family

Considering a new edition to your family for xmas?

Here’s how to avoid unknowingly purchasing from Puppy Mills, Puppy farms, Backyard breeders, Puppy factories or intensive breeding facilities.

The usual areas where unethical breeders breeders are trying to reach you is usually via the internet. Places such as Gumtree, Trading Post. Pet shops & Newspaper advertisements are the usual places where these cowboy breeders sell from.
Puppy Factories need to be top secret for them to get away with what they do. So here are some tips when looking for a puppy.

Ask to see the litter if you can. You want & need to see a lovely healthy, happy & clean puppies and area they are in. No cages in squalor! Ask to view the pup’s parents. Interact with the pups parents, this could give you a good idea on the temperament that your new family member is going to potentially have! If the parents or pups are anything BUT healthy happy clean dogs then WALK AWAY! If the “breeder” won’t allow you into the area where the pups were living, again, WALK AWAY. After all what are they hiding from you?  If anything appears untoward or your gut tells you something isn’t right, TRUST yourself and WALK AWAY.

I understand that you might feel like you are “saving” the puppy from what appears to be unsavoury conditions, but keep in mind, they are breeding with whatever dogs they have. These dogs that they are breeding with are not usually loved, cared for, put under veterinary guidance and usually are not good breeding stock. So what you think is saving a puppy might be bringing into your home a world of future pain for you and the dog as they grow into adulthood the bad breeding becomes more and more evident with health issues. With all these designer dog breeds out there that are in high demand! It seems it brings the money hungry puppy factories out (or under ground). They are cowboys, not afraid of the law and want the quick BIG buck!

SO how do you find the good reputable breeders? The ones who CARE about the stock they breed with, CARE about your future puppy’s health and don’t over breed?  Well, they won’t be advertising on Gumtree or the Trading post! Nor will they be sitting them in the windows of pet shops! reputable dog breeders usually have their own website with photos of all their dogs and puppys. They will list their champion breeding lines and register with the breeds club. For example if you are after a German Shepherd pup, you could contact the German Shepherd dog club. They have lists of litters that are available and put you in touch with those breeders.

Back yard breeders will always deny what they are apart of! So remember that. They don’t always breed cross breeds or designer breeds either they do breed the purebreeds as well. In fact the most popular breeds they “manufacture” in their farms are: Beagle, Golden retriever, Dalmation, American Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, Great Dane, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Pug, Pomeranian, Jack Russell, Boxer, Staffy, Poodle, Shitzu, Chihuahua, Bull Terrier, Doberman, Cavalier King Charles, Dachshund, Bichon, Labrador, Siberian Husky and Boston Terrier.
The most popular cross breeds they churn out are:
Labradoodle, Groodle, Moodle, Pugalier, Cavoodle, Puggle & Schnoodle

One last bit of advice when you do bring in that new family member, remember this, the longer they stay with their mothers, the less likely of anxiety issues as they grow. Staying those extra few weeks longer with their mothers has been proven as a beneficial “learning” time with mum teaching them a few more things before they head off to new Mums!

Also please keep in mind adopting from a shelter! They have a wide range of dogs and puppies too! Also a good change to avoid that crazy “puppy stage” by adopting am adult dog. Dogs are for life so make sure the commitment is there before you adopt!

Lets finish on a delicious note!
Here is a great recipe for Dog treats that you can make at home to spoil your pooch! This recipe is shared from the wholefoodsmarket website!

PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA DOG BISCUITS

Ingredients:
•    1 banana, peeled
•    1 cup oat flour
•    2/3 cup rolled oats
•    1/2 cup dried parsley
•    3 tablespoons peanut butter
•    1 egg, beaten

Method:
Preheat oven to 300°F. Put banana in a large bowl and use a spoon or potato masher to mash it thoroughly. Add oat flour, oats, parsley, peanut butter and egg and stir well to combine. Set aside for 5 minutes.

Roll mixture into 24 balls, using about 1 tablespoon dough for each; transfer to a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet as done. Use the back of a spoon or the heel of your hand to press each ball into a (1 1/2- to 2-inch) coin. Bake until firm and deep golden brown on the bottom, 40 to 45 minutes. Set aside to let cool completely.

Storage note: It’s best to store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Or, freeze them to give to your pal later; just be sure to thaw the treats befor handing them out.
Nutritional Info:
Per Serving: Serving size: 1 each, 45 calories (15 from fat), 1.5g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 10mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 6g carbohydrates, (1g dietary fiber, 1g sugar), 2g protein.

Special Diets:
Dairy Free
Gluten Free
Low Sodium
Vegetarian
Sugar Conscious
Wheat Free
Note: We’ve provided special diet and nutritional information for educational purposes. But remember — we’re cooks, not doctors! You should follow the advice of your health-care provider. And since product formulations change, check product labels for the most recent ingredient information. See our Terms of Service.

Makes 2 dozen
The parsley in these treats makes them a secret breath freshener for your pooch; substitute dried mint for half of the parsley, if you like. Don’t hesitate to adjust the size of the treats to accommodate very small or very large dogs, baking them a few minutes less or a few minutes more, as needed!

Till next time have a very Merry Xmas and a wonderful New Year! keep checking in on my galleries you never know you may see your own dog in there!

Take care and be safe! xo

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