[janna]

We stopped at the pet store the other day to pick up some dog food. I was getting the food and looking around when Mike (my husband) came from the back of the store and told me I wasn't allowed to go back there. Of course I immediately went to the back. They had 5 beagle puppies!! I wanted to take them all home with me. They were so sweet. Nothing like cute beagles to put a smile on your face. I am sure Hunter and Casey would have something to say if we brought home more beagles.

 

[Smeagle]

Beagle babies are so cute but it breaks my heart to see them (or any animal) in a pet store

Such an awful place for puppies to spend the first few weeks of their lives

 

[beaglesmom]

I understand what you mean by wanting to take them all home - however ... about 40 years ago, long before the term puppy mill was ever coined, my ex and I were looking for a puppy for our family. We asked our vet to recommend a breed that met the criteria we wanted - medium size, good with kids. He suggested 2 breeds for us - then went on to say NEVER buy a puppy from a pet store - most are imported from out of state and have multiple health problems. At the time there was a pet store in Sacramento that had adorable pups - but he said that all the pups that had come in from that store had serious problems. It's something I've always remembered. Now, of course, we know that most pet store puppies ARE from puppy mills, tho there are a few breeders who just want the money and don't want the trouble of screening owners. IF you want a new puppy, please either go to a rescue or shelter - or find a responsible breeder who is concerned about the puppies he/she places. You'll find that you'll pay less for a pup and at least have some idea of the background of the puppy. Buying a pet from a pet store simply <span style="text-decoration: underline">encourages</span> puppy mills.
All that being said - I do have one puppy that came from a pet store - my Chloe was purchased by a lady here in Colfax who kept her about a week then decided that her older dog wouldn't accept her, so she asked my vet to find Chloe another home. I am blessed to have her. She is truly my

. But I would never buy any pet from a pet store.
Okay, off the soapbox!

 

[deedeebee]

I hate and love going into pet stores all at the same time. I want most of the puppies I see. The one dog breed that I've always wanted (despite many health problems) is a pug and I nearly die when I see them in the stores. The other week the pet store had some pug X with french bulldogs (Bugs) and they were in this open top pen for people to be able to pick them up. But there's a ton of pug breeders in Ontario, so I know one day I'll get one.

 

[beagletails]

hmmm...I thought a Bug was a cross between a Boston Terrier and a pug? I guess it could be either really. I know that a lot of people love them. I personally cannot stand the way a pug breathes and I would be afraid that even with a mix I would have that issue. I'd be running to the vet all the time thinking there was something wrong with the dog. lol I do think they are cute though. Especially the solid black ones.

 

[deedeebee]

Yeah, I've seen the name Bug used both ways.

The way I see it is that pugs will be around, and someone needs to love them.

I think it was the movie Milo and Otis that really did it for me.

 

[janna]

I would never actually purchase a puppy from a pet store, my problem is I want to rescue them all. When I see those beagle faces I can't resist.

 

[Smeagle]

One thing that annoys me almost as much as puppies and kittens in pet stores are those bloody designer dogs! It's not a puggle its a pug x beagle, and a terrible combination of two very different breeds if you ask me! I can't believe the prices charged for these 'designer' crosses either. If I wanted a cross breed I would go to the local rescue or pound and get one for the cost of desexing.

 

[beagletails]

To me the cross (hybrids) breeds are simply mutts, but they get more money out of them than those of us that stick to purebreds. Oh well...I guess to each their own. I do get a little defensive though when someone preaches to me that hybrids eliminate health issues. That is so not true.

 

[Smeagle]

Originally Posted By: beagletailsTo me the cross (hybrids) breeds are simply mutts, but they get more money out of them than those of us that stick to purebreds. Oh well...I guess to each their own. I do get a little defensive though when someone preaches to me that hybrids eliminate health issues. That is so not true.

Exactly. The sad thing is that these so called breeders that are pumping out these 'designer' crosses are not health testing for issues common in the parent breeds. It doesn't matter if you are crossing two unrelated dogs, if the parents are unhealthy and carriers of genetic disease than the pups will be too.

I stick to purebreds for one main reason; predictability. I am able to chose from hundreds of breeds a dog that is suited to my lifestyle - purebreds are bred to a standard and you know what you are getting in size, temperament, coat type, exercise requirements and character etc.

The idea that crossbreeds create the best of both breeds is ridiculous, as you can never pick and chose which traits the puppies end up with. Say you cross a pug with a beagle - what happens if you get a dog that has the instinct to scent but ends up with a pug's brachycephalic skull shape? You have a dog that wants to scent but can't do so effectively - not to mention the joint and structural issues you often get for crossing two totally different sized and shaped breeds. You see this problem a lot with poodle crosses, crossing a poodle with a cavalier or golden retriever or labrador does not mean the puppies will magically not shed! Cavs, goldies and labs all shed hair - the logic of the designer mutt breeders is seriously flawed!

/rant over LOL!

 

[Pack Leader]

I love my german shepherd/beagle mix, but I'm told he was an accident. It breaks my heart to see people breeding what are essentially mutts when so many are languishing in shelters. Henry's a wonderful sweet pound puppy, and there are so many more like him. People will do anything for money, sadly.

 

[Smeagle]

Originally Posted By: Henry's MomI love my german shepherd/beagle mix, but I'm told he was an accident. It breaks my heart to see people breeding what are essentially mutts when so many are languishing in shelters. Henry's a wonderful sweet pound puppy, and there are so many more like him. People will do anything for money, sadly.

I have a small little crossbreed too, and I adore her - but if I was ever to want a crossbreed I would go straight to a shelter! I don't believe in breeding dogs just because. I think breeders should have a good reason for breeding, and health tested dogs that are a great example of their breed.

The breeder of my beagle had been breeding for 30 years, and she only breeds when she wants to keep something to show an add to her breeding program so she will never breed an excess of dogs. A good breeder will also put a lot of effort into finding the perfect home for the pet puppies so that they never end up in rescue or a shelter - and if by the off chance they do, a good breeder will take back anything they have bred.

If I am going to buy a dog from a breeder it will only ever be a breeder who is breeding for the love of their breed! I will never support puppy farmers or backyard breeders.

 

[Gindyhead]

I know this is completely off subject but the title, Pet Store Visit, got me thinking. Yesterday the kids and I went to Petsmart and there were a ton of people walking their dogs in there... fair enough.. but then we were talking to a couple who had a yellow lab pup who would be turning 8 weeks in a few days! I know not to let my new puppy go anywhere until he's had all his shots, so I'm looking at 12/15 weeks. Do these people not care? Does Petsmart not care enough to put a sign up saying, No dogs under the age of 15 weeks allowed in the store? Am I missing something? How do people know that other dogs in the store are up to date on all their shots and don't have some horrible disease which they could pass on? My kids want us to take our pup in there but I refuse to do it. Anyways, that's my two cents worth for today!

 

[MyKale]

i understand what you mean about that. i did take diesel into the pet store the day i got him... to pick up some collars and such for him... but i didnt ever put him down. he stayed in my arms the whole time. i see people with puppies in the store all the time and i wonder the same thing...

drives me nuts..

 

[silleb]

The pet smart that we go to has a sign that states something to the effect that pets must be leahed and up to date on vaccinations to visit the store. Of course no one checks though.

 

[Smeagle]

Originally Posted By: GindyheadI know this is completely off subject but the title, Pet Store Visit, got me thinking. Yesterday the kids and I went to Petsmart and there were a ton of people walking their dogs in there... fair enough.. but then we were talking to a couple who had a yellow lab pup who would be turning 8 weeks in a few days! I know not to let my new puppy go anywhere until he's had all his shots, so I'm looking at 12/15 weeks. Do these people not care? Does Petsmart not care enough to put a sign up saying, No dogs under the age of 15 weeks allowed in the store? Am I missing something? How do people know that other dogs in the store are up to date on all their shots and don't have some horrible disease which they could pass on? My kids want us to take our pup in there but I refuse to do it. Anyways, that's my two cents worth for today!

I take my dogs out and about from the day they get home. Of course I do this sensibly and I would never take them to places where high volumes of dogs frequent - but there is no way I am going to miss their first critical and most important socialisation period by confining them at home.

Dogs go through their first fear period from 12-16 weeks. By beginning to socialise dogs at this age, you have missed a critical development period and are now taking a puppy out and about when they are at their most influencial, and will get spooked very easily.

 

[theregalbeagle]

A late response but I wanted to add a recent comment I read about designer breeds - especially the beagle pug mix. I may be phrasing this incorrectly, but I think you'll get the gist of it. As we all know too well - a beagles nose is his most valuable asset and pugs on the other hand have many issues with their breathing so it's actually a disservice to be cross breeding these two dogs!!!

And I've stopped shopping at a very local pet store because they sell animals...we could not be happier with our pup adopted through petfinder. And though we don't know for sure, he sure looks all beagle to us (but don't flame me because I haven't posted his pictures yet!)

 

[Gindyhead]

[/quote] I take my dogs out and about from the day they get home. Of course I do this sensibly and I would never take them to places where high volumes of dogs frequent - but there is no way I am going to miss their first critical and most important socialisation period by confining them at home.

Dogs go through their first fear period from 12-16 weeks. By beginning to socialise dogs at this age, you have missed a critical development period and are now taking a puppy out and about when they are at their most influencial, and will get spooked very easily. [/quote]

I just think there are safer ways to introduce your dog to the world. My family and I have had many dogs. New dogs are introduced to our existing dogs. I have invited friend's dog's to the house to socialise my puppy because I know my friend's dog's shot's are up to date. I was just saying that you don't know what kind of people take their dogs into Petsmart. I presume because they're going into Petsmart and showing off their dog and spending money on said dog, that their shots are up to date, it just bothers me to see an 8 week old puppy walking around on the floor, sniffing at goodness knows what. I personally have never taken any puppies to a public place like Petsmart at such a young age.

 

[Smeagle]

Oh Gindyhead, I agree with you about taking them to places where high volumes of dogs frequent, but I was responding more specifically to your quote that you don't let your puppy go anywhere until he's had all his shots, so I'm looking at 12/15 weeks. I take my dogs to all sorts of places between 8-12 weeks as this is a critical stage in their development and socialisation with a variety of people/places and experiences is vital at this time. Whilst you want to be careful about their immunity, there is a much greater risk of the dog having socialisation and behavioural issues later in life if you confine them during 8-12 weeks than there is of them contracting something like parvo.

 

[Gindyhead]

Smeagle,
I guess I was so carried away and typing fast I didn't know what I wrote. I meant that I do not take puppies under 12/15 weeks to places like Petsmart or the dog park. Of course the puppy isn't locked up in the house all day. I just know that my house, my yard, my neighborhood, my friend's dog's are much safer and that's what I stick with.
I guess it's hard to really get your point across in typing sometimes. I agree with the socialisation and that's one reason why we chose Bailey's breeder. She has three children and her dogs are inside as much as out, and the children handle the puppies everyday. Don't worry, Bailey will not be banished to the hallway with hardwood floor for the next three months, he will be a very social dog. He's already lined up to go visit my daughter's class's at school, one first and one second grade - that will be a hoot!