Quote:
Originally Posted by Bagor
I'm getting a bit confused as to what you are saying here.
Are you saying that registered breeders have a screening process for placing their dogs in proper homes (bolded,first quote) and if so what is it?
Or, are you saying that there is a correlation between financial ability to pay top $ for a dog and responsibility (2nd quote).
Because reading between the lines (and correct me if I'm wrong) the gist I'm getting is that if you are prepared to spend 2-3k on a dog it is therefore more likely that you are capable of providing a "proper home" for the dog, are better educated and more willing to train the dog?
Could it be considered a class issue then? i.e. Lower income dog owners are the problem?
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In regards to breeders being involved in proper placement, a responsible breeder very much should be doing their due diligence to ensure the pups they are selling are going to good homes, where they are confident the owners have the best intentions for the dog. No good breeder wants to see breeds end up with bad reputations, as is currently happening with Pitbull types.
Every time I have dealt with breeders and purchasing a pup, there was a screening process, home checks, and extensive follow up, with additional resources provided if needed. I feel this is as much my responsibility, as the breeders, it's what I expect when looking for a dog.
I wouldn't consider proper dog ownership a class issue, as I am sure, the vast majority of dog owners who don't have excessive disposable income (such as myself) are perfectly capable, responsible, well informed owners, who are aware that there are costs involved in pet ownership, outside of the initial purchase price. On the other hand, I'm guessing it's also very likely that the vast majority of irresponsible owners are the ones getting their dogs on the cheap from backyard breeders, who are not willing or capable of providing additional resources such as training and obedience when needed. I am sure there are some, who pay top dollar that end up being bad owners (such as dog fighters) but for the average owner, looking for a family dog, I find it hard to believe they'd be willing to drop $3000 and then be totally fine with having an aggressive dog and doing nothing about it. That's a poor investment, and a danger to their family.