PUPPY FARMS

[Joules]

Sadly, I think Happydog is right.  Hindsight is a wonderful thing and I think a lot of us would do things differently second time around when we are better informed about how a lot of dogs are bred.  That could easily have been me 18 months ago 

[claireandmartin]

they said that the huskey bitch was a pet....

to be honist i saw all the propper farm animals on the farm witch makes me think it wasnt a puppy farm ..... but what does it mean for my bailey if it was?

[Nicola]

Some puppy farms can still be working farms in other respects iyswim. A while ago farmers in Wales were actually given money to 'diversify' their farms into farming dogs 

It does *sound* like this is a puppy farm unfortunately. Truly reputable breeders do not tend to breed multiple breeds of dog as it takes a lot of time, effort and research to do it properly for each breed. Huskies are a very common puppy farmed breed unfortunately as they are desirable and sell for a lot of money 

If Bailey appears to be healthy and happy then it is possible that there will be no long lasting repercussions of her coming from a puppy farm. It's vital to socialise her as much as possible as with any dog but this is especially vital for pups which may not have had the ideal start in life. You have your puppy now so there isn't really any point in speculating about what could happen, just enjoy her and do the best by her now that you have her home and treat this as a lesson learned for the future.

You live and learn, in future just remember not to go to websites which list large numbers of breeds and puppies when you're looking for a dog. Much better to come to a good breed specific site such as COL to do your research and ask for advice on there, go along to shows and speak to some of the exhibitors or contact the relevant breed club directly; or of course go to a reputable rescue if a rescue dog is an option. If you have any friends or family who decide to get a dog you can make sure they know this as well.

[Pammy]

Puppy farm is a term for an establilshment run by people who breed a number of different breeds purely for money. It doesn't necessarily mean they run a farm - ie sheep, cows or arable. They won't undertake the necessary health checks - usually anyway, and won't normally ask many questions of you as a potential owner of one of their puppies. Their interest is mainly in securing a sale. It is not uncommon for puppies from this kind of establishment to have health and/or temperament problems. After sale support is often very poor or non-existent

A reputable breeder will have a litter planned for many months, usually have a waiting list and breed one or maybe two breeds with a keen interest in the health and welfare of their own dogs and of their puppies. KC registration will never be in doubt.

I'm not 100% sure of the purpose of your question, ie are you concerned about his health etc - but it does not sound like your puppy has come from a reputable breeder. However, while COL does not support this type of breeding pratice we do not blame the unsuspecting person who purchases a puppy from such a place.

Just because your puppy potentially came from the type of breeding we don't condone, it does not necessarily mean you will have problems with him. Just give him plenty of love and care. Train him well and ensure he has the ongoing health checks and vac's as any other puppy.

Enjoy your puppy. Put all thoughts of his background oout of your mind - just use this as a learning experience.

[happydog]

Possibly nothing. You may have a perfectly healthy and well adjusted pup. Not all dogs from puppy farms are unhealthy but you stand a higher chance of it. I have no wish to spoil your enjoyment of your pup. Bailey is lovely and you clearly love her. There are plenty of threads on here about puppy farms if you do a search.

Worst case scenario? Some pedigrees are forged, eye tests are bogus, puppy has not been bred with any consideration for temperament/health. Poor nutrition of Mum who has never seen daylight/human contact, poorly socialised pups. The more pups that are 'rescued' from places like these the more will be bred. Fleas/worms/bacterial infections....... I am not saying this will be the case with Bailey, just saying what can happen. There are some threads on here from COL members who have come unstuck with tragic results.

[claireandmartin]

thanx for all your advice, i must say that bailey did come with a full vet check paper issued and ahd her parvo vaccine done, but to be on the safe side we took her to the vets yesterday and she is healthy and now the vet said she just needs a 5 in one vaccine

[Cob-Web]

I agree with everything that has been said - especially this bit:

just use this as a learning experience.

Buying from a puppy farm in ignorance is sad, but understandable But, people who buy from puppy farms, for convenience, when they know what they are and what they stand for, are just encouraging these establishments to continue trading 

[Elisa]

Enjoy your puppy. Put all thoughts of his background oout of your mind - just use this as a learning experience.

Totally agree.

I notice on your ticker, it has Bailey's age as 1 month, 2 weeks and 1 day.  Does that mean she is 6 weeks old?

[claireandmartin]

i feel really guilty from buying from the place where we got her , but she is already much loved by me and martin and our 5 kids

[claireandmartin]

oooo no done it wrong she is 7 weeks and 3 days still very young though isnt it

[Elisa]

Most breeders don't let their pups go until 8 weeks but it is not unheard of for puppies to go earlier. 

Please just enjoy your little girl.  It sounds as if she has a lovely home. 

[michelle123]

Just as a footnote or some advice for newbies and of course curious me  - is there a website where you can check out recommended breeders - if your breeder is not on this website does it necessarily mean to avoid them ?

[sarah25]

All that counts is you love her and she is happy and healthy 

[Pammy]

Just as a footnote or some advice for newbies and of course curious me  - is there a website where you can check out recommended breeders - if your breeder is not on this website does it necessarily mean to avoid them ?

Basic answer - No.  Not all breeders use the internet - doesn't necessarily mean they should be avoided.

If people use the Cocker FAQ on finding a breeder when looking at any breeder they won't go far wrong

[Jane S]

Just as a footnote or some advice for newbies and of course curious me  - is there a website where you can check out recommended breeders - if your breeder is not on this website does it necessarily mean to avoid them ?

No there isn't - all newbies need to do their homework first so they know what to look for and what questions to ask of a breeder. We try to vet the breeders on COL's list but we can only go so far so it is still up to the puppy buyer to make their own checks even on breeders on our list and of course not all reputable breeders appear on our list anyway. There's guidance on how to find a reputable breeder and what to look for HERE. Unfortunately many make the mistake of thinking that if they see an advert on a certain well-known puppy sales website, that means the breeder is reputable which is sadly far from the truth