Dog (pupp) Buying Guide Project

BarbV

BarbV

Forums Celebrity
Hi everyone

Please post your thoughts and suggestions here for what should be included in this guide.

It might include topics such as:

- what are my options? Where to buy? (e.g. Rescue, breeder, etc.) and where NOT to buy (e.g. want ads, websites advertising a gadzillion pups, sidewalk sales, pet shop, etc.) And why is one better than the other?
- what to look for in a breeder
- what the breeder should expect of you (e.g. fenced yard, flexible schedule, etc.)
- Is a sheltie right for you?
- can I even afford a puppy? dog?
- what I do I need for the first few days home
- Other?
 
I think the teenage phase deserves a section all on its own - or at least a warning! Or maybe in a section on puppy stages.

Agree with the 'Is a sheltie right for you' - esp explaining the disadvantages as I see too many guides saying shelties are low maintenance and dont need much exercise!
 
something about the difference in males vrs females...

also if you have more than one dog... what work better in the house: two males, two females, or one of each...

Beth~
 
How much time and effort your willing to put into the dog and the research.
And maybe if your considering a performance career in the future?
 
Format

Is it going to be in a bulleted format? Or written out? I'm just thinking that depending how many areas are touched upon it could be a rather long read...and you know how we like to discuss many topics here on picking the perfect pup:smile2: we could easily make this a war and peace novel :smile2: or is it going to be a quick guide and than a more detailed description below?
I'm just thinking of a way to make it concise to get the point across and be a reference point and keep people interested and not turn them away if it gets too long they may gloss over and miss some vital info.
 
Lightplum said:
Is it going to be in a bulleted format? Or written out? I'm just thinking that depending how many areas are touched upon it could be a rather long read...and you know how we like to discuss many topics here on picking the perfect pup:smile2: we could easily make this a war and peace novel :smile2: or is it going to be a quick guide and than a more detailed description below?
I'm just thinking of a way to make it concise to get the point across and be a reference point and keep people interested and not turn them away if it gets too long they may gloss over and miss some vital info.
Click to expand...

Or, we could do a bit of both. Maybe write a 2 page summary at the beginning? That way you get the main point across to those that just want the basics, but for addicts errr I mean detail oriented people like me, we can read the whole shebang. :smile2:
 
Health issues, feeding (I'm thinking about the tendency for some shelties to get chubby or to think they are starving), grooming (incl grooming in hot weather and what grooming products are most useful for the sheltie coat).

What are the key things that new people come on line for information? I think that would be useful, a file with key info on shelties. After all, we can look at all those online dog site breed profiles, but what the forum has is the real inside info from sheltie owners - the day to day stuff.

Whoops, sorry realised the above is prob off track for a buying guide. But if you ever do an FAQ on top sheltie questions that would be handy I think for new owners.
 
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A small paragraph or two about what puppy mills and backyard breeders are would be good. And the lies they can tell.

Maybe a small write up on those "designer" breeds? They almost exclusively come from from puppy mills and backyard breeders and those who show (and who are usually where you'll find the better breeders) won't mix breeds. The only mixed breed I can think of that might not fall in here is the labradoodle? I might be wrong. I also think you should call a spade a spade and consumers should be informed and not be made the fool for paying top dollar for what fills up most shelters!!
 
romeosangiovese said:
Maybe a small write up on those "designer" breeds? They almost exclusively come from from puppy mills and backyard breeders and those who show (and who are usually where you'll find the better breeders) won't mix breeds. The only mixed breed I can think of that might not fall in here is the labradoodle? I might be wrong. I also think you should call a spade a spade and consumers should be informed and not be made the fool for paying top dollar for what fills up most shelters!!
Click to expand...

No, labradoodles (followed by spoodles) are the most popular puppy farmed dogs here in Australia. There are a few quality BYB of poodle crosses, but on the whole most are best avoided.
 
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