Dog breeders are a dime a dozen – so how do you choose a reputable breeder?

There are a huge number of dog breeders that you can choose from to purchase your new puppy but how do you know you are dealing with a reputable breeder?

Although many dog breeders are good, others can be just plain bad.

This article will provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts to help you find a reputable dog breeder.

Reputable dog breeders will allow you to see the mother and if possible the father of the pups. You can get some indication of the disposition of the puppies by viewing the temperament of the parent dogs.

Check out the dog’s environment. Dog breeders who provide filthy or unkempt environments for their dogs are generally not thinking of their dog’s health and well-being. Ensure that the dog’s bedding is clean and tidy and adequate water and shelter has been provided. These are all signs that the breeder takes the time and effort to look after their animals.

Dog breeders that are worth their salt will be able to answer any breed related question you might throw them. Read all about your breed in books or on the internet and have a list of questions ready. Make the list as long as you need. A good breeder will be happy to know that you are concerned enough to ask a lot of questions. Some of the questions you might ask include:

• How much grooming is involved?
• How much exercise is needed?
• What is the general temperament of this breed?
• Have the necessary immunisations been administered and/or what immunisations will become my responsibility once the pet is purchased?
• Is there some sort of warranty if the puppy becomes ill and dies after I have taken him home?
• Is this breed predisposed to any health risks or congenital diseases?

Don’t be upset if in turn the breeder asks you lots of questions. You must remember that reputable dog breeders care about their animals and want to know that they will be going to a suitable home. Feel grateful that they are as concerned about the puppy as you are.

Reputable dog breeders will tell you as much as they can about the puppy you will be taking home. They should provide you with details about the feed that the puppy is currently on as well as any other issues that may be important in the care of the puppy.

In a nutshell you are looking for dog breeders that are not in it solely for the money. Anyone who makes a huge profit on dog breeding is ultimately disadvantaging their animals in some way. Dog breeding is expensive which reflects in the price of the animal.

Take your time to do the proper research and you will find a dog breeder that meets all the criteria above and more.

Dog beds come in all shapes and sizes so choosing the right one for your dog can be confusing. There are a number of factors to consider before deciding on the right dog bed for your pet such as the size of your dog, whether they like to sleep spread out or curled up and whether they are a puppy or an adult dog.

Dog beds are generally designed for the comfort of your pet but there are also dog beds available that are manufactured for dogs with health problems such as arthritis or hip problems.Orthopaedic and heated dog beds can make a huge difference to the comfort and well-being of your dog.

When choosing from the vast array of dog beds first consider the size of your dog. Always check the manufacturers recommended sizing before purchasing the bed. Each dog bed is different so different sizing requirements will apply. A reputable online merchant will provide this information to help with your selection.

The huge number of dog beds that are now available means that you now have a much larger range of options. If your dog likes to spread out when sleeping then a dog pillow would be the best choice. Dog pillows won’t restrict your dog and will allow him to stretch out while still allowing him to curl up if needed. If your dog prefers to curl up when sleeping then the rounded nest-type dog bed may suit.

Dog beds are also available to suit puppies. Puppies generally have a tendency to chew and will rip a dog bed to shreds before you know it so ensure that you purchase a puppy bed that is chew proof.

Another factor to consider is the size of the bed. Your puppy will grow out of the bed quite quickly so you don’t want to purchase a bed that is too small.

The weather is also a consideration. If you live in a cold climate or during the cooler months you may consider getting your dog one of the heated dog beds that are available, especially if you have an outside dog.

The most common dog allergies generally relate to skin or ear conditions. If you have a dog with an allergy then it is probably causing you as much irritation as it is causing your dog. Watching a dog in distress can be disheartening. Dog allergies are notoriously difficult to cure as many dogs will often regress even when it looks like the irritation has disappeared.

Allergies can be caused by many factors. These can relate to food, environment, disease, fleas or medications. Finding the source of the allergy can be difficult but without knowing the source, treatment won’t be effective.

Then there are allergies relating to food intake that are quite common. The ingredients in many processed dog foods are appalling to say the least so try to introduce healthier dog foods into your dog’s diet. A homemade diet is the best option if you have the time. Many dogs are allergic to wheat, milk, cheese, eggs, nuts and even beef. Try omitting some of these food types one at a time and see how your dog reacts. 

Fleas and ticks are another major cause of dog allergies. Many dogs are allergic to a flea bite and will scratch for hours trying to relieve the itching. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect a flea or tick allergy. In the meantime, try to keep your house and garden free from fleas. There are many good products on the market specifically for this purpose.

And sometimes your dog allergies can result from something in a dog’s environment like a particular weed or plant in your garden. If you suspect that this might be the cause, either keep your dog away from that part of the garden to test if this is the cause or better yet, rip out the weeds altogether. If the plant is one that you wish to keep, you may need to fence off the offending section of the garden.

Although not common, an allergic reaction can result from medication that your dog may be taking. If the allergy began soon after the dog started taking a certain medication then this is more than likely the cause. Talk to your veterinarian as if the allergy is severe enough your vet should consider using an alternative medication.

If you suspect any allergy in your dog then it is worth seeking advice from a veterinarian who can provide quick advice and possible medications that may relieve your dog’s distress and improve its health.

And if you are allergic to your dog the  allerpet d range of products are designed to help you treat your dog and make both your lives easier.

Choosing a dog requires a lot of thought.

Unfortunately, many people purchase a dog without thinking about how the animal will fit into their household and how much it will actually cost to keep.

Choosing a dog involves a lot more than just wanting the latest breed because everyone else has one.

The following guide will give you some tips and things to think about before deciding on the right breed for you.

1. Lifestyle
Consider your current lifestyle before even considering choosing a dog. If you and your family are out all day and no one is at home to keep the dog company then you should seriously consider not getting a dog. Dogs are pack animals and they need to have their pack around them in order to stay happy. If no one is home for most of the day, the dog will become destructive and you will find yourself coming home to a garden or house with some major damage.

2. Environment
The environment that you live in is an important factor to consider when choosing a dog. If you live in an apartment it would be inappropriate to choose a large active breed for obvious reasons. A smaller breed that doesn’t require great amounts of exercise would be better suited. If you have a large back garden that is adequately fenced you can consider larger breeds but do not get a breed that is overly active if you aren’t prepared to exercise it regularly.

3. Budget
When choosing a dog most people don’t consider the costs involved. If you are purchasing a puppy the costs are even greater with veterinary costs being the biggest initial cost. Ongoing costs include food, dog toys, treats, leashes and collars, dog bowls, dog beds and kennels, dog obedience training and more. There are also the ongoing veterinary costs for yearly shots and the unexpected costs if your dog falls ill.

4. Time
Do you have the time to look after a dog? Many people don’t realise that a dog needs a lot of attention if it is to remain happy and healthy. There is no point in having a dog if it sits in the backyard watching the family through a window all day. Dogs like to be with people and this means spending time talking to your pet, walking it and playing with it. Before choosing a dog be honest with yourself and decide whether you will have the time to give it the attention it deserves. This is particularly so if you purchase a puppy. Puppies require a lot of work in the first six weeks particularly in terms of training.

Too many animals are turned into shelters and dog homes each year. So take the time to research carefully to find the best dog for your and your family.