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Should I buy from a pet store?

Home » Pets » Choosing Your New Dog or Puppy » Should I buy from a pet store?

Pet stores have their appeal. They have the cutest, newest “designer dogs.” They have full breads. They take credit card. They’re much less depressing than going in to a shelter. They’re convenient.

Their staff is eager to put a wiggly bundle of fur into your arms and escort you to the play area. You become reluctant to put that squirmy, loving puppy back into that tiny display cage with the wire bottom, so you quickly decide that this is the dog for you.

So the puppy goes home with your happy family. All may be well; the puppy may grow into just the dog you’ve always wanted – easily housetrained, gentle with the baby, playful with the older children, a quiet companion for the adults, a healthy, easily-trained pooch that readily fits family and lifestyle.

Or you may end up with a high-strung, destructive, impossible to housetrain, disobedient, nippy and unhealthy puppy you’re ready to give away.

Pet stores can bring up serious questions about breeding practices, knowledge of staff about their breeds and care of the puppies before you take them home. However, not all pet stores are bad.
If you find your dream dog in a pet store, ask these questions before taking Rover home.

• Where did this puppy come from?
• Is that a licensed USDA dealer?
• Does the kennel or broker insist on genetic clearances for breeding stock?
• Can I get a copy of the eye and hip certifications?
• What health problems are common to this breed?
• What type temperament does this breed have?
• Does the breed have a tendency to bark a lot?
• How much socialization do they need?
• How much exercise does this breed need?
• How much grooming?
• How badly do they shed?
• What happens to the puppies you don't sell? Are they sent to rescue groups? Euthanized? Returned to the breeder?

Responsible, reliable puppy producers have the answers to these questions. If the pet store clerk or manager does not, do yourself a favor and look elsewhere.

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