When it comes to getting a dog, many people and families will be torn between rescuing a dog and getting one from a breeder. While we all feel like rescuing a dog is the right thing to do, many people may have apprehensions about it. They might be worried that the dog will not be able to adapt, or that it will have behavioural issues. On the other hand, some people may also have reservations about dog breeding. In this article, we’re going to look at both options and help you figure out which one would be the best for you.
Rescue Dogs are Not as Difficult as You Think
One of the common misconceptions about rescue dogs is that they are more difficult to deal with. While there is a sliver of truth in this, it isn’t entirely the case. For example, a lot of older dogs that were simply abandoned or lost end up in shelters. They were not traumatised and brutalised by their previous owners like the common image we have of shelter dogs.
Instead of assuming that the dog will have issues, we suggest you visit a shelter. You will be able to get some history on the dog. They will also be able to tell you if the dog has any strange behavioural patterns.
A lot of people don’t know this, but rescue dogs can often be a much better fit for a family – old ones in particular. This is because they’re much less hyperactive and less likely to cause an accident. So, if you thought getting a pup was the only and best choice, think again.
You Know What You Get with a Reputable Breeder
On the other hand, if you want a specific breed of dog and know its whole history, then going to a breeder is probably the best option. If you were considering this, you probably already had a few breeds in mind. Getting puppies when they are young means that they’ll have the chance of bonding with the family and you’ll be able to mould their character.
Rescue Dogs Are Often More Robust
Purebreds are rare at shelters, and this means that rescue dogs are less likely to carry the specific health and genetic issues associated with different breeds. Breeding means that issues get passed down from generation to generation, but these can be counterbalanced when breeds are intermixed.
That doesn’t mean that rescue dogs won’t have issues. Rescue dogs, just like any other, will be prone to developing bone and joint issues as they get older, which is something you’ll have to pay special attention to if you decide to rescue an older dog.
The first step will be to take the pet to the vet for an exam. Then, you might need to start looking at joint aid for dogs. If you’re looking for one, this site has more information. YuMOVE’s supplements contain clinically proven ingredients that support joint and bone health. It contains ingredients such as glucosamine, vitamins C and E, and Green Lipped Mussel which has been shown to be a great source of Omega 3.
If you decide to go for a purebred, know that some breeders will perform genetic health testing on their dogs. While this may be able to spot genetic issues, you still need to be on the lookout for issues that affect specific dog breeds.
Rescue Dogs Are Not the Best for First-Timers
One of the benefits of buying a dog from a breeder is that you’ll be the one who raises them from the moment they’re a pup. This makes them much easier to manage for people who have never had a dog before. This is why we do not suggest you rescue a dog if you don’t have experience. You will have difficulty understanding their behaviour, and you also don’t want them to end up back at the shelter because you couldn’t take care of them.
You also need to know that many dogs end up in shelters because they have actual problems their previous owners couldn’t deal with. Some may be noisy, others might be destructive and erratic, and some are dangers to themselves and others. In this case, you might have to deal with heartache realising that the dog you brought home is never going to change.
However, also know that there are tons of wonderful pets at shelters and you can get a pup on rare occasions too. The trick will be to put your name down with multiple shelters and have them call you once they get one. This will allow you to get the best of both worlds.
The decision between buying and rescuing a dog may be tough. However, if you feel like you have the experience and the disposition for it, rescuing could literally save a dog’s life and change your vision of rescue dogs forever.
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