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Buying a puppy from donedeal
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20-07-2012 9:48pm#1Hi folks
Just wondering if someone can help me (from past experience). My wife and I are looking to add a Siberian Husky pup and Golden Retriever pup to our family.
Looking on donedeal.ie there are a load of adverts for people selling pups. Doing a bit of research on google, I see a lot of people advising to be carefeul when purchasing pups in Ireland because of puppy farmers. It's the first time we're thinking of buying pups, so I've never heard of puppy farmers before.
I guess my question is: I don't want to fund something as horrible as the puppy farming trade, so how can I be sure that the person I am dealing with is not a puppy farmer. Should I avoid places like donedeal.ie / buyandsell etc and deal with a breeder directly?
If so - does anyone know of any listing of breeders I can access online for both Siberian Huskies and Golden Retrievers.
I want to make the right decision here, and haven't done this before .
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Without meaning to sound judgemental or preachy, would you consider visiting your local rescue centre? they are usually overflowing with unwanted dogs and puppies of all breeds! I just have a problem with anyone buying puppies from the likes of donedeal as i believe that it just encourages breeders to breed more and more puppies when unfortunately most of the dog rescue centres here are bursting at the seams with unwanted pets at this stage
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Have you done your research on the two breeds? Huskies and retrievers are worlds apart IMO eg energy levels, exercise needs, prey drive etc? How will you feel letting the GR off the lead and having to keep the husky on (I'd feel guilty tbh).
Thanks tk - I definitely still need to do a lot of research on both breeds. The last thing I want is to disadvantage one pup over the other. We're jsut thinking about it for now, so there's a long fact finding process in front of us. The original post was just 30 mins or so into that process So I still have a long way to go. 0 -
I read somewhere else that Siberian Huskies and Golden Retrievers are social by nature and so would benefit from being trained with pups of a same age. I've so much to learn!!
They might benefit from the company, but they wouldn't benefit from training together. Actually in 2 dog houses it's usually recommended that the dogs are trained separately. That's not to say you shouldn't get two! I love watching my 2 boys play together, but one is 2 years older than the other.
The benefits of canine company comes with some problems too. Rather than keep each other occupied 2 dogs together usually end up helping each other get up to mischief 0 -
freewheeler wrote: »Without meaning to sound judgemental or preachy, would you consider visiting your local rescue centre? they are usually overflowing with unwanted dogs and puppies of all breeds! I just have a problem with anyone buying puppies from the likes of donedeal as i believe that it just encourages breeders to breed more and more puppies when unfortunately most of the dog rescue centres here are bursting at the seams with unwanted pets at this stage
That's actually something we hadn't thought of tbh - but it's a v good suggestion. We're in Rathfarnham, and there's a rescue centre near us I think, so we'll look into that as well. Thank you.
As for donedeal and sites like that, after Rommie's suggestion - we're definitely not going to go down that route.0 -
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The original post was just 30 mins or so into that process So I still have a long way to go.
As you chose two attractive looking, but very very different breeds, can I presume that it was based on appearance alone? I understand the excitement surrounding the thought of a puppy but you've got to be very careful and not act on impulse. Impulse is what is filling the rescues and pounds throughout the country. This should be seen as a 10+ year commitment and as such requires a lot of thought, planning and patience. A dog is something that you should be willing to commit 50 hours to per week, every week, for its lifetime. That's a huge commitment and although looking at pictures of puppies on DoneDeal fuels the excitement, you're best off taking a step back first.
You need to ask yourself a few things and answer them honestly before even considering a dog, namely:
Do you/your wife have the time to give the dog the attention it deserves? As I said, you're looking at 50+ hours per week, every week. It'll need morning+evening walks, daily training sessions, time allotted to grooming it, time spent just relaxing with it etc.
Do you/your wife have the energy having a dog requires? The aforementioned time requires a lot of energy. Walking/working the dog takes energy, training it most certainly does.
Do you/your wife have the finances available to spend on a dog? Puppies are remarkably expensive, you're looking at:
- €500+ for the puppy from a good breeder, a lot more for special breeds like bulldogs
- €200+ for insurance for a year. A lot more for special breeds.
- Vet fees. Initial consultation, worming, vaccinations, etc. Throw in about €200 for that first 2 months of the puppy's life for that.
- Food. Anywhere between €30 and €70 for a 15kg bag which will last an adult GR about a month.
- Toys/bedding/etc. Easily another few hundred. I spent over €500 getting everything ready for my own new pup (crate/bedding/toys/baby gates/bowls/etc).
- Training classes - about €120
So easily the first year is going to cost a few thousand in direct costs alone. That's not factoring in things like taking the pup to the vet when it gets sick, replacing damaged items, one-to-one training if you're having trouble yourself etc.
The most important of those being whether or not you have the time for a dog. They require an awful, awful lot of time and attention. Though it may suit you right now, you've also got to be looking toward the future. Do you have kids, will you be having kids? If a baby came along, what would happen the dog?
Have you had a dog before? If not, then are you sure it's for you? It looks great when you see someone out walking with a happy dog but there's an awful lot of work that is taking place in the background that you simply do not see. If you've never owned a dog before, you really, really should not go for big breeds either. You will struggle as it is and the size of the dog will amplify problems.
When you've answered all the above and given it some thought - a lot of thought preferably - you can then think about breeds BUT don't think of breeds on appearance, how it'll make you look, etc. You want to get a breed that will match you and your lifestyle. That is what is important.
Do you exercise? If not, then you definitely do not want high energy breeds like GR and most certainly not sled dogs. Don't think "oh but if I get one then I WILL exercise", if you're thinking of getting one to get exercise then join a gym instead.
Do you want a dog that is stuck to your side every moment you're at home, or is happy to do its own thing? Again, this will vary on the breed. Dogs like german shepherds are notorious for getting clingy with owners. Dogs like mastiffs are well regarded as being quite independent.
You need to thoroughly research the breeds, their requirements and honestly look at yourself. You want to get a dog that either matches the amount of activity you already perform or requires less than that. Go to the dog shows and talk to the people there. See the dogs in person, you might be surprised at how high strung some of them are and the sheer size of them. Talk to their owners, the breeders etc.
When you've finally narrowed down some breeds then get in touch with the breed clubs. The breed clubs maintain a list of breeders and will check the relavent documentation on the sire and dam before advertising them/giving their contact information to potential buyers. They'll also grill you on your own knowledge of the breed and why you want a dog.
Then, and only then, should you put yourself on the waiting list for the NEXT litter from a breeder. Don't just go and view a litter that is available as your impulse will kick in.
All the above is simply to help you determine whether you should get a dog and then how to go about it. You've to budget time and finances for it and I would say you would want to be thinking of getting a dog as being a long term prospect at the moment, at least 6+ months away.
Getting two puppies together is a bad idea. Unlike cats, where getting one cat is relatively the same as getting two cats, the work involved in the extra dog far exceeds just having an extra dog in the house. What you want is one dog that you can train, get settled in and through adolescence and then think of adding a second, if it fits all the above. If you're thinking of getting a second one simply to keep the other company then you really need to consider whether getting a dog is a good idea in the first place, as it would indicate a worry that you simply won't have the time for it.
If you're a first time owner, I would say you should be looking towards small, low energy dogs. Go the breeder route or rescue route, whichever you want really, but the benefit of going somewhere like the Dogs Trust is that they will match YOU to a dog.
With regards to DoneDeal, it itself fuels the puppy farming trade here. There are genuine breeders on there, for example I read someone recommend RottsBrook Rottweilers/Bessbox Boxers on here before who I know for a fact advertise on DoneDeal themselves, but the site is predominantly used by backyard breeders and puppy farmers and is thus better avoided. Dogs in Ireland would be a lot better off without the existence of DoneDeal/Buy and Sell/etc.
Best of luck with it whatever you do, I myself just got a golden retriever puppy. I've had dogs before thankfully and have raised several pups so was comfortable getting a large, high energy dog, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it to someone without the experience. He's only 8 weeks old but he's already absolutely stuffed with energy. No more lie ins for quite some time, I shall say that 0 -
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I got my dog from donedeal but I would not recommend it. My dog is a very healthy happy little dog with no problems but I did have a few hiccups at the beginning and If I had got my little shih tzu from a proper breeder it would never have happened.
When I was looking to get Harvey I (thought) I had done my research, I was very consious of puppy farms and what to look out for. I eventually found a guy in Cavan that I thought was a genuine breeder. He had the puppies advertised as two month's old and We arranged to go out to see them. When we got there all seemed obove board. He talked to me about the importance of worming, what best to feed him, he had his parvo vaccination , IKC reg and microchipped.
He then explained to me that the puppies were only six and half weeks old but that there would be no problem taking my puppy home provided that he was kept warm and given plenty of love. You might think, How could I be so stupid but he really gave the impression of knowing what he was talking about and I trusted him and believed him
Anyway all was well for a week but at seven and half weeks old my puppy got a stomach upset. I think its actually quite normal for this to happen to puppies but at such a young age and being away from his mother my little dog went down hill very quickly and became badly dehydrated. I rushed him to the vet and he was kept in over night on a drip. Harvey made a quick recovery and I took him home the next day
Now I haven't had any health problems so far but I have no idea of his health history, also, the insurance company will not cover him for any gastric problem's and not to mention I was landed with quite an expensive vet bill.
I adore my dog and I think I would need counselling if anything was to happen him, there are no guarantees in life but you can reduce the rick by really really making sure that you go to a genuine dog breeder and make sure the health checks are done.0 -
The original post was just 30 mins or so into that process So I still have a long way to go.
As you chose two attractive looking, but very very different breeds, can I presume that it was based on appearance alone? I understand the excitement surrounding the thought of a puppy but you've got to be very careful and not act on impulse. Impulse is what is filling the rescues and pounds throughout the country. This should be seen as a 10+ year commitment and as such requires a lot of thought, planning and patience. A dog is something that you should be willing to commit 50 hours to per week, every week, for its lifetime. That's a huge commitment and although looking at pictures of puppies on DoneDeal fuels the excitement, you're best off taking a step back first.
You need to ask yourself a few things and answer them honestly before even considering a dog, namely:
Do you/your wife have the time to give the dog the attention it deserves? As I said, you're looking at 50+ hours per week, every week. It'll need morning+evening walks, daily training sessions, time allotted to grooming it, time spent just relaxing with it etc.
Do you/your wife have the energy having a dog requires? The aforementioned time requires a lot of energy. Walking/working the dog takes energy, training it most certainly does.
Do you/your wife have the finances available to spend on a dog? Puppies are remarkably expensive, you're looking at:
- €500+ for the puppy from a good breeder, a lot more for special breeds like bulldogs
- €200+ for insurance for a year. A lot more for special breeds.
- Vet fees. Initial consultation, worming, vaccinations, etc. Throw in about €200 for that first 2 months of the puppy's life for that.
- Food. Anywhere between €30 and €70 for a 15kg bag which will last an adult GR about a month.
- Toys/bedding/etc. Easily another few hundred. I spent over €500 getting everything ready for my own new pup (crate/bedding/toys/baby gates/bowls/etc).
- Training classes - about €120
So easily the first year is going to cost a few thousand in direct costs alone. That's not factoring in things like taking the pup to the vet when it gets sick, replacing damaged items, one-to-one training if you're having trouble yourself etc.
The most important of those being whether or not you have the time for a dog. They require an awful, awful lot of time and attention. Though it may suit you right now, you've also got to be looking toward the future. Do you have kids, will you be having kids? If a baby came along, what would happen the dog?
Have you had a dog before? If not, then are you sure it's for you? It looks great when you see someone out walking with a happy dog but there's an awful lot of work that is taking place in the background that you simply do not see. If you've never owned a dog before, you really, really should not go for big breeds either. You will struggle as it is and the size of the dog will amplify problems.
When you've answered all the above and given it some thought - a lot of thought preferably - you can then think about breeds BUT don't think of breeds on appearance, how it'll make you look, etc. You want to get a breed that will match you and your lifestyle. That is what is important.
Do you exercise? If not, then you definitely do not want high energy breeds like GR and most certainly not sled dogs. Don't think "oh but if I get one then I WILL exercise", if you're thinking of getting one to get exercise then join a gym instead.
Do you want a dog that is stuck to your side every moment you're at home, or is happy to do its own thing? Again, this will vary on the breed. Dogs like german shepherds are notorious for getting clingy with owners. Dogs like mastiffs are well regarded as being quite independent.
You need to thoroughly research the breeds, their requirements and honestly look at yourself. You want to get a dog that either matches the amount of activity you already perform or requires less than that. Go to the dog shows and talk to the people there. See the dogs in person, you might be surprised at how high strung some of them are and the sheer size of them. Talk to their owners, the breeders etc.
When you've finally narrowed down some breeds then get in touch with the breed clubs. The breed clubs maintain a list of breeders and will check the relavent documentation on the sire and dam before advertising them/giving their contact information to potential buyers. They'll also grill you on your own knowledge of the breed and why you want a dog.
Then, and only then, should you put yourself on the waiting list for the NEXT litter from a breeder. Don't just go and view a litter that is available as your impulse will kick in.
All the above is simply to help you determine whether you should get a dog and then how to go about it. You've to budget time and finances for it and I would say you would want to be thinking of getting a dog as being a long term prospect at the moment, at least 6+ months away.
Getting two puppies together is a bad idea. Unlike cats, where getting one cat is relatively the same as getting two cats, the work involved in the extra dog far exceeds just having an extra dog in the house. What you want is one dog that you can train, get settled in and through adolescence and then think of adding a second, if it fits all the above. If you're thinking of getting a second one simply to keep the other company then you really need to consider whether getting a dog is a good idea in the first place, as it would indicate a worry that you simply won't have the time for it.
If you're a first time owner, I would say you should be looking towards small, low energy dogs. Go the breeder route or rescue route, whichever you want really, but the benefit of going somewhere like the Dogs Trust is that they will match YOU to a dog.
With regards to DoneDeal, it itself fuels the puppy farming trade here. There are genuine breeders on there, for example I read someone recommend RottsBrook Rottweilers/Bessbox Boxers on here before who I know for a fact advertise on DoneDeal themselves, but the site is predominantly used by backyard breeders and puppy farmers and is thus better avoided. Dogs in Ireland would be a lot better off without the existence of DoneDeal/Buy and Sell/etc.
Best of luck with it whatever you do, I myself just got a golden retriever puppy. I've had dogs before thankfully and have raised several pups so was comfortable getting a large, high energy dog, but I certainly wouldn't recommend it to someone without the experience. He's only 8 weeks old but he's already absolutely stuffed with energy. No more lie ins for quite some time, I shall say that
Lol.
500€ on a dogs bed and toys!!!
An auld pillow and a tennis ball and you're away.
This post is an example of the madness going in on with dogs on this forum.
100% on vets bills etc, but its a dog. €20 will get you a fine leather collar. €30 will get you a fine crate and the above mentioned pillow is all he needs to sleep on.
People spouting madness about €500 on a dogs bed and toys would put you off reading the rest of the post that could have been good advice.0 -
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I could see people easily spending a couple of hundred on dog toys and beds. I know that I'm well up there at the minute! I found with Hershey that we spent money getting toys and that for him before we got him and then after we got to know him we started getting things that he really liked as we knew him better! If that makes sense. He has two beds. One is in his crate and then he has another in front of the tv in the sitting room as he was climbing into the tv stand to sleep so he could till see us, making a wee den for himself so we got him a den bad which he loves. Dogs are dogs but they are very much a part of the family.
Back on topic, I do agree that you shouldn't get two pups at the same time. Makes things much harder when it comes to training and everything. I know someone that's going through this at the minute, and I don't envy them even though the dogs are adorable!!
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