Would you buy a dog at Petland?

[redforever]

Originally Posted by TopChed

After my own experience with an SPCA dog, it kinda bothers me to see someone so dead set in their opinion about a rescued puppy. Our dog lived a long and healthy life, and was great with everyone. He was easily trained and an amazing part of the family. I can definitely understand why so many people are against buying from Petland or some breeders when there are so many great dogs who need a home.

It does not make him a bad person if he does not get a rescue dog. He has determined what he wants to get and as such, don't pass judgement on him for doing other than what you did.

[Devils'Advocate]

This forum passes judgement all over the place. For not signaling when turning, drinking and driving, abusing animals.... What makes this case exempt?

Hell, *I* was judged for wanting to buy health insurance for my pet. "How can you conscionably pay that much for the health of an animal when there are so many poor people that need that money?"

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

Hell, *I* was judged for wanting to buy health insurance for my pet. "How can you conscionable pay that much for the health of an animal when there are so many poor people that need that money?"

Well, that is a pretty dick move. Who do you think you are doing whatever you want to do with your own money.

[Rerun]

I wouldn't. This Homestead Kennels looks like a puppy mill to me. They sell 10 different kind of breeds... 11 if you count the Kock-a-poos (had to change the spelling... dam censor) which really aren't a breed.

http://www.homesteadkennels.ca/Breeds.html

These guys are just in it to make $$$. Most reputable breeders are in it to improve the breed.

Stick to your search for a reputable breeder... It may cost a little more (although its surprising what Petland charges... $900+) but you will get a dog that is bred for good temperment as well as good genetics.

[InSutterWeTrust]

See if Dogs were banned in Calgary we wouldn't be having this conversation!

[Rerun]

Here is a terrrific link.... everyone thinking about buying a mixed breed or purebred dog, and especially a dog from a pet store, should read it.

http://www.members.tripod.com/antiqu...reeder.html#GR

[afc wimbledon]

If you're getting a puppy from homestead you should go for the trifecta, a collar made by 5 year old burmese kids chained to the bench and a nice antique skin lampshade from 1940's germany.

And while we are on the subject, cross breed dogs are almost always better tempered than purebred regardless of breed.

[sclitheroe]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

Well, that is a pretty dick move. Who do you think you are doing whatever you want to do with your own money.

Steve Jobs? Or is that a different thread

[Sr. Mints]

I rescued one of my dogs from Petland in April.

He even came with giardia and campylobacter, the later I contracted from him.

They put those little guys in those prison cells with windows and make everybody stupid enough to walk through the pet store feel sorry for them -- it's marketing, and I fell for it.

[jar_e]

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

Airedale’s are awesome. I love terriers but a Wheaten was about as big, strong, and boisterous as I could go with small kids, otherwise I’d have lobbied for an Airedale

Yeah he's still a puppy and thankfully the gf has had the summer off to keep up with him. He's adorable but still a handful...we're hoping that he does calm down and get out of his puppy antics whenever we decide to have kids.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by InSutterWeTrust

See if Dogs were banned in Calgary we wouldn't be having this conversation!

All dogs just need to be sent to the wilderness in order to exterminate all bears first.

[Zevo]

Originally Posted by afc wimbledon

If you're getting a puppy from homestead you should go for the trifecta, a collar made by 5 year old burmese kids chained to the bench and a nice antique skin lampshade from 1940's germany.

And while we are on the subject, cross breed dogs are almost always better tempered than purebred regardless of breed.

Completely false. Most purebreds are every bit as well tempered as crossbreeds. One is neither better nor worse than the other.

[afc wimbledon]

Originally Posted by Zevo

Completely false. Most purebreds are every bit as well tempered as crossbreeds. One is neither better nor worse than the other.

As most purebreds are genetically compromised due to breed standards and most commercially bred dogs are weaned way to quick to optmise the use of the bitch I will disagree with you.

I would agree that in theory there should be little difference, in practice I doubt any puppy comes out of a craphole breeding mill unscathed.

[Zevo]

Originally Posted by afc wimbledon

As most purebreds are genetically compromised due to breed standards and most commercially bred dogs are weaned way to quick to optmise the use of the bitch I will disagree with you.

I would agree that in theory there should be little difference, in practice I doubt any puppy comes out of a craphole breeding mill unscathed.

I fully agree that crossbreeds are less likely to have some of the physical problems that purebreds develop due to inbreeding. However I don't think a dogs temperment is affected as much. Going to a good breeder can nullify any difference whatsoever.

It's possible that by going to a reputable breeder and interacting with the parents as well as testing the puppies, you give yourself a better chance of getting the traits you want in a dog.

Saying all that, we have a rescued rotti/shepherd cross we got as a puppy that is an amazing dog.

[dissentowner]

When I get myself in a better financial situation I will get my dog from a breeder because it is impossible to find a Harlequin Great Dane at a rescue shelter. If I did find one though I would adopt before going to a breeder, those shelter dogs can break your heart. I am registered with Great Dane Rescue but they never get Harlequins and their waiting list is quite long. If I wanted any good normal family dog I would definitely adopt!

[Johnny Canuck]

Despite both volunteering at the SPCA whenever we get the chance, my wife and I got both our dogs from Petland (long story). While we hope to adopt an SPCA/Rescue dog in the future we couldn't be happier with the dogs we bought from Petland.

Both have been healthy, loving dogs who have been fantastic additions to our family. I don't know if Petland in Alberta plays by the same rules they do here in BC but If you are looking at getting a purebred lab and expect the papers you are going to be out of luck.

We got a pug, but because Petland has some rule against "offically" selling pure breds, he was called a "Pug Type" and they were also unable to provide papers.

That aside, I'd absolutely recommend Petland to a friend if they were looking to purchase a pet, although I'd also suggest searching the local SPCA to see if they have the dog your looking for.

[Suzles]

Originally Posted by kipperfan

Wanna know the best part? All of these organizations are teaming up for a giant dog adopt-a-thon tommorow @ Marlborough Park Community Hall - should be alot of the dogs you saw above there tommorow afternoon. So bring the wife and let her fall in love with a dog that really could use your help.

I'll be there tomorrow representing Heaven Can Wait. You can't miss me - crazy English lady in a bright yellow t-shirt with Heaven Can Wait emblazoned on her ample bosom! Should have a nice couple of puppies with us as well. Will be there between 11.00 till 3.00.

Oh and never buy from Petland as these dogs DO come from puppy mills. You may think you are saving them but you are just lining the pockets of some disgusting money grabbing breeder and for each one sold means they will just continue on that terrible cycle of abuse. A large number of these Petland dogs end up in rescues - 18 months old, untrained and unsocialised and it is hard and sometimes heartbreaking work to rehabilitate these guys. If you go for an older dog it should at least be house trained, possibly crate trained, socialised (with people, dogs and cats). That doesn't mean that you can't continue the training to expand it a bit (which you should do anyway, of course). You just state that you are inexperienced dog owners and to start with a puppy is difficult sometimes - just not making mistakes - just knowing how to train. A slightly older dog may help you. Also be aware that the Labrador is a working breed - high on energy and need lots of exercise. And that means 12 months a year - not just in the nice summer weather. Boredom is the Lab's biggest enemy.

[Flash Walken]

I don't know about the situation in Calgary, but here in Vancouver, they quite often have very well mannered and tempered dogs who simply cannot find a home.

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/17164841

You can meet Hugo tomorrow!:
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16624327

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16477935

I think before you get a dog you need to honestly assess what kind of people you are and the lifestyle you have. If you aren't active people, getting an active dog is a bit cruel. I'm not saying this is the case, just that if it is, do yourself a favour now instead of realizing once you already have the dog.

Labrador Retrievers have that name for a reason. Like others have mentioned, you're going to have to make commitment to that dog daily if you want to avoid behaviour and health problems.

There are other large, friendly breeds that don't require as much stimulation as labs do.

[Flash Walken]

double post

[Bertuzzied]

Petland is the only pet store that i boycott because of their constant supply of puppymill pets.

I'm shocked there isn't more of a protest outside of their stores to stop them from selling puppymilled puppies.

If Petsmart was smart they would be hammering Petland in their marketing campaigns.