want to get a dog and need advice on best way to do it
 

hey guys, ive been wanting a dog for a long time and have decided to jump on it.

I want a Cavalier King Charles and out of AZ

whats the best route, breeders? craigslist (not many there), what are your guys thoughts?

Breeder is the best way to go if you want a puppy. Find a reputable one, go and visit the home and see the parents, and if you can, talk to other people who've bought from that breeder.

Make sure they don't have any of the genetic disorders that that particular breed are prone to. And keep in mind that a "guarantee" from a breeder means that they will take the dog that you have back and give you another one, not cover the expenses incurred with the dog that you've already bonded with.

Alternately, you could seek out one of the breed specific rescue clubs and adopt a dog, but it can bring along a list of behavioral and/or health issues. But if you can handle that, its a great thing to do.

You should try and look up rescue dogs, I just adopted one. If not go breeder

Get a death row dog from the pound. They really do know you saved their ass.

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I have a rescue akita/husky mix that is an amazing dog. My pure bred Siberian husky that I got from a breeder is an asshole and a half.

I'd definitely take a rescue dog any day.

If you're in AZ, think of a breed to fit the environment.

Like don't buy a husky unless you live at the top of a mountain.

Lovely dogs and there are a few here, they love the sub zero winters.

I have had a Cavalier King Charles. Only go to a reputable breeder or rescue one. Get set for a LOT of patience with them. They are intelligent and don't always use their powers for good. I went through a whole year of having my puppy pretty much outsmart us in order to be destructive. I watched this dog figure out that she could pull up a tiny bit of the carpet with her nails and it would unravel a bit more of the carpet. Within a month we had to replace the carpet with a wooden floor because she was finding times when we weren't looking to take up bits for her own entertainment.

Then at about 18 months, she just snapped out of it all.

If you have a specific breed in mind go to a large bookstore's magazine section and look at the classifieds in the back of the various dog magazines.

Good advice. Also don't get a boxer. They learn quickly and will do anything you ask. If they feel like it. If they don't, they look at you like you're stupid and carry on doing it there way. However, great with kids.

Before you buy a dog, speak to a trainer so the dog matches your situation.

Just get a dog. Breeder, Craig's List, local pound...

I had never owned a dog before. A friend of mine had one year old dog, black lab, and had to get rid of him because he was moving. I had always wanted a dog and took him in. Great dog she turned out to be, we go running every day. Right now she's sleeping at my feet.

I've never understood people like your friend. The dog doesn't give a shit where it lives. Doesn't give a shit if it has to travel a thousand miles on the cab floor of a U-Haul. It just wants to be with it's family.

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^^^ Absolutely this ^^^







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Sure sounds like a good idea :thumbsup

I had one of those dogs for a week, my Fiancee was allergic to it's dander. Try and spend some time around them before buying, we didn't and paid the price. Got attached to the little bugger very fast but had to re-home him.

He had a ton of energy and was very loving in the short time we had him. I keep in touch with the people who took him and they say he is still the same. Good luck!

Rescue dog!! Adopting a best friend is way better than buying one. The dog in my avatar has been with me since 2005 and now the thought of buying from a breeder or pet store just seems wrong and unnecessarily expensive.

http://blog.northjersey.com/jerseydo...et-300x300.jpg

best way to go for sure.. I'll ask around see if i can point you in the right direction in AZ.

and risk getting one with disease or health ailments that can cost you thousands if not having to put him down? i don't think so.. wrong is buying at random and not knowing what you are getting into. about the equivalent as having children with strangers..

We have a rescue and 2 Pure malinois

drive around your neighborhood till you find a stray

Wow, pretty far from the truth. Just like a car, have a mechanic/vet check the dog out. Most mutts are free from associated health problems some for profit breeders have with their over or inbred pure breeds.

I'm sure both side of the argument have good examples but don't make a blanket statement.

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Get a puppy from a reputable local breeder unless you are prepared to deal with issues that may arise from a rescue. :2 cents:

Much respect to those who adopt and take the risk!

wow, a vet can analyse the dna of a mutt and its genetic tendencies? I know about a dozen vets personally that would disagree with that.. How about you? I'm not saying you can't have a healthy mutt, you absolutely can. It's just a higher % this way and not a complete crap shoot.


I asked around a bit, don't know anyone personally but www.cavalierclubofarizona.com/ seems like a good place to start. Also be sure they clear heart check, they are known for being bad in that breed apparently.

On the other hand you take the word of a for profit breeder about the bloodline health issues of a product they are selling? The only real problem with pound dogs is previous mistreatment that may affect the mental state of some dogs. The rest are just grateful healthy mutts.

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Yeah... Adopt or he'll die

Totally agree and they really do know you saved them.
No idea how they know it but they sure do and are constantly giving you their love and affection in return.

Can I tell you how many scammers emailed me from Craigslist about dogs?
They have good stories why they are "selling". Like "Hi I am unable to care for my dog, I am deaf, blind, divorced, poor, too busy, too old, too young, blah blah send $300.00" for your puppy, then ask you 250 more questions and try to scam you. I have been looking too and found good breeders just on google (search local). Good luck!

That's funny! I rescued/adopted my pit from a shelter. A little different situation though. He was born in the shelter. His parents were both brought in and got it on there! haha

Def adopt if you can but if not an option go w/ a breeder. Just be prepared to pay out the ass!

This is a great place to start
http://www.petfinder.com/index.html

Rescue dogs are great. Generally speaking they are very loyal

I'm not sure about all that... but I do agree about getting a dog from the pound. I rescued 2 myself.

i have had various dogs my entire life... after college i got a black lab.... she was most amazing dog ever, granted we had a pond on our property so she could swim everyday.

great dogs... but you better have room for them to run!!!

Best way to do a dog:

http://anotherkcblog.files.wordpress...ian-mating.jpg

(sorry for this answer, see the title of this topic :p )

Do you know if there are any health issues for the puppy if he's the only one born in the litter?

Rescue, all my dogs are from pounds.

Reason I wouldn't have another rescue dog :(