Dog Community

basic info help 1st time dog owner

Posted : 4/27/2007 12:34:11 PM

hi everyone,
my family and i have owned 2 dogs in the past, because my younger sister demanded it... lol. unfortunately, we had to give them up to my grandparents because of our schedule conflicts and we weren't spending enough time with them. i am currently in the process of making a new addition to the family. my sister is now moving to uc santa cruz for her first year of college in the fall and my best friend is studying abroad in spain next year, so i thought a new dog would be perfect for my family, and me especially in terms of responsibility (i will be a 3rd year at ucla, and my parents want me to "grow up" more) and of course, a new companion. this new puppy will be the first that I will in fact be taking care of everything; and what i have questions about are the adoption process checklist items.

i have been looking at local shelter availability and classifieds online, but i've come across a few things i don't know how to handle. i would read website faqs and but still am unsure and i thought a forum post would be my best option because i'm talking to actual people, especially dog lovers. since my parents adopted the dog the first two times, i thought that i would handle it this time. i'm sure at the shelter, all of the paperwork, the "chipping", first time immunizations and such will be all coupled before leaving. however i've come across not a breeder (which i assume and have read that the process would be very much the same as or along the lines of going to a shelter) but an owner who has two pups. "but no papers." i think the ad said they would have immunizations.

my question is...
what do shelters and breeders actually do for you that's included the fees? i know "papers" are necessary, but how many sets and which ones (i've seen different acronyms like AKA and AKC)? are pups without papers basically unregistered dogs that in fact I would have to register myself, online or by some other means? these are all pretty basic things but i don't know really where to start, and i'd rather i know before going to a shelter, breeder, or an owner with a litter.

i would very much appreciate any feedback. if anyone could make me a list, point me in the right direction, spell it out for me, or anything like that... that would be awesome! like i said, i just need help with this adoption process, and then you can count on me to be a loving dog owner that frequently uses this forum to help and be helped, or just to share.

thanks for reading my long post and i thank you in advanced for any replies.

-darwin

Liesje

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:10:57 PM

Darwin, a lot of crappy "breeders" advertize "pups with papers", but it really doesn't mean much of anything. You don't have to ever register a dog with a kennel club. The only required registrations are with your state/county/city - whatever they require as far as licensing. A dog "with papers" doesn't really mean anything about the quality of the dog or the breeder. You can get a purebred dog from a shelter or rescue that has papers and is in fact more well bred than a dog from a "breeder" that has papers but is really coming from a puppy mill that happens to register their dogs with the AKC.

It's most important for you to make a list of what you want in your dog, what you don't want in your dog, what breeds you're interested in, what temperament you are looking for and then go from there.

Liesje

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:12:19 PM

PS, there was a very recent thread on this page about what qualifies as a good/reputable breeder. You should read that thread if you are considering buying from a breeder. I will find a link...

ETA: Here is the link, please read through this thread and only consider breeders that meet this criteria. Breeders that advertise in classifieds are not good breeders, IMO.

http://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=325315

janet_rose

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:15:48 PM

[font=verdana][size=3]First lets see if you want to get a puppy or an adult, plus what breed you want. Puppies are a lot of work and, if you don't have the time to invest in one, you are better off with an adult (who will love you just as much as a puppy).

A Letter from Your Puppy[/size][/font]
[linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=328401]http://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=328401[/link]

[font=verdana][size=3]House training: [/size][/font]
[link[/link]>http://forum.dog.com/discus/messages/48/117345.html#POST400222]http://forum.dog.com/discus/messages/48/117345.html#POST400222[/link]
[color=#000000]
Books on choosing a dog:
[link[/link]>http://forum.dog.com/discus/messages/48/147603.html#POST446838]http://forum.dog.com/discus/messages/48/147603.html#POST446838[/link]
[/size]
[size=3]Sites on picking the right dog for your family & getting a healthy pup:[/size]
[link[/link]>http://forum.dog.com/discus/messages/48/159583.html#POST480331]http://forum.dog.com/discus/messages/48/159583.html#POST480331[/link]
[color=#000000]
Socialization - IMPORTANT - primary socialization window closes at 12 weeks (secondary at 16 weeks):
[linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=296270]http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=296270[/link]
[color=#000000][size=3]
Good beginning info for new puppy owners (including how to get some sleep):
[link>http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=296285]http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=296285[/link][/size]
and [link>http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=316689]http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=316689[/link][/size][/size][/color][/size][/color][/size][/color]

erica1989

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:15:52 PM

Dogs without papers are not necessarily purebred. They were not bred for showing or other breeding purposes. They are meant to be family dogs. You do not need to have the AKC papers for your dog. I surely don't have mine for Casey!

Shelters will provide (at least mine dogs) the spaying/neutering, microchipping, vaccines, county licensing, deworming, vet check and much more. All of that depends on what shelter you go to and what their policies are. The ads in the papers will not necessarily give you all, or any of this. Again, it depends on where you go.

I would look on petfinder.com to find a loving animal in your area looking for a good home.

DakotaSpirit

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:16:56 PM

Not all dogs are registerable. Purebreds in the US are often registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club). There are other registries too. Papers mean nothing unless you are interested in showing your dog in conformation. If getting a dog from an animal shelter, the odds are you will not get a registered dog. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but they cannot be registered by you in the AKC. The breeder of the litter must send information into the AKC to register their litter. If you get an AKC registered pup, you will get a sheet from the breeder that allows you to choose a registered name for your pup. Once you choose a name, you send in the form along with a registration fee to the club and get a certificate back from them.

Immunizations depend on the age of the puppy. A reputable breeder will have their puppies wormed and started on DHPP immunizations (I believe 2 of the 3 sets are before 8 weeks old but I'm not sure). Most vet clinics in my area will not give a pup its rabies shot until they are 4 months old. Bordatella (kennel cough) is another recommend vaccine. Most shelters require their dogs to be spayed/neutered once they get in their new home. Others already have their animals spayed/neutered. Some shelters have given their dogs the basic vaccines and have had their dogs heartworm tested. Some of the larger pounds/shelters have not. I would advise talking with staff at your local animal shelter if you find a dog you are interested in. They will be able to help tremendously.

darwin

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:28:28 PM

thank you SO much for replying, and so quickly. yeah i forgot to include that kind of stuff. the breed i'm really interested is the siberian husky. i really need a new running partner [

]. we do have an adequate yard, here in los angeles. there are plenty of sites that i have found that have helped with info as far as diet, training, grooming, and such, and if i run into anything out of the ordinary or i just want to talk to other dog owners, i know that i always have this forum to turn to. basically, like i said up there, i need a new little buddy (which should get bigger), and more responsibility. i know there are plenty of breeds out there, but i've always wanted a husky (i'm just drawn to them) but i've never really taken the time to look, do a little research, or tell my family.

i have been looking at the thread with all of those links and did not know that at all. i'm talking about the thread at the top about pet store puppies, "read before you buy a puppy at a pet store." that's the one right? really informative stuff.

what you said about that kennel club stuff and the ads that say "pups with papers" was extremely helpful. actually, i am visiting a couple of shelters today just to see what's out there. i've been using petfinder.com and they've given me a bunch of listings with shelters but the reason i was so skeptical, was because it's been my experience that at least the shelters here in LA, there are waiting lists and availability issues and stuff. then again, that was quite a while ago, and maybe my luck will change. i've also looked into other classifieds ad sites like penny saver, recycler.com, and others, and those are mainly the sites where i've seen those "papers" comments which gave me some trouble.
again thank you so much for your help, liesje. any further advice welcome.

wish me luck!

janet_rose

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:31:34 PM

Links on why you do not want a pup from pet stores, puppymills and BYBers:
[linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=256903&mpage=1&key=𾮇]http://forum.dog.com/asp/tm.asp?m=256903&mpage=1&key=𾮇[/link]
[color=#000000][size=3]
"Responsible Breeders vs Backyard Breeders"
[linkhttp://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Fair/1901/chart.html]http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/Fair/1901/chart.html[/link]

Backyard Breeders' and Puppy Millers' Big Book of Old Excuses
[linkhttp://www.ozarkdogs.com/byb.htm]http://www.ozarkdogs.com/byb.htm[/link]
[size=3]
"Questions to Ask Before Buying a Puppy" [color=#0000ff]
[linkhttp://www.cluebus.com/holly/breeder.html]http://www.cluebus.com/holly/breeder.html[/link]
[color=#000000][size=3]
What is a good breeder?
[linkhttp://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/Good_breeder.pdf]http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/Good_breeder.pdf[/link]
[linkhttp://www.inch.com/~dogs/breeders.html]http://www.inch.com/~dogs/breeders.html[/link]
[linkhttp://members.tripod.com/GWDalmatianClub/Dalinfo/repbreeder.htm]http://members.tripod.com/GWDalmatianClub/Dalinfo/repbreeder.htm[/link]
[linkhttp://www.woodhavenlabs.com/articles.html]http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/articles.html[/link]
[linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=325315]http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=325315[/link][/size][/color][/size][/color][/size][/color]

darwin

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:32:35 PM

again, while i was typing up that previous post, two more replies came in. this community is awesome!!!!

thanks you guys! and keep em coming. can't wait to find my own and let you guys know the good news.

-darwin

cyclefiend2000

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:34:29 PM

the adoption fees at a shelter or rescue basically are trying to recoup some of the money the organization has spent on the dog prior to adoption. most of these dogs are not and cannot be registered with the AKC or UKC, as their parentage is most likely unknown.

edit: oops. i was slow to post. i think my statements have already been covered. [

]

janet_rose

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:37:39 PM

. i really need a new running partner

Then you are not looking for a puppy. You need a dog at least two years old. That is when a dog's skeletal structure is strong enough to start jogging with its owner - especially on concrete.

Mark

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:43:19 PM

Good breeders and shelters will make sure the dog is healthy,no worms or other parasites.They will also make sure the dog is up to date on all shots amd hopefully will spay or neuter the dog for you if age permits.If the dog is too young,They will refund you any or part of the money toward the spaying or nuetering of your animal.

AKC paperwork is only for pure bred dogs of one breed,and will show the dogs registered number and possibly lineage depending on the papers you get.

I am glad you have more time for a dog now.Any ideas on what type of dog you are looking for?

Liesje

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:47:28 PM

what you said about that kennel club stuff and the ads that say "pups with papers" was extremely helpful. actually, i am visiting a couple of shelters today just to see what's out there. i've been using petfinder.com and they've given me a bunch of listings with shelters but the reason i was so skeptical, was because it's been my experience that at least the shelters here in LA, there are waiting lists and availability issues and stuff. then again, that was quite a while ago, and maybe my luck will change. i've also looked into other classifieds ad sites like penny saver, recycler.com, and others, and those are mainly the sites where i've seen those "papers" comments which gave me some trouble.
again thank you so much for your help, liesje. any further advice welcome

I year ya. Maybe you can search for Siberian Husky rescue groups in that area? Some groups will meet you halfway or even help transport a dog if it's the right match if you can't find one in LA. Many people have gotten their dogs from several states away if nothing in the shelters is a match. Also, some shelters will allow out-of-state adoptions.

I'm in the process of adopting my dog from a German Shepherd rescue and she's about an hour away, which I consider to be VERY close and I'm lucky I can drive down there and pick her up when we're ready. I was looking into breeders at first and one was down in Kentucky. I feel like I've put so much effort into finding the right dog and it's so important to me that I'm willing to drive a day's distance if I have to (if I was rich I could look farther and have the dog shipped).

janet_rose

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:54:28 PM

the breed i'm really interested is the siberian husky.

You need to read up on training before you bring this dog home, so you can establish yourself as the pack leader right from the start. Do not let anyone convince you to manhandle or use harsh punishment with the dog.

Especially don't use the alpha roll. It is not the dominance move that people once thought. Submissive pack members voluntarily roll on their back to acknowledge the pack leader. If the pack leader forces the roll, it is a threat to kill.

A description of NILIF and pack leader info:
[linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=298804]http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=298804[/link]
[color=#000000][size=3]
See this post for a good list of initial training books:
[size=1][link>http://forum.dog.com/discus/messages/47/101806.html#POST349863]http://forum.dog.com/discus/messages/47/101806.html#POST349863[/link][/size][/size]

[size=3]Clicker training is great!
[linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=310452]http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=310452[/link]

More clicker sites:[/size]
[color=#0000ff][size=2]
[linkhttp://www.clickerlessons.com]http://www.clickerlessons.com[/link]
[linkhttp://www.clickertrainusa.com/]http://www.clickertrainusa.com/[/link]

[color=#000000]Edited to change that last list. I goofed and duplicated links instead of giving additional ones.[/color][/color][/size][/size][/color]

cyclefiend2000

Posted : 4/27/2007 1:58:30 PM

here is a link to some information about siberian huskies...
[linkhttp://www.southernsiberian.com/about_siberian_huskies___.html]http://www.southernsiberian.com/about_siberian_huskies___.html[/link]
http://www.shca.org/shcahp2b.htm

they are beautiful dogs, but they come with many challenges.