| There are many traps into which potential owners | | | | have a good future, and it is most unlikely that the |
| can fall, so beware. Selling puppies and young dogs is | | | | vendors will offer a ‘back-up' or that a puppy |
| now a multi-million dollar business, and unfortunately | | | | can be returned if it develops any problems. |
| there are a few unscrupulous breeders, dealers and | | | | Therefore it is always wise to buy a puppy direct |
| retailers waiting for the gullible buyer. | | | | from a breeder, who should be recognized by the |
| Most people have heard or read about ‘puppy | | | | Kennel Club, or from a registered charity. |
| farms'. However, these are not farms in the true | | | | Go on the internet and log onto the Kennel Club's |
| sense of the word but premises on which puppies | | | | website for a list of breed clubs and breeders. Many |
| are bred with no thought to their welfare, physically | | | | breed societies run their own rescue organizations to |
| or mentally. They are fed on cheap and inferior foods | | | | find good homes for unwanted dogs or pets who |
| with no veterinary attention or socialization. They are | | | | have been ill-treated or their owners have died. |
| bred purely for profit and their breeders are not | | | | A responsible breeder will breed from healthy dogs |
| concerned where they go or what happens to them | | | | without genetic defects and with good |
| after they leave their premises. The puppies may be | | | | temperaments. They will keep the puppies and their |
| sold direct to the public via misrepresented | | | | mother in a stress-free and healthy household |
| newspaper advertisements or they may go to | | | | environment where they can be well socialized to |
| dealers who will sell them by any method. | | | | everyday sounds, smells, other dogs and people. |
| Alternatively, they may be sold on through pet | | | | They will play with the pups and give them toys, and |
| shops. | | | | encourage them to toilet away from their nest area. |
| It must be emphasized that these puppies do not | | | | |