What are the signs of a puppymill?

[Native New Yorker]

So I drove almost seven hours (roundtrip) to visit what may be a puppy mill.  A few of you may be able to confirm, so please tell me what you think.  I drove miles and miles to visit what online appeared to be a reputable breeder.  She responded to my concerns promptly, sent pictures, and seemed knowledeable about mini and standard goldendoodles.  I explained that I would NOT be purchasing with this visit but I wanted to see her facility and see if I could tolerate the mini's because I have mild/moderate allergies.  Upon my visit, she was not there but told me in advance that she would have someone show me the puppies.  When I arrived the young man had a carrier of two mini's that he took out of his car, which I thought was strange, and put them in a wired fence area so that I could "see them play" - his words.  I picked them up and they both smelled foul - unclean.  I asked how old they were and he said that they were 8 weeks.  I told him that I would like to visit more puppies and then he took me into a large shed that had 5 cages of various mini's, standards and puppies with their mom.  They were barking and the adults were hitting their heads on top of the cage.  I asked if they were allowed out of their cages and he replied that they are out quite often.  Then a lady came to feed the dogs and they went crazy, jumping, barking and running around in their cages.  The young man then told me if I purchased one that day that he was told he could reduce the price by $300.00.  I told him that I was not ready to purchase that day and would get back to the owner. I do not expect all breeders to have a pristine environment and I know that some will have more dogs then others.  Money and experience will determine how their spaces are kept. I'm aware of this, but the shed and the many dogs in a cage did concern me.  Since I have no experience purchasing dogs and this was the first breeder that I visited what do you think?

[Anna and Achilles]

Trust your instincts and stay away. If it walks like a duck it's probably a duck. Sounds like a mill in my opinion.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I also agree. There are reputable labradoodle breeders for sure around here. I don't know much about goldendoodle breeders. I think you need to rely on others experiences, perhaps from the owner recommended breeder group. Otherwise, you have to kiss a lot of frogs and even worse, you might end up with one.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I would definitely stay far away from this situation. The puppies are kept in cages...no socialization. The puppies and their environment smelled "foul"....I can only imagine this is a parasite breeding ground. This is not at all how a good breeder operates.

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

I also agree to trust your instincts.

We were not sure what to expect when we went to pick up Dexter (he came from a small breeder), but we saw no cages and all the dogs (his mom, dad and him) were all very clean and calm and clearly the adults were raised in their home.

From what you describe, I would be concerned that what you visited is a puppy mill.

[1xar0x2rcx0li]

I am glad you are taking your breeder choice seriously, and insisting on seeing things for yourself first hand. It may take a little longer to find the right pup but you will be supporting responsible breeding and have a healthier friend for 10-15 years.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I am thrilled that you posted this discussion. Most people are totally ignorant about Puppy Mills and I include myself in that statement so PLEASE do not take offense!! I have met 100's of people here in South Florida that had no clue about PM, of course I changed that! And so astounded that the Amish have PMs.
Just the fact that you have to question it should tell you something. Cages full of Momma Doodles and their puppies, foul smell, reduce the price = puppy mill.
It is so unfortunate for the puppies that they were born there. They could be the most wonderful of dogs - my Charli and my GrandDoodle Mickey are both PM doodles BUT I didn't 'buy' them from the PM, I found them through rescue. After I was asked if I would foster Mickey I learned first hand about PM dogs. It wasn't a pretty or happy start but with LOTS of love and patience he is a fantastic doodle! But then Mickey was due to go to live his life with my daughter and SIL I knew I had to have another. I found Charli on PetFinder.
So IMHO please go and find a reputable breeder - there are so many wonderful breeders here in DK.
Good Luck on your search and THANK YOU for asking before you 'bought' a PM doodle.

[1xar0x2rcx0li]

Good point that puppy mill dogs can be great dogs and deserve to be rescued, but never give the puppy miller your money. If you are paying, pay a responsible breeder.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

I am not trying to offend anyone BUT we all know the Amish are big on puppy mills, did the man you met appear to be Amish? I live in Ohio and Ohio and PA have large Amish populations and my husband and I have ran across several puppy mills in Amish Country when we were out on our bike and they make me sick. I just want to rescue every single one of them. You are one heck of a strong person - I could never just go look! LOL I would have ended up "saving" one - or that's what I would convince myself I am doing :-) I agree that you did the right thing and went with your feelings on the red flags. There are lots of reputable breeders out there and I am sure you will find one that is perfect for you.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Good on you! For checking out the situation first hand. Doesn't sound right to me and did not smell right to you. Keep on looking.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Wow, I thought Puppy Mills were illegal. I believe they are in California. Isn't there some way you can contact the Humane Society in the area and turn them in?

[Mustard Seed Ranch]

What I always tell people is start with health testing. Make sure that BOTH parents have been tested (OFA, Pennhip, CERF) and make sure that they have the proof to email or that they know you will want to see it when you arrive. This will eliminate A LOT of your puppy mills, and uneducated breeders.

[Debbie and Thomas]

I admire you so much for asking this question. I really don't know anything about puppy mills except for the horrible stories I have read here and heard on the news. I am sure that I would have fallen in love with the puppies you saw there and probably wud have taken one home and accepted the discount. I just can't look at puppies even in the pet store without wanting one. You on the other hand have a much more rational personality and are going about your adoption process the right way. I am sure you will find a good breeer soon and have a loveley doodle in your home. We purchases our doodle Thomas from farm breeder and he is the lovliest dog...so smart, playful and loving. Once we had made contact with the breeder we went to get him right away...he was 8 weeks and ready to come home. Best decision we ever made.