NEED HELP with a puppy!
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From: Sammamish
My girlfriend just got a dog about 8 months ago...maybe 9. Befor getting this dog i had always thought, why the hell do people spend 800 bucks on a dog. Well after seeing her spend that kinda money I can say that her dog is without a doubt the nicest looking golden retreiver i have ever seen, it has all the nesisities to be in the dog shows and competitions she wants to go into. A adopted dog most likly would not have come with the proper paperwork let alone the looks nessesary to compete. I also can atest to the dog peeing every 5 minutes when we first got him. man that thing was a pissing machine but now he is MUCH better maybe one accident in the house every two weeks.....that is normally someone fault for not letting him out when he sits by the door1 
But i can see why some people go the purebreed expensive route i know I probably would, even though it is rediculiously expensive in some cases.....but the qualty of dog is very good. And about the gene pool being shallow in the purebreed world, it depends on the breeder and how active they are about mixing up the gene pool. Most proper breeders have the paper work going back many many generations just for that purpose. With purebreeds you can also breed out certains common flaws, such as hip displasia, shorter life spans, wirey coats, joint disorders, other health ailments. So from a proper breeder you get a MUCH healthier dog. That is the differnce between a 100 dollor dog and a 800+ dog......
But i can see why some people go the purebreed expensive route i know I probably would, even though it is rediculiously expensive in some cases.....but the qualty of dog is very good. And about the gene pool being shallow in the purebreed world, it depends on the breeder and how active they are about mixing up the gene pool. Most proper breeders have the paper work going back many many generations just for that purpose. With purebreeds you can also breed out certains common flaws, such as hip displasia, shorter life spans, wirey coats, joint disorders, other health ailments. So from a proper breeder you get a MUCH healthier dog. That is the differnce between a 100 dollor dog and a 800+ dog......
When should I have him neutered?
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Gainesville
You can have them neutered after 12 weeks (3 months). Go to the local rescue shelter or humane society to find out more info, and get it done for a reduced price (or even free).
The argument about the purebred dog for $800 doesn't make sense. Sorry, but paying all that money for a dog isn't worth it unless you plan on A) Showing the dog for competition or B) becoming a breeder. There are many homeless, abused and mutt mixes that make wonderful pets for less money. And at the same time, you're saving a life and helping another.
The argument about the purebred dog for $800 doesn't make sense. Sorry, but paying all that money for a dog isn't worth it unless you plan on A) Showing the dog for competition or B) becoming a breeder. There are many homeless, abused and mutt mixes that make wonderful pets for less money. And at the same time, you're saving a life and helping another.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Sammamish
Well that is how you feel.......same thing can be said for spending 30K on a S2k...why not buy an old abused car for much less and take care of it? I knwo it is off beat and way far stretch but some people just like ot have a purebreed beautful dog.
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From: Philadelphia
Originally posted by natedoggs2k
And for crying out loud people, stop paying so much money for a purebred dog. There are too many homeless and abused animals that need a loving home. ADOPT an animal so they don't have to be killed each and every day.
Also, purebred animals tend to have more health problems than "mutts." So you're better off adopting a mutt. Not only will you have less problems, but you're saving a life.
And for crying out loud people, stop paying so much money for a purebred dog. There are too many homeless and abused animals that need a loving home. ADOPT an animal so they don't have to be killed each and every day.
Also, purebred animals tend to have more health problems than "mutts." So you're better off adopting a mutt. Not only will you have less problems, but you're saving a life.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Philadelphia
Originally posted by 96lude
To keep the teeth and gums healthy, I also think you should brush your dogs teeth. Getting him into the habit as a puppy will make it much easier than if you start when he gets older. This will also help prevent a bad odor. Any pet store or your vet should have some toothpaste you can use. It is safe for the dog to swallow so no rinsing is necessary and are available in different flavors to please your dog.
To keep the teeth and gums healthy, I also think you should brush your dogs teeth. Getting him into the habit as a puppy will make it much easier than if you start when he gets older. This will also help prevent a bad odor. Any pet store or your vet should have some toothpaste you can use. It is safe for the dog to swallow so no rinsing is necessary and are available in different flavors to please your dog.
Also, add liquid vitamins to his food every day. Get the ones for puppies now and later on move onto to adult ones.
I hope that you are feeding him puppy food b/c it's very different from the regular food. It's full of nutrients they need to grow their bones and muscles strong and healthy. Also cheap dog food is a very bad idea as it has mostly reject fat leftovers in it and a lot of preservatices. It's like feeding your toddler McDonalds everyday
Please buy him the best food you can comfortably afford, or (for such a large breed it would not be a bad idea), just go to a butcher and tell him that you have a large dog and buy cheaper cuts and bones from them.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Ventura, California, USA
Originally posted by natedoggs2k
You can have them neutered after 12 weeks (3 months). Go to the local rescue shelter or humane society to find out more info, and get it done for a reduced price (or even free).
The argument about the purebred dog for $800 doesn't make sense. Sorry, but paying all that money for a dog isn't worth it unless you plan on A) Showing the dog for competition or B) becoming a breeder. There are many homeless, abused and mutt mixes that make wonderful pets for less money. And at the same time, you're saving a life and helping another.
You can have them neutered after 12 weeks (3 months). Go to the local rescue shelter or humane society to find out more info, and get it done for a reduced price (or even free).
The argument about the purebred dog for $800 doesn't make sense. Sorry, but paying all that money for a dog isn't worth it unless you plan on A) Showing the dog for competition or B) becoming a breeder. There are many homeless, abused and mutt mixes that make wonderful pets for less money. And at the same time, you're saving a life and helping another.
That being said we bought a pure bred. Our Yellow Lab was purchased by me because of known characteristics of the breed. My wife is (actually now it's was) very scared of all dogs, even shish tzus and pomeranians. I love big dogs, so I got her a known friendly loving compassionate, soft, easygoing dog. She is totally in love with him. Additionally knowing how the dog's parents were and talking to the breeder and now observing what they said is true, I have no fear of bringing our new born into the house with him. The only thing the baby would need to fear is what every person smaller than him (60 lbs now) must fear, a big licking in the face. I think all those are valid reasons to buy a purebread.
