogs in the world. At the same time I demand a very specific type of temperament from dogs in my breeding program because I want to enjoy living with them and appreciate the great puppy buyers I've developed over the years simply via reputation of producing nice dogs. I want my dogs biddable, calm, and to have no temperament extremes like nervousness, high energy, ANY aggression (they're Labradors) or spookiness. They need to be cleared of all the important genetic diseases via DNA or radiograph, show good working ability and fit the AKC written standard as closely as possible. None of this is easy, of course, and is a responsible breeder's life's work. We travel and read and learn from each other all the time. It is just like getting a barrel horse that is bred to the hilt, typically everything about it is a pleasure over and above the talent for running barrels. If none of this matters to you, get your dog anywhere. But I agree with all of those who say how frustrating it is people these days are guilted into "rescuing" dogs that are homeless basically because some other person was totally irresponsible. And these days half the shelter dogs are imported from other countries! And I guarantee you none of my dogs have ever ended of in a shelter, they are expensive and are sold with binding contracts that they will always be returned to me should the owner be unable to care for them. And that has happened twice in 35 years. I love a beautiful dog. Pet people love a beautiful dog who is healthy and easy to live with and train to do what they want. To take that option off the table would be a shame.
You have beautiful dogs! My friend that fosters, says most of the dogs she picks up at rescues to train and rehome have never been taught even simple obedience. She sticks with mainly bird dog breeds-German Shorthairs, Labs and sometimes others. They are wild and crazy, but after she is done with them they know all the basic commands and are something a person wouldn't mind having in their home. I am no dog trainer and even less a bird dog trainer. But I teach them all simple obedience from the minute I get them home. My previous 2 labs were all natural and I hope this new one is too. If not, they make excellent family dogs. | |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | I've gotten them, 'here, there & everywhere'. Picked up one at a team roping - she'd been left there when the fair went thru 3 wks earlier. She was the coolest mutt, we dearly loved her for many many years. Picked up another stray at a jackpot, she was the best watch dog, I was lucky enough to have her for lots of years. Had a couple that were dumped and living with the cows - started feeding them and gradually tamed them. My parents bought me a mini aussie that went everywhere with me for 14 years, I still cry when I think about that dog. I've had 3 other purebred aussies given to me because they needed to be rehomed because of circumstances. My parents have one and I currently have 1. I'll pick up dogs off the side of the road (there's a special place in hell for those that dump them). It seems like I never 'plan' to get another dog, but one shows up and I just have to keep them. | |
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Veteran
Posts: 217
| Honestly, I'll more than likely never get a dog from a rescue/shelter. We tried from both and multiple locations when I was younger, and it was unbearable. I wanted a small dog and as soon as they heard rottweiler they pushed us away. We had a pond and that was the second no. Running loose on the farm and that was the final thing to deny us.
We bought a purebred German Shorthair. Never registered (she's black so couldn't show her anyways) and had her fixed. I'd love to have had one litter from her though. Natural bird stalking, rat/mole hunter, big boned, outrageously smart, not cracked out hyper all the time and she's really big for the breed (pushing 70 lbs and not fat). There can be a nest of baby rabbits, bring her over say no and point at the rabbits, say no again, she won't touch them ever.
We "rescued" a supposed shorthair from a co-worker two years ago. He gave me three copies of three different papers saying it was the dogs parents?? I still don't understand that part. This dog chases birds all day, won't gain weight well because of his running and has to be grain and gluten free, was hard to house break, was never taught a thing as a pup, can't be reprimanded because he simply doesn't understand it and he's sneaky. If he knows you're not outside, he'll try to sneak across the road (we tested this theory). He hasn't been fixed because he's already been hit by a car twice (once previous owner he got a broken leg, second time he just wasn't where we saw him last and it was more of a tap). He can't be tied up or he'll cut the circulation off his legs. He really is a sweet dog in the house, but will make me go grey early lol. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 824
Location: Duvall, WA | Yep. and that is one of the big influences of a responsible breeder: I push hard that they enroll in puppy class. I also stay in touch, and do boarding. I like to see them back, and tell people if I see their dog is a brat at four months it's not too late, at eight months that dog will likely remain a brat. Early training is important, but an easy, biddable temperament is the biggest factor, IMO.
These puppies were sired by a dog from Poland we had standing at our kennel this spring.
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Expert
Posts: 1432
| Mine are rescues from either the Rez, where I live, or shelters.. | |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | We have 2 purebred dogs from good breeders and one mutt that was a rescue (he belongs to my son). I'm a genetics snob and dogs are no different than barrel horses in my mind--when I get a dog, I have a specific purpose I need them to fulfill and the right genetics give me a better chance they will end up being what I want. What I don't want is someone's ill bred AKC papered train wreck. I have never met an ethical breeder who wouldn't take back a dog that needed a new zipcode, so that tells me that the vast majority of rescue/shelter dogs were not from the type of program I want. I'm sure there is the occaional dog that was lost somehow and ends up in these places, but those are unicorns. | |
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Regular
Posts: 89
| We have 2 one we got from the shelter b/c a friend of mine worked there and her time was up and she called me and said I needed to save her and I had just put down my jack Russell. I love the dog and take good care of her but she has lots and lots of issues... but I guess being a stray in my city is enough to give anyone issues. She is not allowed off a rope at all, not even in a fenced yard she's a runner lol I mean a hard and fast runner. We have taken her to obedience school, had trainers work with her she's just a runner. Our trainer said keep her on a rope, I hate it but it's all we can do to keep her safe.
Now my other little guy is a 2yr old heeler that we bought from a girl at a barrel race. Who actually does keep up with all her puppies:) he has a strong working drive and is the 2nd best dog I've ever own. stays right by you, you holler he comes running. We got him because we had to put down our heeler mix who dug up a yellow jacket nest. Would I get another one from the shelter? probably not after this one just because of her running issue I have never seen one so bad. I mean last saturday night we came in from the horseshow and she bolted so we're out looking for this dog at 1 am. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1611
Location: bring on the heat, NV | Well depends. A hunting dog or working cow dog for trials I'd say from a breeder. I generally only do puppies as we have cats, chickens, etc and its really hard to bring an older dog into that mix with out some real growing pains... Also my dog(s) tend to be great on the road but slighlty territorial out here at the ranch (hello watch dog ;) ) puppies are just easier to bring in and can be trained to our specifications. Rescues dont like how far out we live or that our dogs are more outside than in (I do have a fenced yard though). The ones that do generally fall in the you-get-what-you-get category with no temperment testing etc.... Cats I'll rescue in a heart beat. BUT I tend to get a lot of our kitties and dogs (over the years) from backyard folks. They generally have a high turn over to shelter rates unfortunately so I just catch it at the gate so to speak. Absolutely spay and neuter!! As well as chipping. I generally end up with a border collie or lately border collie/shag mix from local ranchers. | |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Rescues are way to hard to deal with if you live on a farm/ranch. I have gotten dogs from the pound, my sister, who breeds nice quality Australian Shepards, and straight off the street. | |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | GLP - 2018-08-26 4:00 PM
Rescues are way to hard to deal with if you live on a farm/ranch. I have gotten dogs from the pound, my sister, who breeds nice quality Australian Shepards, and straight off the street.
When Chris and I first started dating, I tried to get a dog from the humane society--absolutely would not let us have one because it would be outside and he didn't have a fenced yard. All I could think was "how is it better to kill them rather than at least let them have a chance at life with an adoptee, even outside". . . . So all of ours except my first Husky have come from the roadside or been kindly dumped in our yards. | |
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 Strong Willed Woman
Posts: 6577
Location: Prosser, WA | I prefer to buy. I like well bred animals, horses, cattle, dogs. If I want one it is for a reason so I want to get one for that reason. I found it very hard to get a second hand dog and then bring it around kids, horses, cattle and other animals. Also, just like they say with horses it costs the same to feed a good one as it does a bad one. Might as well have one of the good ones that I know the genetic history on and has been tested. I really dislike this petty judgemental thing going on that everyone should just get a rescue. Why not support the breeders that put the time and effort into raising a nice animal? Kind of sickening to me how this attitude is seeping into the horse world too. | |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Chandler's Mom - 2018-08-26 8:53 PM
GLP - 2018-08-26 4:00 PM
Rescues are way to hard to deal with if you live on a farm/ranch. I have gotten dogs from the pound, my sister, who breeds nice quality Australian Shepards, and straight off the street.
When Chris and I first started dating, I tried to get a dog from the humane society--absolutely would not let us have one because it would be outside and he didn't have a fenced yard. All I could think was "how is it better to kill them rather than at least let them have a chance at life with an adoptee, even outside". . . . So all of ours except my first Husky have come from the roadside or been kindly dumped in our yards.
Yeah, they were horrified that I was going to keep a dog outside. Personally. I think dogs would rather be outside most of the time. My Aussie and street mutt HATE being inside. I wanted my Aussie to be a inside/outside fog but from a pup he made it clear he was ranch security, lol. | |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | GLP - 2018-08-27 6:38 AM
Chandler's Mom - 2018-08-26 8:53 PM
GLP - 2018-08-26 4:00 PM
Rescues are way to hard to deal with if you live on a farm/ranch. I have gotten dogs from the pound, my sister, who breeds nice quality Australian Shepards, and straight off the street.
When Chris and I first started dating, I tried to get a dog from the humane society--absolutely would not let us have one because it would be outside and he didn't have a fenced yard. All I could think was "how is it better to kill them rather than at least let them have a chance at life with an adoptee, even outside". . . . So all of ours except my first Husky have come from the roadside or been kindly dumped in our yards.
Yeah, they were horrified that I was going to keep a dog outside. Personally. I think dogs would rather be outside most of the time. My Aussie and street mutt HATE being inside. I wanted my Aussie to be a inside/outside fog but from a pup he made it clear he was ranch security, lol.
Allie has been miserable being in the house during her recuperation--she will just sit and look out the window. Which I think is pitiful, but she's not cleared to go outside and be free!! | |
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Veteran
Posts: 100
Location: South Texas | We live in the boonies and I am so sick of dumped dogs showing up on our ranch. They are always female and usually pregnant or in heat. I'm done spaying other people's cast offs. In our area it is $200 and up to spay a dog. The pound in the closest city is a nightmare. I took a dog there once and will never do that to a living creature again. We find it more humane to feed them good, give them a good scratch and then put them down. That may sound harsh but I just spent $900 on a puppy from a dumped female that my daughter bottle fed and fell in love with . I will not and can not spend that kind of money on other people's dogs. Sorry - rant over. | |
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 Horsey Gene Carrier
Posts: 1888
Location: LaBelle, Florida | I buy from breeders. I have German Shepherds to compete with and have learned the hard way (experience) that TEMPERMENT is bred.
I was out of dogs for about 15 years and during that time, I still had dogs but only as farm/pet dogs. And yes, I have taken in my fair share of 'rescue' dogs that others have dumped and they landed at my doorstep.
When I decided to get back into competing with German Shepherds and started searching for a pup, my 2nd husband had NEVER paid money for dog. He kept trying to get me to buy a cheaper dog (from an add at TSC).
My answer to him, "Do you really want me to buy from unproven lines, untested (health) tested lines and take the chance that the temperment may not be there? To raise around our brand new daughter."
The female we ended up with is exactly what I was looking for at the time. A stable home protector that my daughter could grow up with, without worrying if the dog was going to'snap' due to an unsteady temperment.
My male that I compete with, I waited for over a year to get. He is exactly what his bloodlines say he should be.
At the same time, I have an Australian Shepherd that is my flock guardian that someone dumped at my work.
It really depends on what you want/need in a dog. I do agree there are a lot of backyard breeders that really shouldn't be breeding dogs. However, I think that people who are trying to do it right should be supported. | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1100
Location: Southeastern Idaho | I prefer to rescue from pounds. I currently have a young chiweenie from the local shelter inside the house. She is awesome! Took about 2 weeks to earn her trust and make her feel safe here. She was terrified of car rides at first, but now jumps right in and is excited to go and loves playing with the outside dogs. So many beautiful purebred and cute mixed breed dogs are in shelters and I feel a duty to save as many as I can.
We do not have a fenced yard, but we do have lots of room to roam. Lots of truck rides, manure to roll in, ditches full of irrigation water to swim in...its dog Disney land around here. I have 4 outside dogs of various cattle breeds. 2 heeler mixes and 2 Idaho Shags. All picked up as pups for the "jail fee". All fixed, no future puppies here. And 2 of the 4 are great help with the cattle and 2 are their pets. :)
I agree rescues and pounds are very different. I had 2 great danes from rescues and had a bit more of a background check to go through. I have switched to trolling the pound websites and facebook pages. when I see what I currently want I head over there. I am at my dog limit right now but still watch...its a sickness.
Edited by luvropin 2018-08-29 9:55 AM
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 Expert
Posts: 3782
Location: Gainesville, TX | We have one dog. I got him from a breeder 11 years ago. He has been with us since then. I really want to get another dog for my daughter to grow up around. I will probably go with a reputable breeder. It is easier to know about temperament and raise and socialize them right as puppies.
When we have attempted to rescue at shelters and such, we get turned away for not having a fence or turning our animals outside (like the cats). So I go with breeders now for dogs.
Growing up my family had shelter dogs and I don't have any issue with them, would love to have another one once my daughter was older and able to handle herself better. Most of our cats are somebody's extras. But we get them from other people, not a pound or rescue. | |
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 Chicken Chick
Posts: 3562
Location: Texas | I would consider adopting a puppy from the pound... but there are issues. They want you to bring your dogs to meet the new dog. Which is all fine and dandy except my Doberman (that was given to me 8 years ago because she was a horrible, untrained, unsocialized, poorly bred dog... that thought I was her new best friend) is fearful of strangers and dog aggressive. Shocker I know. If I took her up to a shelter with all those dogs barking and new people she would lose her ever lovin' mind. She is only dog aggressive with adult/large dogs or snappy dogs. She does well with submissive puppies and if they are raised with her she is fine. My son's golden we got at about 6 months old and she loves him, but he played her game well and doesn't care to be the boss. 5 years later they are still buddies. I had to pay $75 for my son's dog from a "rescuer" who really just had a million animals in horrible conditions. This pup was in the smallest run you have ever seen. The bottom of the pen was gravel and dog crap. I thought he was ugly and I'm almost positive is only half Golden... but I bought the dang thing because I felt bad for him. My son earned the money to get him fixed, all of his shots, and now has to keep taking him to the vet because his allergies are so bad the dog scratches himself nearly bald in the summer. I should have just walked away from that mess.
I still visit the shelter... but I rarely see any breeds I would be interested in, and even then they aren't young enough. I have a small child and I am really not willing to risk her getting bit because I brought home an adult dog that I know nothing about. Also, My Doberman has taught me a lesson, I will never, ever, ever, EVER take on someone's half grown problem dog again.
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