Selecting Your Dog Breeder

Puppies start learning immediately. Reputable breeders are aware of this and are very involved in doing early training prior to you taking the pup into your home. They do constructive socialization, introduce the pup to the home environment and may even do some early potty training. A well-mannered, easily trained puppy is one of your goals and the first step toward that goal is the selection of a good breeder.

Most people who sell puppies in the newspaper are not professional breeders. They may have a litter or two, maybe even keep one and sell the other puppies. While there are exceptions, in most cases these are well meaning people but just are not adequately experienced in preparing the puppies for adoption. Then, of course, there are the not so well meaning people who are just looking for the profit and are doing very little if anything to prepare the puppy for a new home. They are simply waiting for the puppies to get old enough to sell. And we have all heard of "puppy mills" which should be avoided completely.

Many puppy mills sell to pet shops. As tempting as it may be to get the puppies out of this environment, this is not the place to select your puppy. No amount of training will be able to overcome some of the problems you may encounter in these puppies. You must be even more diligent in your search for a good breeder than you were in deciding with which kind of Dog you want to share your life and home. Of all the people raising puppies, there are relatively few who are experienced and focused on maintaining and breeding for the best characteristics of one or two breeds. No, it is not just people who want show Dogs who need to look for reputable breeders. Your goal may very well be to merely find a healthy, physically fit, mentally sound pup to enhance your life. The way to have the best chance of doing that is to buy from a reputable breeder.

So how do you begin your search? Ask a vet for recommendations; ask acquaintances who have dogs with characteristics you like, check yellow page listings (remember, you are looking for a breeder, not a pet shop), check the Web.

Once you think you have located a good breeder, there are other things to look for in order to determine how good. So, they show you lineage papers. Remember lineage papers show precisely that--lineage. Good lineage does not guarantee a good breeder. However, a good breeder will most likely be able to tell you information on individual animals in the lineage, i.e., conformity to breed standards, personality characteristics, strengths...and weaknesses. A good breeder is going to want to place the dog in a good situation and will be sure you understand the pros and cons. If a breeder will not mention the negatives of a particular breed, beware!

A good breeder will have the mother on site. The father may or may not be there by the time you are picking a puppy. Observe the mother's (or mother and father's) behavior. The parent should not be fearful or skittish nor exhibit excitable aggressive behavior. You should see sociable behavior. The mother should be used to the breeder picking up her puppies and even taking them out of her sight. This could be an indicator of how the breeder has interacted with her or a characteristic that could be passed to the litter. A good breeder will have a positive relationship with her animals. You will also not see a lot of litters at the breeders. There should only be 1 or 2, 3 at the most, breeds; and only a few litters. Multiple litters of multiple breeds are not to be expected. In order to give the pups the attention they need, there will only be four to six litters a year in total. The environment should be clean and the pups should have ample area for exercise. Good breeders will be socializing the pups and the best place to do that is in the house with people. You want your companion dog to be people centered, not other dog centered.

You may begin to feel that as you are interviewing the breeder that the breeder is interviewing you. A good breeder is carefully selecting new owners also. They do not sell to just anyone who has the cash. They want to be sure they are making a good and permanent placement. You may find them questioning you on the environment into which the pup is going. Some may even ask for pictures.

One thing to ask about (although the information will probably be offered without being asked) is medical care. The pups should at least have one DHLP and parvo vaccination as well as a worm test or a worming. The breeder will openly discuss the type of issues with the breed that may need a medical screening. Hip Dysplasia is one of the first to come to mind, but some breeds are prone to other issues also, such as seizures, cancer or heart murmurs. Good breeders will be trying to breed out these characteristics, but remember, even good breeders can have a pup with issues. However, being responsible breeders, they will not perpetuate the problem. Breeding out poor health prone issues is done in a scientific manner, not haphazardly.

Also check to see how long this breeder has been associated with this breed. You don't want one who has just jumped on the bandwagon of a newly popular breed.

There will be a written contract. (Many breeders will say they will take the animal back, at any age, any time if you cannot take care of the dog any longer.)

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dog Training [http://dog-training-guideto.com]

Havanese Breeder - Is Yours For Real?

Havanese puppies are among the most desirable of all toy breed Dogs. These small, playful pups are considered to be some of the most affectionate and loyal Dogs on the planet; and are highly sought after by competitors around the country. These has led to an uprising of dishonest Havanese breeders who want to capitalize on this desire, and produce as many pups as possible to meet the growing demand, without any thought to the condition in which the dogs are raised.

There are many ways in which you can learn to spot a fake Havanese breeder, otherwise known as a puppy broker. There is no sign on their shirts that tells you what they are, but rather you should do as much research as you possibly can about any breeder you are considering buying a pup from. This is really the only way to ascertain whether you are getting your new dog from an honest Havanese breeder.

The best way to know whether you are dealing with an honest Havanese dealer is to thoroughly research any and all documentation you are given both at the time of the sale, and prior to the final delivery. This includes checking the online databases to ensure that your dog is actually registered where the breeder says they are. Unfortunately, registration papers are relatively simple to forge, and many would-be Havanese owners are duped every day. Fortunately for them, respected registration organizations have online databases available where you can research the registration of your pup's parents, to make certain that you are getting your dog from an honest breeder.

Also, it is not uncommon for a dishonest Havanese breeder to forge medical documentation. Since there are a great many medical tests that need to be done on a Havanese pup when they are born to ensure they do not carry any of the common genetic health concerns that plague so many pups, it is important that you make a point to call the veterinarian (and research them, as well) listed on the paperwork to make certain that your pup has actually had the testing done.
Also, it is important that you ask a potential

Havanese breeder that you are considering how often they breed the female dogs in their care. If they tell you that they breed them every season, it is a good possibility that you are dealing with a fake Havanese breeder. Also, if the Havanese breeder in question tries to pressure you into a quick sale, you should be extremely wary, and run the opposite direction as quickly as possible.

As you can see there are many ways that you can make certain to avoid a dishonest Havanese breeder. The most important thing to remember is that only you can do the necessary research to ensure that your pup is exactly what you want. Havanese puppies are a wonderful addition to any home, and are well worth the wait necessary to ensure that you are getting your pup from an honest Havanese breeder.

Fiona Kelly is a dog owner, breeder, and avid studier - particularly of small dog breeds. Havanese are a wonderful small dog breed characterized by its lack of shedding, good temperament, and good general health. If you are seeking information about what to expect with the Havanese this article will provide it for you.

Choosing The Right Dog Breeder

Deciding to own a Dog, whether it is a big Dog or a small dog involves a lot of responsibility. There is more to having your dog greet you at the door and giving you unconditional love and the dog owner giving that unconditional love in return. It's about caring for your dog, making sure he has a proper diet, grooming, cleaning up after them, taking them to the veterinarian for their health check-ups and shots. Before finding the right breeder you must decide on the right dog breed for you. A breed that will fit into your lifestyle. If you have young children you want a breed that is good with children. Your living environment (whether you live in a house or an apartment), does the dog need to run alot or are they good apartment dogs.

Finding the right breeder for the dog depends on the breed you choose. A professional breeder will only breed healthy dogs to insure that they will produce a healthy offspring. Most reputable breeders may choose to evaluate your home. Making sure their puppies will have a safe, healthy and loving environment. Before purchasing the puppy the breeder will sometimes have you sign a contract, be sure to read the contract thoroughly before signing. This way if there are any health problems you will not be held responsible for their care.

The breeder should have their pair of dogs tested for all possible diseases as well as knowing each dog's parents history. This should be kept on file for you (the buyer) to review. Do not be shy to ask to see the health records of the parenting dogs and their parents history. This could be a very important factor as most breeds have some sort of health problems whether they are puppies or adult dogs. Again, research your breed before purchasing.

After giving birth, try to visit the breeder frequently so you can see how well the puppies are taken care of. The puppies should be taken to the veterinarian for a health check and to administer their first shot by the breeder before you take him home. You also want to see how well the mother reacts with her pups and how the pups interact with each other. After visiting a few times you will be able to see the temperament of the puppies.

When the puppies reach six to eight weeks of age you will be able to take him home. Have them checked out by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Therefore, if there are any health issues you will be able to discuss it with your breeder.

I can't stress it enough, research your breed and the breeder. If you take home a puppy that doesn't fit your lifestyle or the puppy is sick it can be very heartbreaking.

Remember a good dog is a healthy and happy dog.

To research any type of breed I recommend going to the American Kennel Club website (www.americankennelclub.org) they have all the information you need for every breed type.

For great pet supplies visit: http://www.tailwaggingprices.com featuring designer dog beds, natural food, bones and chews, toys, dog clothing, pet carriers and much more all at discounted prices.

Shocking Information About a Cat Breeder at Cat Shows Exposed!

For thousands of years going back to the Ancient Egyptians, cats have been put on public display. But the first cat shows in the United States, held in Maine, didn't appear until between 1860 and 1870. Finally, in 1895, a show clawed its way into New York City, hosted in Madison Square Garden.

Badoop-badoop! Fast-forward to the present: Cat clubs and cat fancy organizations are everywhere, holding local, state and national shows in every part of the country. And no wonder: If you search YouTube, either online or on your TV with your TiVo HD DVR, it's very clear that you don't have to be a cat breeder to be easily amused and entertained by the very funny videos featuring endless breeds of cats--from hilarious cat bloopers to just cute cat behaviour. But what's missing from most of these viral videos are a the cat fanciers themselves, who regularly travel across the country attending cat shows. Talk about a special breed of PEOPLE! Perhaps you're familiar with the crazy cat lady on some of The Simpsons episodes? I guess they're not all THAT crazy--are they?

So... I went to Pleasanton, California with a very clear mission: to find out just how crazy people can get about cats--and, while I was there, to learn out how well they know their famous felines of Film and Television with our very first Badoop-Badoop Cat Quiz!

What better place to get a close-up perspective of the cat fancier lifestyle than the Crow Canyon Cat Show! I couldn't believe all the cats I saw: Siamese cats, known for their legendary voice and captivating blue eyes; Persian cats, with their long flowing coats and open pansy-like faces; Himalayan cats, actually a Persian cat with the color pattern of a Siamese cat (who knew?!); the Egyptian Mau, which were worshiped as deities in ancient Egypt; the remarkably dense and muscular Tonkinese; Burmese cats, often described as "bricks wrapped in silk"; Exotic cats that look like a Persian but have short hair; Siberian cats, which history shows have been around for at least one thousand years; Sphinx cats, which are the most famous of the hairless cats, and probably made most popular in recent years by Doctor Evil from the Austin Powers movies; and Abyssinian cats, one of the oldest known breeds on this planet. One of my favorites was a plump Russian Blue Cat with a plush double coat similar to a beaver--gorgeous!

What a spectacle, these fancy cat shows! Cat toys are everywhere, grooming stations and supplies to style and fluff abound, and the large crates where the cats are displayed are decorated with animal prints, feather boas and more! In preparation for the show, cats are bathed, nails clipped, and ears cleaned. And some cats are more "high-maintenance" than others. A long haired cat requires much more effort than a short haired cat and, if shown on a regular basis, must be bathed weekly and combed twice daily! What divas!

Here are a few grooming tricks I learned while I was there: By fluffing up the hair on top of a cat's head, you can modify the appearance of large ears; to make a cat's tail appear shorter, trim the excess hair at the end of the tail; to give the kitty a rounded look, clip the hair around the face; and to make their eyes look rounder, cut the hair over the eyes; finally, to make the cat's neck look thicker or shorter, just comb out its ruff so that it stands out to frame its face. Do you think our favorite Hollywood stars heed any of this advice?

Even though our breeders didn't get every answer correct in our Cat Quiz, it's clear that these folks clearly know and love their cats. I got a particular kick out of the fact that while that the show manager assured me that cat people are not crazy, the club's treasurer told me that the difference between cat owners and Dog owners is that Dogs have "Masters," and Cats have "Staff."

Good thing we documented all of the cattiness on video so you can see for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8WNy71L0KM

Watch the cat show, learn about famous felines on film & TV, and laugh at some of the funniest cats we found on YouTube!

This is Shanan Carney, sometimes known as The TiVo Diva.

Mastiff Puppies For Sale - Questions To Ask The Breeder

Time to get your new baby mastiff puppy? Congratulations! Mastiffs are among the most loyal and wonderful Dogs. With proper training, they make both excellent guard Dogs and great family pets. In order to make sure you get the best Dog possible, you will want to quiz the breeder before agreeing to take one of his or her puppies. Here are some questions you should ask any breeder you are considering.

1. Do you breed puppies for pets, for show, or both?

There are breeders who fall into each of these categories. If you are looking for a family pet, for example, you will not want to work with a breeder who only breeds dogs for show.

2. What are the breeder's goals for breeding his dogs?

This will tell you a lot about how the breeder feels about the dogs. If his only goal is to make money selling dogs, you may not end up with a quality animal, because he is over breeding the mother and farming out the puppies too soon.

3. How are the puppies socialized?

You will want to look for a breeder who exposes the puppy to many different sounds, people, and environments. Keep in mind that while the puppies are young, they probably won't leave the property in order to prevent them from acquiring diseases. But even on the property, they can be exposed to children, strangers, the sounds of household appliances, and other animals.

4. Can you have a veterinarian examine the puppy before committing to keeping him?

Much like you would want your mechanic to examine a used car before you buy, you should have the opportunity to make sure your new puppy is free of illness or disease before taking him home. Most breeders will not have a problem with this, but be prepared to put down a deposit if required.

These are just a few questions to get you started when searching for your new mastiff puppy. Good luck!

For more on how to find mastiff puppies for sale, visit Mastiff Magic at http://www.mastiffmagic.com/finding-mastiff-puppies-for-sale.html right now.