where can i post about a breeder? or is that not allowed?

[Chels*Claud*Midas]

hey everyone...where can i post about a breeder? is that allowed?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'm not sure of the answer to your question. I do think dogs should be raised and bred in a home so that they are used to a home environment, people and potty etiquette from birth, or soon thereafter. Many of the good breeders have some of  their dogs living in guardian homes so that the dogs are never in  kennel buildings. The females then deliver pups at the breeders generally. After the pups are weaned the females return to their guardian homes.

[Ginny Nightingale]

I agree that this is the best practice and it is one that i am involved in--I have a guardian female, but I raise the pups for the breeder here in my home and I also have other guardian females come here to have their babies--they are totally comfortable here and when not whelping or nursing, they are with me and my dogs in my home as one of the family. Quite a contrast to the "garage" setup--but that certainly is not unusual and may not even be cruel if that is what the dogs are used to and they are comfortable. 

[Adina P]

Jess, based on that info alone, I would not assume anything bad. Just different than I'd want to do it. Guide Dogs for the Blind don't live in real homes either.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

They do live in real homes with puppy raisers from 8- 9 weeks of age until they go back to formal training school between 14-18 months of age.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I always think those puppy raisers are so admirable. I don't think I could turn over a dog who I had raised for over a year. 

[Adina P]

I was more referring to adult dogs and their living situation.  The ones in school live in kennels.   (perhaps not all the time, not sure) Quite often with another dog being trained so they are not lonely.  My trainer used to work for them.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If they are doing all breed-recommended genetic health testing on all of their breeding dogs, and if they are only selecting breeding dogs who conform to the best breed standards for physical and mental soundness and temperament, and if they are picky about who they sell to and enforce spay/neuter contracts, and if their sales contracts include reimbursement for genetic illness and and insist that the owners must contact them before rehoming any dog, then I personally would label these people responsible breeders.  Those things matter a thousand times more than where the dogs spend most of their time, provided that wherever it is is clean, safe, spacious, and the dogs have ample opportunity for exercise and socialization..

 

[Jess & Stewart]

Hi all, thanks for the input. I know since we always talk about reputable breeders etc, but I wasn't sure if they could truly be reputable even if they have a different way than others. Also, the mothers/puppies are brought into their home when they in labor, weaning etc. So they do experience the sights, sounds of a home. All the dogs can also come & go into the home during the day.

Thanks for quelling any fears, they really do a great job & the "garage" is a huge building, like a dog hotel, I just didn't want to call it an out building or kennel. When I think of those, I think of chain lick fencing and many dogs in cramped spaces :(

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't think it's so much about there being a separate kennel building for the dogs so much as the number of dogs in it. Ten dogs total between the house and the kennel seems reasonable, all other factors included. If they had 40 dogs, that would be a problem for me.

 I am sure I've seen websites for reputable doodle breeders who have separate kennels or even nursery buildings.

[Jothi]

I think you are right to question what your gut is telling you. On one hand, I am grateful for my doodle but on the other hand I can't help but feel that the breeder that I worked with did not have the strictest of practices when it came to breeding. I was also very naive & didn't really know how to pick a breeder..... it has been almost 7 years now, and many miles away (Mocha, my doodle was flown in from Kansas). I don't give the breeder much thought anymore .... I am happy & proud of my doodle, regardless of where he came from. :)

[Chels*Claud*Midas]

aw thats soo sweet! yea i love Midas to death and it doesnt change anything... i also dont know much about puppymills so i figured id ask other peoples opinion to see what they thought.. and the fact that everyone does think she could be a backyard breeder or puppy mill i now know to def not recommend her.. i just worry that in the future Midas may develop health issues if he is a puppy mill dog... he is happy and healthy now.. so so am i! :)

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Well, puppy mill or the most astute breeder, there are no guarantees, as you know. We all think about the "what if's" and if you are concerned it might help to look into Pet Insurance. It may give you some peace of mind. I have it for my two and they came from a wonderful breeder who tests for pretty much everything that can be tested for.