Quote: Tracy Collins

I guess it depends on what you're looking for and what your expectations are.

If you're rescuing a dog, then it's not unusual to have very little or no background information about the dog. You're rescuing it and you take your chances about the genetic background and early socialization/training the dog may or may not have.

Jillions of dogs trade hands like this every day, and many people wouldn't get a dog in any other way than to rescue one from a bad situation.

If, on the other hand, you're doing research and looking for a legitimate breeder of quality purebred dogs, then you already know this isn't it.

Can you visit the dog first and evaluate her objectively before you commit? I'd be less concerned about her health than her temperament, frankly. A bargain dog isn't, sometimes.

Sincerely, I'm fine with a retriever like dog; energetic and full of spirit. I looked at purebred's and they look great, healthy and happy; I'm just not sure it's necessary to spend the money on one just for a buddy to travel and hike with me, or go get a coffee and paper on a sunday morning. I researched and read websites about this purebred and that, but ultimately, it doesn't matter much to me all that.

But yes, Tracy, I can and plan to meet the dog at their home in the next few days. I grew up with dogs, but this is my first. How can one tell if the temperament is well and good from an 8 month old pup? I think if she welcomes me and has fun tossing a ball she should be fine? : )

I'd like to say thanks to everyone who has responded thus far.

 Quote: Kevin Van Bochoven

How can one tell if the temperament is well and good from an 8 month old pup? I think if she welcomes me and has fun tossing a ball she should be fine? : )

Um not exactly.

See how she reacts when you go into the house / kennel. Ask if you can take her for a walk - if near enough arrange for a friend or friend and dog to meet you around the block - watch how she is with other people and dogs. (you don't want to pay $250 for a dog with severe aggression issues)

Play with the ball, see how she reacts when you try to take it from her. Holding onto it is fine but stiffening, hackling or growling are all issues.

See how she is with treats, grabbing is fine but again any aggression is a no no. Put a small handful of food in her bowl and see how she reacts to you walking past etc. while she is eating (don't try and grab the bowl or anything). When she is finished see if she will allow you to take the empty bowl.

See how she responds to petting and touching - all over! Some dogs are uncomfortable with having rear ends or legs touched - this can be a symptom of pain or a behavioural thing to watch out for. Can you touch her ears, her toenails?

Will she let you hold her collar? Try holding her collar and throwing the ball - her reaction will be indicative of how she would react to being restrained in another situation.

Basic stuff like boisterousness, obedience, snatching can easily be worked on. Think hard if you see any warning signs because serious behavioural problems can be hard / impossible to resolve and you may end up having to spend the next 12 years 'managing' the dog that was a bargain price...

One thing that always helps is to take someone with you who either knows dogs or will keep an open mind. Sometimes the potential adopter is not the best judge because their heart is involved.

Good luck

Edited by Tanith Wheeler (02/08/2011 02:08 PM)
Edit reason: aaah grammer - or a lack thereof

 Quote: Kevin Van Bochoven

I just don't don't want get the little girl to the vet and find out she as problems which I might not be able to afford. Maybe the shelter/rescue is a much better way to adopt a pup.?

I think this is a chance you take no matter how you acquire your dog. Even the type of health guarantee you get from a responsible and ethical breeder is limited to certain conditions within a specified time frame. It is not a lifelong guarantee against any and all health problems.

I adopted a dog from a rescue organization a few years ago. She has been mostly healthy but has cost me a little in vet bills due to a recurring urinary tract infection. My other dog was acquired from a well-respected breeder. When he was a little over a year old, he got aspiration pneumonia from inhaling vomit and ended up in the emergency hospital for several days. Total cost of ER and follow-up treatment was equal to roughly three times what we paid for him.

It sounds like you have put a lot of careful thought and consideration into the idea of acquiring a dog, but don't forget to ask yourself the question: Am I prepared for the financial responsibility of owning a dog, including not only routine veterinary care but also illnesses or injuries that may come up in the course of this dog's life?

Thanks Tanith and Cheri. Your words and thoughts have been sincerely considered. I think I'll meet the pup and see how things go. If it's love at first site then so be it. I have to do what I feel is right.

I can handle the costs, I just want to be sure I'm doing the right thing for the pup. With this said, I guess you never know until you dive in and find out for ones self. I can't wait to meet the pup in person and see how things go.

But thanks to all for the words of advice. I do appreciate it!

Kevin not sure where you are located but if this dog doesn't work out I foster for a rescue based out of Akron Ohio. If it's not too far for you let me know and I can see if any of our dogs would be what you are looking for.

 Quote: Cheri Grissom

 Quote: Kevin Van Bochoven

I just don't don't want get the little girl to the vet and find out she as problems which I might not be able to afford. Maybe the shelter/rescue is a much better way to adopt a pup.?

I think this is a chance you take no matter how you acquire your dog. Even the type of health guarantee you get from a responsible and ethical breeder is limited to certain conditions within a specified time frame. It is not a lifelong guarantee against any and all health problems.

I adopted a dog from a rescue organization a few years ago. She has been mostly healthy but has cost me a little in vet bills due to a recurring urinary tract infection. My other dog was acquired from a well-respected breeder. When he was a little over a year old, he got aspiration pneumonia from inhaling vomit and ended up in the emergency hospital for several days. Total cost of ER and follow-up treatment was equal to roughly three times what we paid for him.

It sounds like you have put a lot of careful thought and consideration into the idea of acquiring a dog, but don't forget to ask yourself the question: Am I prepared for the financial responsibility of owning a dog, including not only routine veterinary care but also illnesses or injuries that may come up in the course of this dog's life?

I've seriously put a ton of thought into this. I'm very certain I can take on the financials of having pup and life long friend. I'm just more uncertain about this being my very own first dog and I'll rely on you all heavily for tips : )

I've grown up with dogs and cats, but this was 20+ or so years ago. They were always great pets for the family but never my own...and we all just played with them.... This said, I think I'm ready for my own.. I'm going to be 35 soon : )

 Quote: Betty Waldron

A lot of people get a cute little 8 week old puppy and are really surprised when they grow and <gasp> need things like exercise and training.....

This is the age that those that buy a dog on impulse and poor decision decide to rehome.

It's best to go meet the dog. I hope this person with the dog is also screening for the best possible home, and not just pawning her off on the first to come along and pay the $250. She made the mistake, she owes it to the dog to find her the best possible placement, money should not be the only concern. JMO

 Quote: Tammy Moore

 Quote: Betty Waldron

A lot of people get a cute little 8 week old puppy and are really surprised when they grow and <gasp> need things like exercise and training.....

This is the age that those that buy a dog on impulse and poor decision decide to rehome.

It's best to go meet the dog. I hope this person with the dog is also screening for the best possible home, and not just pawning her off on the first to come along and pay the $250. She made the mistake, she owes it to the dog to find her the best possible placement, money should not be the only concern. JMO

I

Is 8 months the key number? I know they are/can be spastic and crazy animals at that age...?

Honestly, she's not screening for anyone and she/he wants the dog gone I think.

For example--I was seriously interested in one of three young/adult newfs in the area. THis from a local breeder and we've never met, but from the questions she asked me, I KNEW this was a dog lover for life and cared about every aspect of her dogs. This I liked.

That said, and not to say that i wouldn't care as much as she did about her dogs; But if I take a dog in; it's going to be with me forever. Their is no question in my mind about it. I accept the responsibility and chose to provide for as long as I can.

I would say anywhere from about 6-24 months. The teenage crazy stage varies, but is usually over by about 2.

Kevin, I don't think the other posters were saying it is eight months, specifically. It's just that many people get a puppy, and when the novelty wears off, or when the puppy reaches a stage where it is growing up and is no longer that cute, precious little bundle of joy, they decide the puppy is more trouble than it's worth and they get rid of it. I suppose the age range could be anything from about four months to a year old, though that's just a generalization.

What you will find with many puppies in this situation is that they are poorly housebroken, if at all, they jump on people, they chew on things in the house. You should be prepared for things like this. It doesn't mean it is a bad puppy, just that no one took the time to properly train it, give it appropriate exercise and outlets for things such as a chewing instinct, and as a result it has no idea how it is supposed to behave.

It's true, these kind of owners just want to get rid of the darn dog. They don't care about screening for a good home, etc., they just want the dog gone. The animal control agencies, shelters and rescue organizations are overflowing with dogs like this. I commend you for wanting to give a dog like this a second chance.

Of course, there's always the chance that this woman is being completely honest and the puppy has had a great home but she is now overwhelmed because of her new baby. And maybe she is concerned about finding a good new home for the dog. I just don't think I'd necessarily count on that.

eta: Jennifer and I were typing at the same time. I would not disagree with her estimate of up to two years of age. Different breeds have different maturity rates.

Edited by Cheri Grissom (02/08/2011 05:37 PM)
Edit reason: eta