Vets are not behaviorists! It's about the same thing as asking the grocery store cashier what spices you should buy to make a Thai dish you just had at a restaraunt. It's possible that they can help you a little bit, but the chance of them knowing exactly what to do is very, very slim.

A good vet is a wonderful person to treat your sick animals, but they don't have the same kind of training or experience as a behaviorist or trainer does. I've seen the vet that I used to work for do things that I wouldn't do anymore. When a vet mentions something to ME about teaching puppy manners then you know it's bad <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> .

Ok..let's clarify this. "Breeder" is a vague term. It is associated with those persons who simply do not take the responsibility to spay their females or intentionally breed their bitch to "produce" a "look" or "type" or whatever they have in their little minds. Then there are those who are responsible in breeding their dogs to quality studs to produce a quality dog. However; the end result is the same...more dogs and not enough homes for them all.

I don't descriminate when it comes to the animal as to the classification of "breeder". The throwaway animal is my primary focus. If I can convince the breeder to spay the dog..great! That's one less possible litter.

If I don't take the throwaway directly..and then end up bailing it out of the pound and into foster care..I/we still end up with the dog.

Or..I'm driving down a country road only to find a cardboard box and inside is yet another throwaway..funny..it sure fits the description of that pup that lady called me about but I had refused my help..sadly..I pick up the box to carry home to bury. If I'd only agreed to help I wouldn't be digging a hole.

It's great in theory to be a responsible breeder..but sadly..there will always be an animal that needs help and as a humane human being; I will do what I can to assist.

Well, my vet has raised boxers since moses wore diapers. And he's not an average veterinarian.

He's not normal. Like when I called to leave a voice mail about a dog, I found out there was no voicemail. I got HIM at home (???) and call soon as your dog has pups, we'll fix you a picotin shot. That was a sunday nite, Mrs B answered and said he'll bring it to the office in 30 min. There are a dozen odd dogs and cats (AND a crippled duck) hanging out in the waiting room ... and often a grandkid (or GREAT grankid) as well... He has office hours on Sunday... He's let me run a tab. I think there's a few poor old folks who's tab has been running a long long time. Yes, I trust my vet.

But our case verges on the "outer Limits". I'd not trust a different vet. I would advise against that on behavior and training issues for sure...

Always
Bobby

I prefer to help the pound dogs, rather than clean up messes for others and allow them to avoid any responsibility or accountability. Barbara - what rescue do you run? Do you have a site I can look at? Thanks.

Laureen: I work with the Franklin County Humane Society located in Brookville Indiana.
Some of the animals within our foster care are posted on Petshelter.org