| Below, we'll reveal four important reasons you should | | | | victim. |
| avoid adopting your new four-legged companion | | | | #3 - Undisclosed Illnesses |
| online. We'll cover puppy mills, frauds, undisclosed | | | | Dogs can suffer from many types of ailments |
| illnesses, and behavioral problems. Many unwary | | | | without their owner's knowledge. Sometimes, these |
| people have either been saddled with problematic | | | | illnesses and disorders develop slowly. This is often |
| pets or lost thousands of dollars waiting for a | | | | the case with hip dysplasia, mild arthritis, and |
| delivery that never materialized. | | | | respiratory issues. Other times, a health problem will |
| #1 - Puppy Mills | | | | rapidly worsen, as can happen with glaucoma and |
| Most people are aware that puppy mills in the U.S. | | | | various infections. |
| mistreat the animals in their care. Puppies that come | | | | If you purchase your dog online, there's no way to |
| from these mills are often malnourished, unsociable, | | | | determine whether he is suffering from health issues. |
| and struggling with several health and behavioral | | | | As implied above, even the current owner may be |
| problems. However, many of these mills operate | | | | unaware such issues exist. This should dissuade you |
| outside the U.S. Unsuspecting buyers adopt them | | | | from adopting your pet without meeting him. |
| online without realizing their mistake. When they | | | | #4 - Behavioral Problems |
| arrive at the buyers' homes, the puppies are already | | | | When dogs display unacceptable behaviors, some |
| suffering a number of problems. In some cases, they | | | | owners reach the point where they would rather get |
| die soon after their arrival. | | | | rid of their pet instead of investing in training classes. |
| These places rarely, if ever, label themselves as | | | | The owner is faced with three options: taking the |
| puppy mills. Instead, they often operate under the | | | | canine to the animal shelter, abandoning him, or selling |
| guise of reputable national breeders. Visit the place | | | | him to an unsuspecting party. Some of the dogs are |
| from which you plan to adopt your canine. If you're | | | | sold online. |
| unable to do so, look elsewhere. | | | | The offensive behavior may be limited to digging |
| #2 - Frauds | | | | outside or barking (both activities can be curbed with |
| Some sellers lack the canines they're offering to sell. | | | | positive reinforcement). However, it may extend to |
| There are a few ways in which these people | | | | aggressiveness or severe fear of people. This is |
| operate. The most common is to ask for online | | | | another reason to reconsider any intention of buying |
| payment upfront. Once the payment has been | | | | a canine over the internet. |
| received, the seller simply vanishes. The advertised | | | | For many people, adopting a dog is one of life's most |
| dog is never sent to the buyer. | | | | rewarding experiences. The companionship and loyalty |
| A related scheme involves the seller offering to send | | | | a canine offers is unconditional. He'll remain by your |
| the dog to the new owner for free. The only | | | | side for the remainder of his life. Avoid taking |
| payment required from the buyer is a fee to cover | | | | unnecessary chances online. There are many healthy |
| the shipping expenses. In some cases, the "seller" | | | | and sociable canines from nearly every breed |
| disappears after receiving the fee. Other times, the | | | | available at local animal shelters. They need a loving |
| seller will contact the buyer and explain there's a | | | | owner. By bringing one or two of these dogs inside |
| problem with shipping the pooch (e.g. customs, | | | | your home, you'll not only save their lives, but you'll |
| inadequate crate, etc.). Another fee is requested and | | | | lay the groundwork for a friendship that lasts a |
| sometimes, unfortunately, is paid by the unsuspicious | | | | lifetime. |