04/06/2024
There are a lot of "breeders" in this area that don't do health testing, misrepresenting their dogs' genetics and capacities, and indiscriminately putting dogs in inappropriate homes without any education. This results in heartbreak and tough decisions for everyone but themselves. There are also some excellent breeders who are intentionally selecting for health, temperament, and specific qualities, and who provide a lifetime of support. The same can be said of rescues, I've worked with many and not all are created equal. Seek out transparency and integrity first.
It's worth it to do a little digging into where dogs are coming from in the area, and ask questions! If you'd like support in picking a dog (what to look for, look out for, or questions about specific dogs or breeders), contact me 😀
Breeder/Rescuer thoughts, slightly controversial version: I’m of the opinion that if you’re in the field, you should join your local BYB, stud dog, and pet rehoming groups.
As a breeder: advertise your health testing, puppy socialization, and responsible practices (but not your litters, since those are usually placed via wait list before breeding). Show by doing. Don’t engage with other posts unless it’s to support other good breeders, don’t fight, don’t be mean. Your presence and posts will serve to educate people on the difference, and may inspire others to seek out additional health testing, titling, and puppy-raising protocols.
As a rescuer: learn who the bad actors are in your area. Don’t fight, don’t be mean, only engage with posts that you can support. Be open and kind enough that people feel comfortable reaching out to you. Advertise low-cost s/n and vaccine clinics. Share specialties (eg if your rescue takes in cleft or other special needs puppies in exchange for spaying the dam).
Why?
❤️ Because making connections and being nice is how we create change in our communities.
🧡 Because leading by example works.
💛 Because puppy seekers will see the difference and become savvier in seeking out their next breeder.
💚 Because uplifting GOOD breeders takes money away from bad breeders and keeps dogs out of shelters.
💙 Because increasing access to healthcare for breeding dogs makes the community safer for all dogs and the people who love them.
💜 Because people put waaaay less care and preparation into purchasing/adopting a dog than they do in purchasing a vehicle, and there are lots of cultural reasons for that which can only be shifted via patient and persistent education.
Photo: a white and brindle puppy named Cupcake sleeps in the whelping box with his siblings. There’s a potty area to his left, because he’s started toilet-training at 2.5 weeks old. Behind him are a dog toy and a toilet paper tube, just two examples of many enrichment items rotated through his home every day. He’s snuggled on a brown bumper bed, with a rug underneath for good traction to help strengthen developing legs.