Quote: Amber Morgan

They're just too frantic for me...it's like they're played in fast-forward!

Amber,
Do you have a Malinois????
I mean that with all the humor in the world because the quote above is exactly what my Mom says about my Mal.

I get it, Carol, for sure!! But a high-energy Mal just doesn't make me think of electricity the way a lot of small dogs do...I mean, they move so fast sometimes their legs blur! They're vibrating so much you can't see their outlines!! It's like trying to hold an electron!

Doodles are big shedders? I'll be sure to pass that along !
I'm no fan of doodle dogs, but I had read that some that where low to no shed (on an Australian Labradoodle website).

I'm trying to point out that a regular poodle (or the medium version) would be a better way to go. Especially since they have two very young children. I'm thinking little kids + high energy dog pup= not a great idea.

On little dogs, I'm usually not a "walking mop" dog person, BUT I have friends who got a Shih Tzu pup last spring. She is cute, well mannered, smart, and not at all yappy. I'd be happy to take care of her any time.

I didn't realize they sold puppies when I went in, I'd never been there before and I definitely won't be going back.

I really wish Canada would enact some legislation that prevented puppies from being sold in stores...but then again, we haven't even changed our animal cruelty laws since 1892. They're working on that, too, though..

The worst part about it is that I ranted about it to a co-worker, and he replied, "I got my puppy from a pet store and she is perfectly healthy, and her parents were world champions." I just didn't even bother with him.

The pet store vs. quality breeder thing has been argued forever and I don't think anyone on this board will say that pet stores are a good thing. I just can't help but say this one last thing and then I swear I'll be done...

It's simple. If people stopped buying puppies from pet stores, then they wouldn't sell them, obviously.

Here's why I think people buy from pet stores: THEY'RE LAZY! They want instant gratification. They decide they want a dog...viola! They have a dog. None of that pesky research or waiting involved. It's lazy and I'm sure it's represented in the way they train or don't train their dogs.

As long as we have lazy people, we will have puppies sold in pet stores. Some people will say that these pet store puppy buyers are just ignorant to the dangers. Well, I think in this case ignorance IS a form of laziness. These days it's impossible to do any kind of research on a breed of dog without coming across a warning to avoid pet stores. So, if they haven't even done any research on the breed that they want...well, again, that's laziness.

You can be lazy when it comes to housecleaning, you can even be lazy when it comes to work. But I can't stand laziness when it involves a living creature.

(Big sigh) Okay...I'm done.

I don't know that it is laziness.I knew a friend from the gym (long ago) that bought a weatten terrier pup (I think that's how it's spelled) from a Pet Store and when I asked her why, she said "where else are you going to buy a dog?" She also asked me what store I bought my dogs from? -WHat ???
My own sister (opposite of me)asked me what pet store is best to buy a pup.She had a friend that was looking for a scottie.I mean some people have no clue, simple.For my own sister to ask me such a question, I guess she never paid attention when I discuss things about my dogs.(she does not own A dog or ever will)It's easy for us (dog people and connaiseur of dogs)to know where and how to even start looking for a good pet but really I think others are in a loss.
And they don't do much reading and research on buying a pet(whatever it may be)to some people it's not important or a concern ,sad but I think it's a reality.

Hey I love the snow effect, i did not see that last time I looked.Very creative....

I think you and I are saying the same thing in a different way. I believe not doing research is a form of laziness. Just a simple search on the internet about any given breed will most likely get you to a link that says breeders, not pet stores.

I'm not saying these people are bad people. But a for a large commitment such as a dog...I think some research is in order. In the days before the internet it was much more difficult to aquire info. Not so anymore. But I hope you're right...that it's a lack of knowledge rather than a choice to get something quick.

Whatever we call it...I wish it would stop. I've seen some sad pet store pups...sad in temperament or health or both. It breaks my heart.

Quick isn't always easy!

I don't know how any one can work in a pet store selling pups, again "they" did not educate themselves on what they think is a great way to sell dogs. And think they are selling healthy pups or do they?
Sad all around.

it's not just pups, pet stores in general have a tendency to lean towards the profit and away from what's really best for animals and owners alike. the local pet store when we lived in sacramento (i knew the owner well, and did a lot of odd jobs for him) sold rats, hamsters, and other rodents that were all of terrible quality.

furthermore, as a (what i would like to believe is "responsible") owner of an iguana, i was disgusted to hear them tell some potential customers that all iguana eat is lettuce - for those unfamiliar with iguana dietary requirements, eating nothing but lettuce would be akin to us eating nothing but paper.

but the real kicker was when one of the teenagers was telling another customer that "this lizard doesn't get that big, and behaves quite well for a meat eater". the lizard in question? a nile monitor (google that one).

about the only saving grace for pet stores would be fish, except for the fact that a dedicated aquarium almost always has better selection and better quality. so i try not to shop at pet stores at all.

whew, that was long winded.. sorry!