ADOPTING from page 1 relinquished because their new owners weren’t realis c about what they wanted or could handle. I know an elderly couple who had to have a pup-they found one through a breeder only to discover he had far more energy and strength than they did. The pup was rehomed with the help of a rescue group. If your family walks daily, look for breeds who need and will thrive on that group ac vity. If you have small children, an unflappable breed is a must. Think toddlers who pull on tails or may ride the dog like a horsey. Speaking of children, it’s important that they understand proper dog manners if they’ve never had a pet. If you live in a condo or apartment, don’t think you’re limited. Large couch potato breeds will enjoy lazing the day away. Small dogs will be fine, but stay away from yappers…your neighbors won’t be thrilled. Another point is that while breed is important, the key is the individual dog--and here it’s up to you. Whatever pup you choose, it’s how you raise him that will shape his personality. If he’s exercised, trained, well-cared-for, and doted on, he’ll likely be a wonderful companion. Take the American Kennel Club’s test to help determine the top breeds for you at www.akc.org/ dog-breed-selector/.
BREEDER VS. RESCUE Kathie Bangs, President of the Collie Club of Maine, Inc., as well as a Director for the Collie Club of America, said when making the choice to purchase a purebred puppy, your best ally will be your state and na onal breed clubs--they should be your star ng point and will direct you. (She gets many calls from people who are considering a Collie, and she’s glad to advise them.) “Most organiza ons can provide a wealth of informa on, answer any ques ons you may have, and provide you with contacts for well-known, respected breeders.” Once you have a breeder in mind, call him, and ask ques ons. Remember, this li le pup is going to be part of your family for a long me, so no ques on is stupid. Kathie agreed, “Any good breeder should be forthcoming in answering any ques ons you may have and in turn, you, as the prospec ve buyer, should be happy to answer any ques ons the breeder may have. A er all, breeders, too, wish to see their puppy, who they've brought into the world, end up in the perfect home.”
If you discover the dogs are kenneled in crates in the basement, garage or barn, and you aren’t allowed to meet any dogs, walk away. Start over and search for one of Maine’s countless reputable breeders. Kathie concurred, “Trust your instincts.” (For informa on on breeder referral, specific breed informa on and breed clubs, visit American Kennel Club - Breeder Referral Search.) If you are interested in rescuing, there are pups in Maine’s humane socie es, shelters, and nonprofits awai ng homes (they have both purebred and mixes thereof). Danielle Blake, Board President for Maine Coast Animal Rescue, said her group brings in many pups from southern high-kill shelters. In fact, she’s expec ng 14 Labrador pups this month. (See more info on this rescue on page 12) A perk of working with rescues (and some humane socie es and shelters) is that most of these pups are in private foster homes and the housebreaking, training, and socializa on process has begun. Their fosters provide feedback on their personality, if they’re child- and pet-friendly and what se ng the pup will flourish in. Find out how long he’s been breeding, and if he’s a member of the AKC Parent Club or a breed club. Discuss any concerns you may have on the breed’s temperament, behavior, and characteris cs. A reputable breeder is aware of the breed’s poten al health issues, and should share this informa on. In addi on, is he performing the necessary tes ng and important vet checks prior to pu ng his puppies up for sale/adop on? “For example, Collies have a couple of hereditary eye problems which require having those puppies examined by a Board-Cer fied Ophthalmologist prior to selling them. If a breeder does not have a cer ficate showing that the eyes were examined, this would be a huge red flag,” said Kathie. If you’re sa sfied with his answers, ask when the next li er is planned and schedule a visit. When you meet the breeder and tour the facility, you should get a warm and fuzzy feeling. Kathie agreed, “A buyer should feel comfortable in visi ng a kennel or hobby breeder.” Meet the parents-to-be and any dogs he may have. Watch how he interacts with his dogs. Are they part of the home as family pets? If you’re pleased with the mee ng, his dogs are loved, well-cared-for and healthy, and he is knowledgeable and informa ve, you may have found your breeder.
TRAINING AND BEYOND If you’re new to raising a pup, arm yourself with knowledge on socialization, (a very important role in nurturing a well-developed pet), housebreaking, crate training, gating, feeding, and all things “puppy.” Libraries, book stores, and online sites offer much information. Check out area obedience trainers--ask to sit in on a class to determine training style. Choose a well-respected veterinarian and schedule an appointment. They’re going to be a great resource for any further questions you may have. A puppy can be a magical addi on to your life. By choosing the right pup for you and with foresight and prepara on, you’ll be equipped to mold that li le bundle of fun into a well-rounded, loving, and secure dog. One last thought: If, a er that considera on, you realize a puppy isn’t for you, don’t be hard on yourself---it’s best you discovered this now. There are plenty of adult purebreds, mixes thereof, and plain old awesome mu s awai ng forever homes in shelters, rescues, and breed specific rescues. Look into adop ng one of those sweet dogs, you’ll change its life--and it may change yours.
Please Support Our Advertisers BANGOR & DOWNEAST
SOUTHERN
Green Acres Kennel Shop .................16
All 4 Paws ............................................6
Loyal Biscuit ........................................2
Animal Emergency Clinic...................11 Inn by the Sea......................................10
MIDCOAST
Lavish Dog Day Spa ..............................11
Catahoula Rescue................................6
Maine Veterinary Medical Center ......6
Kompletely K-9 ....................................6
Pet Connec on....................................6
Loyal Biscuit ........................................2
Pleasant Hill Kennels ...........................5
Mr. Dog Training ....................................2 Neighborhood Veterinary Technician ... 15
STATEWIDE & BEYOND
Two Salty Dogs ....................................2
petMAINE ..........................................14
Water Bark Wellness ...........................2
Pickles Pup Transport ...........................16
BEST VET PRACTICE 2012, 2014 & 2018 Quality medicine, surgery and dentistry from a professional team you can trust.
Taylor Brook Animal Hospital
Silver Paw Tags ....................................6
WESTERN
Vet Special ......................................8&9
Hello Doggie Daycare ........................16
“Honoring the Human-Animal Bond”
Taylor Brook Animal Hospital .............5
Office Hours By Appointment
Catherine Sanders, DVM Jennifer Mirecki, DVM
207-784-1726 www.taylorbrookanimalhospital.com 33 Millett Drive • Auburn, ME
March 2019
5