HawthorneVillager.com

Hello all
I am just starting my research into getting a puppy!
I have had dogs my whole life but this would be the first time looking to adopt or buy one off Kijiji however I am unsure of what to look for when I meet the puppy
Any advice or experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

So you want to get a puppy (not an adult rescue) and you say you've had dogs your whole life yet you don't know what to look for.
That makes sense.

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Some people are like slinkies. They're really good for nothing but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

Establish some background on the puppy. They should be able to provide you with a medical history including shot and wormings that have been done; infomation on whether or not the puppy can be registered and if so, with which registry; age of the puppy; and a list of medical problems of the puppy amd of the parents. Also ask if the parents are on site, tell them you would like to meet the parents. If the parents are yappy dogs, remember apple does fall far. Ask about the personallity of the pup for you to try to determine if the puppy’s demeanor suits your family.

Give the puppy a good inspection. Look at the puppy to be sure that his eyes are bright, there are no signs of fleas or other insects, his skin is pink and healthy, and he shows no raw or hot spots on his back or legs. His gums should be pink and his teeth free from any buildup.

The pup should appear energetic and inquisitive without being overly aggressive. If the pup strikes you as being quite calm, even sluggish, you’re probably smarter to leave him there as an uninterested attitude can indicate health problems.

Ask what kind of guarantee comes with the puppy. In other words, what happens if you get your dog home and a week later he inexplicably dies or ends up in the vet’s office with a list of complications?

Remember, your dog will be with you for years to come. Proceed with caution!

This is a great site to look up dog breeds and their Temperament

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/abc.htm

Thank you so much Justagirl I really appreciate it.



New in town I have never been the purchaser of a puppy before and no I don't want an adult rescue I want a puppy that will grow with my small children, however I am very open to adopting a puppy. Just looking for some personal helpful advice

We just got out Morkie from Mini Pups.

Here is the website:

http://www.minipups.ca/

We've also had a Maltese and they are great dogs.

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Melissa Charlton B.ScN
The Charlton Advantage Team
Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty
Broker
www.livinginmilton.com
Direct: 905-693-9346

I think the most important thing is to go to a reputable breeder. This way you will have a good idea of the future health of your new puppy. I learned this the hard way.
Also, find a good vet (lots of suggestions in this forum). A good vet will work with you and not try to push every medication there is available. Again, I learned this the hard way.

Good luck with your search.

Read this.

http://www.volhard.com/pages/pat.php

Are you looking for a big dog,medium dog or small dog.

Does anyone in your family have allergies ?

How much time can you devote to the dog.

If I could suggest a dog rescue also. My wife and I have been volunteering for a year or so for Oakville Lab Rescue. They have several Labs of different sizes and ages. If your an experienced dog owner, training a young Lab or one that needs some guidance should come fairly easy.

We lost our 13 year old Hunter last September and to make a long story short we adopted Bailey, a 9 year old Chocolate Lab. She needed some work as she was neglected by her previous owners, in that she had little in the way of social skills. But after some time she has made great progress and is now a wonderful family member. She gets along fine with our 15 year old Black Lab, Brook and our cat, Russell.

http://www.lab-rescue.ca/Adopt_Me.html

Sometimes not having to go through the puppy stage is a good thing and would give a home to a deserving Dog.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Always a red flag to me when places are offering tons of different types of breeds on cute looking websites. Usually pups on many of these types of websites (puppy brokers) are bred offsite elsewhere in places that would make you cringe, which is how they can offer such a large variety ongoing. The internet with websites such as Kijiji has helped a ton of backyard breeders & puppymills to flourish. Plus many of these brokers are selling mixed breeds for astronomical prices, really crazy. Plus they charge additionally for tea cup sizes, when most vets will tell you pups that are bred specifically to be so tiny are at high risk for hypoglycemia & other medical issues. Sad to see so many dogs advertised as accessories for owners & dressed up like doll like toys.

Anyone purchasing a puppy should consider contacting an animal rescue group (be sure they are legitimate as some are actually as bad as puppymills) as many have lots of puppies available too. If you do go with a puppy, research, research & research!!!!! Reputable individual breeders will never advertise their pups like they are a toy & never breed tons of different types that are always available 24/7. A good breeder will make sure their pup is a good fit for your home & often you will have to go on a waiting list as they are not constantly overbreeding just to meet demand.

All animals are a ton of work & expense & if you scan the ads on Kijiji you will see tons of ads where puppies only a few months old are being resold by second or third time purchasers. Anyways good luck on your new member of your family , let us know what you decide on!

We just got our shihpoo from purdypuppy.com they are in innisfil I would highly recommend them. If you go on their website they have videos of puppies that are currently available.
Good luck on your search.

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John
New Start Home Improvements

Please do some research to make whatever breed you are interested in is the right match for your family. Then either contact a reputable rescue or breeder.

Responsible breeders do not advertise on Kijiji, or have websites with cutesy names showing all kinds of different types of puppies. Sites of these nature are buying puppies from mills, and/or auction. They are also known as "Puppy Broker's". http://ezinearticles.com/?Puppy-Broker: ... &id=327789

Brokers tend to be skilled at marketing and posing puppies for cute pictures. They will give you no information about the puppies parents, how and where they have been raised, and there will definitely be no health clearances done on the parents either.

Here is a pamphlet from the Cavalier Fanciers of Southern Ontario. It pertains to Cavaliers, however the information in it is useful for anyone searching for a companion from a reputable breeder. http://www.flipsnack.com/AC6878CF8D6/fz95yn3u

Good luck!

Unfortunately, the consensus all over the internet, including my experience with them, is that they are puppy brokers and highly likely getting their puppies from puppy mills.

Proof? Too many different breeds at a constant rate, NO photos or information of ANY parents of the puppies, they say the mom is "onsite" but don't produce her when you go see the puppies in person, NO access to the "kennel" where they "breed" their puppies, NO information on health testing of the parents - they offer a 5 year guarantee on the puppies, though....which says NOTHING of the health of the parents. Really cute photos and videos though...they really hook you in, right?!

What are your reasons for "highly recommending them"?