Puppy Mills 1/3

Most people don’t want to support animal cruelty; that's a given. In the United States, people have particularly strong feelings about cruelty towards companion animals who many consider to be integral parts of their family. Yet, despite the desire to protect our animals, many people still unwittingly support puppy mills.

What is a puppy mill?

A puppy mill is a dog-breeding facility with the primary goal of making money. To maximize profits, some breeders make dogs suffer in deplorable conditions. The puppies bred at these facilities are then either shipped to pet stores around the country, or sold directly through newspaper and online ads to the public.
Once the puppies leave the mills, they are cleaned up and put up for sale at pet stores for anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The breeding dogs aren’t nearly as lucky. They are kept at the puppy mill to have litter after litter, often living in small cages and lacking clean water, regular veterinary care and socialization. Some mills may have 10 breeding dogs while others may have 1,000, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, better known as the ASPCA.

And because of these inhumane conditions, the ASPCA warns that puppy mill dogs have commonly been found to have health issues like epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease, musculoskeletal disorders, endocrine disorders, blood disorders, deafness, eye problems, respiratory disorders, giardia, parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, mange, fleas, parasites, chronic diarrhea and more. That can mean sick dogs and high veterinary bills, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

How is this legal?

The ASPCA gives insight to the barely there regulations in place to protect dogs. “Under the federal Animal Welfare Act, it is completely legal to keep a dog in a cage only six inches longer than the dog in each direction, with a wire floor, stacked on top of another cage, for the dog's entire life. Conditions that most people would consider inhumane, or even cruel, are often totally legal.”
Some states have additional laws on the books to try to put a stop the puppy mill trade, but because facilities can vary from ultra small to huge, it’s hard to define exactly what a puppy mill looks like.

How can you avoid buying a dog that came from a mill?

Puppy mills count on the public not asking too many questions, and on pet stores that largely don’t mind acquiring their dogs from mills. Like the mills themselves, many pet stores want to turn a profit rather than looking out for the best interest of the dogs. Since there's no
legal definition of a puppy mill, the ASPCA warns that unscrupulous pet store owners can get around the issue by saying that their puppies all come from licensed USDA breeders or local breeders. Since all breeders who sell their dogs to pet stores are required to be licensed by the USDA, that’s not any kind of guarantee the dogs come from a reputable breeder.
The ASPCA explains, “The fact is, responsible breeders would never sell a puppy through a pet store because they want to screen potential buyers to ensure that the puppies are going to good homes.”

Where should I get a dog if I shouldn’t go to a pet store?

The big animal protection organizations like the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States recommend heading to your local shelter or rescue organization to adopt a dog rather than buying from a pet store. Many people aren’t aware that purebreds end up in shelters just like any other dogs. Plus, there are rescues that specialize in certain breeds.

SEE THE DOG FACTORY VIDEO BY BBC HERE

If you're determined to go to a private breeder, make sure you visit that breeder in person at the facility so you can see the operation for yourself.

Reasons to Use a Dog Harness

Neck and trachea injuries might occur if a dog is constantly yanking, pulling or fighting the leash. Unlike a leash attached to the collar at the neck, a leash attached to a traditional body harness connects to a hook on the dog’s back between their shoulders.
The body harness takes the direct stress off their neck. There are also harnesses which attach on the chest or head.

Tangling

A dog that is fighting the leash, or excited, jumping and twisting it can tangle not only themselves in the leash, but their human as well. A strong dog might quickly wrap the leash around your legs, feet, fingers, arms or wrist and pinch or injure you.

When a dog gets excited, he doesn’t know his own strength or understand that he might be hurting you. A really strong dog might even pull you over when he has you tangled in the leash. It is more difficult for the dog to tangle either of you up if the leash is attached to a harness on his back.

Training

Although dogs can be trained to follow the rules of good behavior when on a leash, wearing a harness gives you more control when training your dog.

It is easier to attach the leash to the back or chest of an excitable dog than it is to one wiggling his head around in anticipation, or because he doesn’t like the leash.

If training is easier, the dog will learn to associate the harness and leash with the pleasant experience of going on an outing with someone they love.

Security

BUY NOW - https://amzn.to/2G8jqkb

Some dogs dislike any kind of collar or restraint. They may be able to work a collar off their neck. If a harness is fitted properly and is the right size and style for the dog, it is more difficult to wriggle out of than a simple collar might be.
There are safety reasons for using a seatbelt for a dog riding in a car or truck. A harness is an easy way to attach the seatbelt to the dog to keep them safe while you drive. In case of an accident, the dog will be held securely in place.
Dog harnesses are made in different styles designed for whatever the individual dog’s need may be. Some are simple straps. Others have more material covering a larger area of their back or chest. There are also different styles with alternate attachment points for the leash than the traditional body harness has.
It is a good idea to remove the harness after an outing. Constant wear may be annoying to the dog. It can also rub the fur, irritate their skin on areas that the harness rubs, and matt the fur.

What to Consider When Looking for a Dog

What to Consider When Looking for a Dog

Owning a dog is not as simple as some people think. There are many things that owners need to consider before adopting or purchasing a dog. Once a dog becomes a part of the family, there is a huge commitment that cannot be ignored. In some ways, they need even more attention than a child, because they don’t gain independence at the level that humans do when they grow older and mature. Most people think of the basic needs and stop there without taking further consideration of how a dog might impact their lives. Here are a few important things to consider when looking for a dog.

Determine the right breed

 

Not all dogs are created equal. It is very important for potential dog owners to assess their specific, unique situations and determine the best breed to bring into their homes. Some dogs need ample space to move around without destroying things in the home. Others may need more exercise and access to the outdoors. There are even some dog breeds that are more trainable and independent than others. In essence, there are some dogs that are able to live great lives cooped up in apartments all day and others that absolutely need space. A dog owner’s living space may very well be vital to determining which dog breed is best for the situation.

Time commitment

 

Owning and caring for a dog is a huge time commitment. They need attention multiple times during the day, from feeding to exercising and cuddling to nurturing. People with time-consuming jobs and busy lives really should consider staying away from raising canines and other pets. At times, dogs may even pull owners away from their jobs, especially if they get sick and need medical attention during the day.
There are options for those who work long hours, but they are not exactly ideal. Often times, people will hire dog-sitters and dog walkers to help them with exercise and care for their pooches. Unfortunately, the relationship that the dog has is then made with the dog-sitter or walker.

Financial commitment

 

Caring for dogs costs money. They are an integral part of families, deserving all the care they can get. Owning dogs, as pets, are huge financial commitments, as they need to be fed, cared for in terms of their health, and entertained. All three of these elements cost money. When dogs age and their health declines, care can be extremely costly. Just like other members of the family, dogs also need annual health check-ups to make sure they are not developing diseases that may shorten their lives or make them uncomfortable.

Family health

 

Dogs are wonderful pets if no family members are allergic to them. If people in the house are allergic to dog dander, then the type of dog to welcome into the family will have to be hypoallergenic. There are a variety of dog breeds that fit the mold and are wonderful to have in an allergen-free home. In order for everyone in the family to enjoy their new pet, it is important to consider the wellbeing and health of all members.

Preparations

 

When people are ready to bring pets into their homes, there are some preliminary basics that need to get set up ahead of time. These preparations are important to consider so that the home and other family members are ready for the new addition. Potential owners need to make sure they are ready with a leash, collar, food and water bowls, crate (if necessary), sleeping area, and various toys for the dog to chew. If toys are not provided for dogs, they will find other things to chew on, such as shoes, couches, and curtains.

Primary Caregiver

When a dog enters a home, there needs to be a primary caregiver assigned to prevent future chaos and neglect. Different people in the family need to take on different roles to make sure everything gets done. If roles are left up to chance, the dog may end up not getting what it needs to survive and live a good, healthy life. It is always best to determine the primary caregiver and everyone else serves the secondary roles. This will make everything run more smoothly when the dog needs care.

Family lifestyle

Owning a pet can seem like a lot of fun, but in reality, it can also be restrictive. Traveling families who like to explore the world may have to consider how much time they are actually home and able to care for a dog. Those who like to be spontaneous may also find it a little restrictive if they have a dog at home. Some dogs travel well and can participate on long trips. Most, however, do not do well on long road trips. Considering the family’s lifestyle is crucial before bringing the dog into the home.

Finding a veterinarian

 

Before bringing a dog into the family, it is important to shop around and find a reputable veterinarian. Visits to the vet are hard enough as it is for dogs. If they don’t have a vet who is caring, gentle, and knowledgeable, it can really be miserable for the dog. Although there are many options found on the Internet, the best way to find a reputable vet is to talk to current and former dog owners and get recommendations and referrals.

Dog-Proofing

Just as parents have to childproof their homes when their children become mobile infants, dog owners need to implement dog-proofing measures. In addition to hiding things the dog may chew up, owners need to make sure there is no access to toxic chemicals. Toxins can be found in plants, bags, and cleaners that the dog may come across as they explore around the house.

Dog’s age

Some people want to raise puppies and go through all the training themselves. Others are determined to rescue older dogs that have been through neglect and abuse. Before heading out to find a dog, a decision needs to be made whether the new addition to the family will be young or old. Dogs have different needs depending on their ages, so it is important for potential owners to consider the pros and cons of raising them from pups, as well as the advantages and disadvantages to rescuing an older canine.
Adding a dog to the family is not a matter to be considered lightly. Dogs deserve to have the best owners who will dote on them and love them to death. The time, energy, and money it takes to raise and care for a dog are critical to consider before making a lifetime commitment to bringing a dog into the home. So, are you ready to have a dog?