General Business Listings:
Businesses listed below are not TAILS411 members, sponsors or TAILSRewards merchants and therefore have not been vetted by TAILS Foundation Inc. If your business is listed below and you would like to become a member, sponsor or TAILSRewards merchant, please Contact Us today!! Aubree's Aussies 208-626-5648
Adventure Border Collies 208-772-6303 Bernese at Moose Crossing 208-762-9891 Bit O' Bliss Farms (mini Aussies) 208-818-4275 Bridgette's Frenchie Babies 208-651-9882 Dutton Beagles 208-755-2851 Eagle Ridge Goldens 208-659-0004 Elegant Yorkshire Terriers 208-699-7008 Hilltop Border Collies 208-660-5670 LaTerra Dios Westies & Grooming 208-446-2685 Medina's French Bulldogs 208-262-6319 Mimi's Corgi Companions 208-660-7169 North Idaho Frenchies 208-640-1019 North Idaho Mini Aussie & Mini Doodles 208-277-5381 Northwest Shibas 208-597-1000 Petite Pomsky 971-808-7943 Pine Hill Puppies 208-620-7258 Red Dawn Caucasian Shepherds 208-755-6106 River City Doxies 208-659-6749 Run Amok Farm 208-669-0594 Snowy Mountain Doodles 208-277-8158 Swiss Mountain Labradors 208-755-2615 Templinhaus Rottweilers 208-659-2795 Von Marc Rottweilers 208-660-0589 West Coast English Springer Spaniels 208-699-0010 White Mountain Labradors 208-292-4222 |
Choosing a Responsible Breeder
So, you've decided to get a dog. You're prepared to feed, exercise, train, clean up after, work through problems with, and love a dog every day for the next 10 to 20 years. You've evaluated your lifestyle and know exactly what sort of dog you're looking for (e.g., a high energy dog to go running with, or a more sedate dog to lounge on the couch with), and you know that you need to seek out your desired characteristics in an individual dog, not a breed, because a breed is no guarantee of temperament or likes and dislikes. Start at a shelter or rescue group One in every four dogs in animal shelters in the United States is a purebred, and mixed breed dogs also make great pets, so start your search there. Not only are you likely to find a great dog, you'll also feel great about helping a homeless dog find a loving home. Most dogs lose their homes because of "people" reasons, such as cost, lack of time, lifestyle changes (new baby, divorce, moving, or marriage), or allergies, and not because of something the dog has done. Say you've checked out the purebred rescue group for your breed, but still haven't found "the one." You don't want to buy a puppy from a pet store because you know that most of those puppies come from mass breeding facilities—better known as puppy mills. In the end, if you've decided to buy a dog from a breeder, you'll want to support one who has their dogs' best interests at heart. How to find a responsible breeder Responsible breeders don't sell their puppies to the first person who shows up with cash in hand. Too often, unsuspecting people buy puppies from puppy mills, or sometimes neighbors who breed their dog to make a little money or simply because they have a dog "with papers." Too often, the result is puppies in poor health or with temperament problems that may not be discovered right away. A dog who has genetic health problems due to poor breeding practices or who develops significant behavior problems due to a lack of early socialization can cost thousands of dollars to treat—and result in grief and heartache as well. Get a referral You can find responsible breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian or trusted friends, by contacting local breed clubs, or visiting professional dog shows. Remember, a responsible breeder will never sell her dogs through a pet store or in any other way that does not allow her to meet with and thoroughly interview you to ensure that the puppy is a good match for your family and that you will provide a responsible, lifelong home. Always visit where they were born and raised Always personally visit a breeder's facility before buying a puppy. Find out where your puppy was born and raised. Take the time now to find the right breeder and you'll thank yourself for the rest of your dog's life. The Humane Society of the United States http://www.humanesociety.org/ |
