Adopting a Dog Shelter Rescue v Breeder and The Training Process

Shelter or rescue vs. breeder is a consideration that  most people in the market to obtain a dog face when making this decision.  Sometimes there is no decision to be made.  Due to the lack of awareness and knowledge people are drawn to the purchase of a dog from a "reputable breeder" never considering the option of the rescues that are available in every breed.  This lead us to the discussion as why there are such large numbers of dogs at shelters/rescues.  Other than the obvious and sad reasons of death, loss of employment/home, divorce, etc., behavior is the key reason why we see so many wonderful dogs in shelters and at rescue organizations.

How do we avoid this every growing problem of the enormous amounts of animals brought to our shelter each day? The answer is TRAINING".  It seems so obvious but yet it is very misunderstood.  Training that does occur very often is at the puppy stage. All too often,  there is never the follow through at later months especially when the dog is at the adolescent stage, which can range from one to three years depending on the size of the dog, and needs training more than at any other time.
Similar to a teenager, the dog at this stage will constantly be testing you.

Training will put you in the leadership role and give the dog the guidance that he/she so desperately desires.  Dogs are pack animals and need the human to take the alpha role by guiding and teaching them how to behave through training and also communicating to them that you are in charge.  Training provides exercise and mental stimulation.  The exercising of their minds helps to avoid destructive behavior as training tells the dog what is expected of them as well as tiring them which prevents them from looking for ways to expend their energy.  The focus that they need to listen and perform, such as in heeling, expends more energy than a run around the yard.

Training gives your dog confidence each time it is rewarded and praised for a job well-done.  Success yields a feeling of control.  Training gives the dog guidelines that they have to stay within and there is no confusion as to what is right or wrong at any given time.

The thought of training can be overwhelming.  Start with the SIT command and use it in all situations.  You will find that just that command alone will yield tremendous results in the training process.  Sit for a treat; food; walk; to go out the door; when someone comes to the door; etc., etc.  With these training techniques, you already have a well-behaved dog.

When considering a dog, wether it be from a breeder, shelter or rescue,  give it the greatest gift of all - Training .  It is a gift for you and the family as well to build a better relationship with your dog and to have a well-balanced dog as a part of your family.  If everyone would just take 10 minutes – two times a day – to train their dogs, the amount of dogs in shelters and rescues would be dramatically reduced.

Sandhills Dog Training offers a 15% discount for shelter and rescue dogs.

Dog Health Problems Pedigree v Mutt

Did you see the much publicised Pedigree Dogs Exposed [on UK TV] which has left most dog breeders and exhibitors incredulous and angry, and others feeling that it may have served as a timely reminder that there are issues that need addressing by the KC and breeders before it becomes too late?!

Then there was the Martin Clunes dog programme [in 2 parts] which was MOST interesting... and did touch on the same negative health problems occuring in pedigree dogs in the last programme. If you missed both programmes and own a pedigree dog do try and see if any of your friends taped the programmes. Most worrying!

The health problems appear to be getting worse and worse. Just looking at some breeds makes you worry - think of the poor Alsations, whose back ends and legs look all wrong, and from what was said on the programme it is being encouraged by the Kennel Club as the way they should be! But it causes untold problems later in life, and not that much later, either!

Arthritis, heart problems, heads too small for the brain, poor articulation, breathing problems, and so much more is being increasingly found within the pedigree dog breeds - in breeding is a major problem, as is breeding for required TYPE for showing. More worryingly, dogs with known problems are being made champions and are being bred from in large numbers - increasing the problem exponentially.

[If you are thinking of adopting new dog from rescue - a working dog, from working stock, a mixed breed, a Heinz 57, would all be perhaps better bets health wise - obviously if you are a fan of a particular breed, then it will be that particular rescue that you go, but do please be aware that the veterinarian costs for your new pet could be horrendous... maybe the previous owners knew of the health problem and that was their reason for the abandonment!

I do know of some unscrupulous cases of this phenomena. Your breeds Welfare Trust might be helpful in this respect if they can afford it - I know with our Trust they do fund vets fees for health checks firstly, and secondly try to fund vets fees for problems found in abandoned animals.]

The mental anguish, the vets costs, and the final outcome of this ticking time bomb is something perhaps best avoided.

It was horrific to hear how some of those poor animals suffered, and all in the name of best of breed! I know of several people who couldnt bear to watch all of the programme - but it is best publicised, whilst hopefully, there is still time to at least partially reverse the harm being done to pedigree breeds.