Dog (pupp) Buying Guide Project

I agree, it looks great, Barb

I do think behaviours are important, which I am happy to see are included under is a Sheltie right for you..
Because we all know most books say about the barking, but with proper training it's not an issue.. I say SNORT to that one ;) Shelties WILL bark (which of course CAN be managed for the most part but still is a part of the breed...) They WILL have the zoomies and try to herd, lol
Gosh I love them :) hehehehehe
 
Lets all say it at once ... "Gee Barb, you're my Hero!" (Blushing Pink Smilie bats it's long fluffy eyelashes and peers out of her big brown peepers with awe and admiration) :biggrin2:

I know that many many loving pets placed in amazing homes will say that too after we educated the pants of people. I will pass on what I have up to this point tomorrow. Thank you again Barb for taking this on and leading the charge.
 
I think this is all great information, but again, way too much overload. There are plenty of puppy buyer guides out there. But there isn't a resource on how to "screen" to find a good breeder with quality puppies.

My take is, that it should be whittled down to these key areas:

Where to find a reputable breeder:
Online Word of mouth
Newspaper ads?
Kennel Clubs

What to look for in a seller?
WHY do they breed?
Puppy Mill, BYB, Hobby Breeder, Show Breeder defined
What questions should I ask?
Can you trace the blood line? If not, why not?
Can you visit their home?
Do they test for genetic diseases?
Does the breeder show, compete, participate in breed clubs?
Can you see Mom and/or Dad
Where were the puppies raised?
What should the breeder provide me with when I pick up the dog?
Contract – limited if not a show dog; a reputable breeder would also include in the contract that they will take back the dog if for whatever reason you have to give it up, other?
Vet history, including all vaccines/deworming
Guarantee
 
No issues breaking this down into a more targetted guide (I was getting a little afraid that I was heading into full book territory anyway!)

Perhaps the bits that we whittle out can be future "stickies". For example, I would love to have one on "is a Sheltie right for me?" Lots of education can be done there...the good, the bad and the ugly! It makes me nuts when I see dogs brought home, and THEN their owners figure out the maintenance requirements! Then off to the Shelter!

Looking for other input before I go further. Comments anyone? Come on, you lurkers! You should join in too!
 
BarbV said:
No issues breaking this down into a more targetted guide (I was getting a little afraid that I was heading into full book territory anyway!)

Perhaps the bits that we whittle out can be future "stickies". For example, I would love to have one on "is a Sheltie right for me?" Lots of education can be done there...the good, the bad and the ugly! It makes me nuts when I see dogs brought home, and THEN their owners figure out the maintenance requirements! Then off to the Shelter!

Looking for other input before I go further. Comments anyone? Come on, you lurkers! You should join in too!
Click to expand...

Great job Barb...

Kelly, the above sounds like a great idea.

I have ADD......and would never get through the entire article. I would have a small guide with links that people can click if they want more detail.
 
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Kelly said:
I think this is all great information, but again, way too much overload. There are plenty of puppy buyer guides out there. But there isn't a resource on how to "screen" to find a good breeder with quality puppies.

My take is, that it should be whittled down to these key areas:

Where to find a reputable breeder:
Online Word of mouth
Newspaper ads?
Kennel Clubs

What to look for in a seller?
WHY do they breed?
Puppy Mill, BYB, Hobby Breeder, Show Breeder defined
What questions should I ask?
Can you trace the blood line? If not, why not?
Can you visit their home?
Do they test for genetic diseases?
Does the breeder show, compete, participate in breed clubs?
Can you see Mom and/or Dad
Where were the puppies raised?
What should the breeder provide me with when I pick up the dog?
Contract – limited if not a show dog; a reputable breeder would also include in the contract that they will take back the dog if for whatever reason you have to give it up, other?
Vet history, including all vaccines/deworming
Guarantee
Click to expand...

Barb, what you've done is wonderful! So much work and time. I agree with Kelly though: Less is more. We want a concise guide to buying puppies...one that people can read fairly quickly and take away just what they need to know, and can perhaps even print out to take with them when they visit breeders. I think Kelly's points to hit are great.
 
WOW! :eek2: Makes me feel intimidated. :winkgrin: No, really this is great!

There has been something that I have wanted to share with you guys that is a real weight on my shoulders. Which I'm going to start in another thread... as, I don't know, though it is similar to this... it probably belongs in another thread.
 
HI Everyone

So based on the feedback, I will go with an abbreviated version, and I love Danisgoat's idea of putting in links in order to "expand" certain areas, but outside the main article.

Any of the topics that I leave out, can be addressed in a separate "guide".

I don't think I can get back to this again until the weekend (at least nothing that I'm ready to show anyone).

If it's alright with the forum, though, I would like to suggest a couple of things:

- I would limit the "editorial" board to a few (I'm suggesting Kelly, Anne, Tofu Pup as they are already our "moderators"). It would hard to do this by a large community committee
- I will publish a final draft Table of Contents in the next couple of days.
- If anyone feels strongly that I'm missing a topic in the final ToC, please PM me.
- If anyone would like to put up their hand to take on a specific section, please PM me.

Anything I'm missing???

Cheers
Barb
 
Update....

I'm still working on this...just taking me longer than I thought to get it done. I thought maybe a few hours...voila! Nope!

Coming soon! I promise!
 
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