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Know About Shih Tzu Breeders |
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Written by Rebecca Simpson
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Thursday, 17 July 2008 |
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Perhaps you've seen people picketing your local pet store because they were selling puppies. Don't these people have anything better to do with their lives? Actually, no they don't. What they are doing is calling attention to not how the puppies in a pet store or treated, but where pet stores buy their puppies from - puppy mills. Puppy mills are not only cruel and unsanitary, but the puppies that come from there are often sickly, have ingrained behavioral problems and are sometimes sold with false papers.
by RebeccaSimpson
Perhaps you've seen people picketing your local pet store because they were selling puppies. Don't these people have anything better to do with their lives? Actually, no they don't. What they are doing is calling attention to not how the puppies in a pet store or treated, but where pet stores buy their puppies from - puppy mills. Puppy mills are not only cruel and unsanitary, but the puppies that come from there are often sickly, have ingrained behavioral problems and are sometimes sold with false papers.
If you want a Shih Tzu or a Shih Tzu mix, then you are best off getting your puppy not from a pet store or an Internet site that sells puppies with no questions asked (except your method of payment), but from reputable Shih Tzu breeders or an animal rescue shelter. The puppies and their parents from Shih Tzu breeders are kept in ethical conditions an receive great veterinary care, often get to live inside of a house and come with health guarantees. These are some of the many advantages of buying from Shih Tzu breeders or adopting from a Shih Tzu rescue.
Now, you may be tempted to buy a pet shop puppy just because he or she has been so mistreated and you want to make up for it. Don't do it - don't even walk in the shops, don't even look in the windows. Since they are puppies, some schmuck will buy them because they are cute. Don't be that schmuck. You also need to keep the long-term perspective in mind for the future care of dogs in general.
The big advantage to getting your puppy from a reputable Shih Tzu breeder is that you can see the parents of the Shih Tzu puppies. You can also meet the first humans your puppy will be in contact with and help shape their attitude towards life. You can also get to tour the kennel or home of a Shih Tzu breeder to see if the dogs are happy, healthy and treated humanely. Not only is humane treatment of dogs the right thing to do, it also makes for a healthier, better mentally adjusted dog.
If you remember only one thing from this article, please remember this - ALWAYS buy your Shih Tzu puppy (or ANY puppy) from a reputable Shih Tzu breeder. Puppies are not like fish or mice which are very social and don't need a lot of exercise.
Reputable Shih Tzu breeders will quiz you extensively on your Shih Tzu information and if you've ever lived with dogs before. Don't be surprised if you are asked for personal references or have to have your home checked! Reputable Shih Tzu breeders, in living so closely with the puppies and their parents, will know the quirks of each puppy's personality and match them to yours.
Reputable Shih Tzu breeders will also include health certificates, AKC registration, the first shots and worming. They usually have a limited health warranty, but often have a "right of first ownership" if, in the life of the dog, you ever have to give the dog up. The breeder would get the dog back.
How's that for pet insurance! And you can often call up a reputable Shih Tzu breeder to ask for help and advice on training your feisty Shih Tzu puppy.
About the Author:
About the author: Rebecca Simpson is a passionate lover of the Shih Tzu and owns a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Shih Tzu. Among other topics at this website, you will find out more about Shih Tzu Breeder pros and cons plus a whole lot more. |
