Where did you get your dog?

I agree with Jen about some rescue dogs having issues & my guys are no exception. Their issues are nothing that I can't deal with, accept or work with them on.

I think ALL dogs have issues. Just like every person is different, so is every dog. Heck, just having dog nature can be an issue for some people! LOL ("Rover! Put down my underpants! Give me that!")

All of my dogs came from responsible breeders who show and/or participate in other dog related events and did health testing on their dogs.
 
When someone comes to me looking to acquire a dog, I usually lend them one of the million dog encyclopedias I own and tell them to look through it and write down the breeds that appeal to them. Then I tell them to go online to find the parent breed club in order to find even more information about that particular breed. Once they find the breed they are looking for, I suggest that they either contact the breed club referral person for breeder referrals if they are looking for a puppy and/or show prospect or I will suggest that they check out the shelters/rescues in the area or contact breed specific rescue if they couldn't care less about pedigrees or are looking for an adult dog.
 
One thing I always speak out about is why it's not wise to purchase dogs from irresponsible breeders and pet stores.

Max came from the local shelter.

Roscoe was a stray that a friend found, and she couldn't find his owner.  I always recommend first-time dog owners get a young adult dog from a rescue or somewhere that knows the dogs well.  I couldn't be more pleased with Roscoe - our friend kind of sneakily got us to take him but only because she knew he was perfect for us.   I certainly wouldn't want to have to be dealing with puppy- or temperament-issues while learning basic dog care.  []
 
I think we'll probably always get a young adult from a rescue or shelter from now on. I just can't see myself being willing to deal with housebreaking. [sm=uhoh.gif]

I got my baby Cookie at Petsmart in South Carolina...An orginization called Heartsong of Georgia was having a pet adoption day...So I adopted her! I think adopting is the best way to find a dog. I had once visited a local pound to find a puppy and it was the saddest thing I've ever experienced in my life. There are so many dogs that need good homes. Not only are you adopting a pet, you're also saving their life.

I got my precious pup from a BYB - I had no idea what a BYB was or that they even existed. I thought all breeders were created equal. I have since been educated. He is the first dog that I have ever really owned and boy howdy, it has been a learning experience.
 
Future dogs will come from rescue \ shelter environment.

Romy came from the street.
Winston came from the street.
 
(Amy, I liked the way you worded it. Heehee.)
 
I would recommend a shelter or a breed specific rescue when someone is looking for a dog.

got Molly from Glenda.....she didn't want to become a failed foster LOL

My friend came into work with a basket full of puppies, he said any remaining by the end of the week were going to the pound, sooooo, on friday, there was just 1 left and he asked me again if I wanted one....3 minutes of playing with Sheebers and I couldn't resist, plus I couldn't see that lil puppy separated from her brothers and sisters and then sent off to a pound [sm=sad.gif]
 
I made the right choice, I LOVE MY DOG!!!

Shy came from a free to good home ad. I#%92m neutral on this option as it can be a great way to get a great dog depending on the circumstances.
 
Rotten was from a BYB before I knew better. I do not recommend this option at all. She#%92s a great dog and I#%92ve been very lucky health-wise, but she is a horrible physical example of a rottweiler and her temperament is touchy at times.
 
Boomer came from a ditch. I highly recommend stopping and picking up any injured puppies you may see in a ditch, whether you can keep them or not.
 
Other than that, I#%92d choose a reputable rescue for any future dogs.

We were the ignorant first time dog owners.  Did all the No-Nos.  We got Lana from a petstore on an impulse buy.  We were there for something for our Cockatiel and walked out with a puppy.  Did no research, don't know about breed and breed temperments, etc.  I kind of went backwards.  Did all the research after I go her and then found idog and just learned a great wealth of information. 
 
Fortunately, we lucked out with Lana.  She has a GREAT temperment, her health is in excellent condition, etc.  I've met people that bought a dog from the same store and had problems with their dogs (ear infections, mites, etc).  However, now that I'm more educated, our next furkid will either come from a rescue/shelter or a reputable breeder.

ORIGINAL: sooner


Boomer came from a ditch. I highly recommend stopping and picking up any injured puppies you may see in a ditch, whether you can keep them or not.

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I would second that recommendation, or something similar I suppose. While I have not actually picked up any injured puppies out of ditches, I have found some very nice dogs running around outside. Just yesterday I found a great Doberman running along the side of the road near my friend's house, but I found his owner a bit later. Of the 3 dogs I have found, 2 of them I would have definitely kept if I could not find their homes, and I did not have a Millie who would hate that idea. I would also be homeless with a bunch of dogs.

Prince - breed rescue
 
Future dog........??? More than likely another Dobie from the same rescue group or possibly a different breed from a breed specific rescue. Not sure yet and still trying to get DH on board with the 2nd dog thing! [sm=crazy.gif]

ORIGINAL: Prince_Pride

Prince - breed rescue

Future dog........??? More than likely another Dobie from the same rescue group or possibly a different breed from a breed specific rescue. Not sure yet and still trying to get DH on board with the 2nd dog thing! [sm=crazy.gif]

getting a second dog was the best thing we ever did for us and for our amelia. hope he changes his mind about the second dog []

I have been involved in breed rescue for the past 15 years - fostering, adopting out and of course adopting IN.  So, all 7 of my past Labs, were rescues.  Oh with one exception - Ina, whom I adopted at 11 was a retired Seeing Eye Dog.  My childhood family dogs all came from "The Pound", as it was called 20/30 years ago!    However, about 2 years ago, I decided that I wanted to buy a well bred puppy from a breeder.   This was initiated by my BF and I moving in together with his 2 small children.   I wanted as close to a guarantee as was possible for soundness (physical, genetic and temperament).  I did a year's worth of research on breeders and found mine at Westminster last year.  I'm very happy with my choice.  Although - When the humans are a bit older and I have more time, I will dive back into Breed Rescue and can almost guarantee that my next dog will be another rescue.  
 
So, given all of that, my recommendation to someone looking for a dog would be based on their individual circumstance.  I think for most people just looking for a great family pet, rescue is the way to go.  For others, with interest in showing or competitive sport - probably a good breeder.