Choosing a Companion

Make your home a forever home!

Breed Traits

What breed is right for me?

When it comes to behavior, it is NOT “all in how you raise them” in many cases! That old adage is actually harmful and ignores genetic qualities in companions that have been selectively bred - in some cases for centuries - and contributes to a misunderstanding of a companion’s inherent needs. While it is true that prior training and experiences play a hand in a companion’s social and emotional development, learning to understand individual breed traits will help you not only choose the right companion for your household and lifestyle but will also help you meet those needs better. Nature AND nurture both play a role in how our companions develop - more on that later in the ethical breeding section!

If you’re on the hunt to find the right breed for you, I strongly recommend purchasing the book Meet Your Dog by Kim Brophey which you can find here. Kim Brophey is a world-renowned behavior consultant and created the L.E.G.S. (Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self) Applied Ethology professional course. Her courses and books help guardians and professionals to see “the whole animal” and help people connect the dots between behavior, genetics, environment, and individual needs. This book gives you an intimate look at individual dog breeds and breaks down not only what areas you will love about the breed, but also areas where you may begin to struggle and need to call in a professional trainer.

So many guardians are shocked to find out that behaviors they view as a “problem” and are attempting to fix, are actually a natural representation of breed traits that may not be adequately met. Some common complaints include: digging, shredding, barking, not getting along with other animals, mouthing, herding children in the home, being suspicious of visitors in the home, hyperactivity, selective hearing, and many others. There are no “quick fixes” to behavior and my general recommendation is to meet those needs in a healthy manner instead of attempting to suppress them and fighting against the nature portion of the equation - since suppression usually always backfires! Let’s be honest, if suppression was working, you probably would not be calling in a trainer to help you!

Meeting the inherent needs of your companion takes considerable effort in many cases. Ensuring that a companion with a high-drive for certain behaviors/activities stays enriched 24/7 is no easy task! Make sure you don’t accidentally bite off more than you can chew, and that you and your entire household are up to the task. Training and enrichment are a collective effort and everyone in the household needs to have the same expectations across the board. This is where selecting the right breed for your household and lifestyle comes into play!

Below are a list of questions you should ask yourself when seeking a specific breed (or mix) of companion:

• How trainable do you want your companion to be?

• How energetic do you want your companion to be?

• How much time/resources do you have for grooming/does coat-length matter?

• How much barking and other vocalizations are you comfortable with?

• What size companion are you looking for once fully grown?

• How experienced are you in handling and training?

• How social do you need a companion to be/is it important to have a companion good with children, strangers, and/or other animals?

• What is your home like? (e.g. multi-unit living, house with a fenced or unfenced yard, big or small yard)

• How much time/resources do you have to spend with your companion each day for enrichment and training?

• What is YOUR activity level?

• Do you need a low-allergen dog?

The AKC website has a breed selector tool available to the public that asks many of these questions and offers results. It is important to remember though that as much as the AKC can be a wealth of information, these results may represent the breed with rose-colored glasses - they are in the business of selling dogs at the end of the day! Cross-referencing the Meet Your Dog book by Kim Brophey would be a valuable way to ensure you’ve chosen to pursue the right breed for your lifestyle and needs. It is a candid and realistic assessment of what we like to call “pets”.

Rescue Ethics

This section will focus on rescue ethics and will exclude shelter environments since shelters are an incredibly nuanced topic and many municipal shelters (especially rurally-located ones) struggle to get funding and support in ways that some rescues do not. Regardless of funding, public safety in adoptions should be of paramount importance. This list is certainly not exhaustive, but it is a good start!

Key areas that indicate ethical rescue practices:

• What does the process to adopt look like? Rescues that have applications, home visits, and check into the vetting history of past/existing companions in your home demonstrate responsibility.

• Is there a foundation of foster homes and volunteer support? Foster homes offer intimate insight into a companion’s behavior, needs, and appropriate placement. Many rescues will use kennels to house their dogs while they await foster homes and that is OK, but the ultimate goal should be placement within a foster environment.

• How many animals are in the foster homes? Does it seem realistic for the number of handlers present in the household?

• What is their stance on behavior and proper training methods? Do they have recommendations and resources available on their website for adopters?

• Take a look at their social media and website:

  • Are their companion bios specific? Do they list whether or not they will place the companions with children and other pets? Are there restrictions on the types of homes that the companion can go to? (e.g. needs a fenced yard, can be leash walked, needs a quiet home, etc.)

  • Do bios state where the companion came from and why? Are reasons non-specific enough so as to not shame or pass judgment on previous guardians? The reason I feel this is important is that rescues/shelters are supposed to exist as a place of safe harbor and to encourage people who can no longer care for their companions to come to them in a time of need. Shaming of prior guardians does the opposite and encourages people to dump their pets in unsafe situations.

  • If behaviorally needy dogs are offered to the public, are those issues transparent and precise? Do they adopt out dogs with severe bite histories that may pose a public safety threat? Do a search for reviews of the rescue and see what people are saying about their transparency and philosophies when it comes to public safety.

• What resources are available to you immediately upon adoption? Ethical rescues will usually provide you with a folder of education on proper decompression protocols and things not to expose your new companion to immediately. There should be a strong emphasis on safety and proper introductions to new people/children/other animals in the home.

• There will be a written contract and legalese regarding policies after placement and you should ask for a copy beforehand. It may include things like:

  • How you can and cannot house the dog. (e.g. not to be left outside on a tether, not to be off-leash or otherwise uncontrolled)

  • Your obligations for wellness care.

  • Spay/neuter policies - ideally companions do not go home intact but depending on the size/breed they may not support pediatric spay/neuter practices. In that event, there will be an agreement to spay/neuter the companion by a certain timeframe and may even require a spay/neuter deposit.

  • Obedience deposits may be required to ensure that a companion’s needs are met.

  • In the event you can no longer care for the companion, there will be a requirement to let the rescue know so that they may have the option to take the companion back first.

  • There will be a grace period where you are able to return the companion to receive your money back if it doesn’t work out - free of judgment and shame. Things happen and there needs to be an understanding that sometimes it isn’t always a great fit. Oftentimes this is a 2-week grace period.

• Known medical issues will have transparency and all companions will leave the program with basic vetting. Depending on funding, that could look different from rescue to rescue:

  • At the very least, companions should leave with rabies, distemper, fecal, and heartworm results. Records of this vetting should be provided in writing.

  • Well-funded rescues may also treat or start the process of treatment for fecal worms and heartworm. They will also microchip the companion and require their organization to be left on the microchip in case of emergency.

  • Some of the best-funded rescues will sponsor the treatment for such conditions if a companion is allowed to leave the program before a negative result is secured.

  • Take into consideration what YOU can and cannot afford to treat before entering into an agreement with a rescue that lacks funding to support you in the process and be wary of any organizations or individuals who cannot afford even the most basic of vet care, as some of them may be in non-compliance with state laws regarding vaccination.

Breeder Ethics

Anyone can breed a dog - that is the reality of the world. The unsuspecting public bears the brunt of unethical breeding and in turn, shelters and rescue organizations when companions develop physical or behavioral issues from poor breeding practices. I have worked in or with rescue for over a decade, so this section may seem like a “sin” to discuss for someone who supports rescuing so much - but poor breeding practices actually go hand-in-hand with rescue and shelter work. That is not to say that every single companion in rescue is damaged - NO! Most of them are quite lovely! I have seen hundreds and hundreds of incredibly worthy companions in rescue, as a matter of fact. However, for every absolutely wonderful companion in rescue, there is another side of that coin and that is companions that are sometimes so sick with genetic ailments or otherwise that they cannot thrive in the average household. Rescues and shelters are constantly stepping in to clean up these messes - and with limited resources.

The second reality is that people turn to breeders for a variety of reasons and it is really their personal choice to pursue that route. I do not judge anyone who turns to breeders to secure a companion as some of those reasons may come from poor experiences with rescue organizations, physical ailments, or behavioral issues they have experienced that have been so severe and damaging. I can certainly understand the desire to want a well-balanced companion structurally and behaviorally. Seeking a breeder who ensures these qualities is important. I want to help guardians be better educated on what ethical breeding ACTUALLY looks like.

Many breeders feign ethical practices by receiving AKC and USDA certifications - but did you know that even puppy mills can obtain these certifications and many are required by law in order to sell to pet stores? The Puppy Mill Project breaks down some commonly asked questions and misconceptions about these policies here. There are many positives about the AKC and I cite many of their resources in my training materials - but there are also many red flags as it pertains to securing a companion that is endorsed by them. Steve Dale CABC, a world-renowned behavior consultant and journalist, has recently taken the AKC to task over their ethics and you can read about that here.

Ethical breeders will ALSO usually have AKC certification as many of them are heavily involved in conformation and showing dogs professionally, but just keep in mind that AKC certification does not necessarily mean a whole lot with regards to ethical practices. Ethical breeders will also have many of the same contractual obligations that ethical rescues have or require. The below list should serve as a spring-board for vetting a breeder:

Key areas that indicate ethical breeding practices:

• What does the process to buy from the breeder look like? Breeders that have applications, home visits, and check into the vetting history of past/existing companions in your home demonstrate responsibility.

• How much experience do they have? Who was their mentor or do they even have one? What does that mentor’s policies and philosophies look like?

• Are their companions purpose-bred? Many times breeders will selectively breed dogs for certain tasks/traits, such as showing in conformation, agility, nose work, field work, or even therapy work.

  • Many ethical breeders also have lines that they selectively breed to be better suited as “pets”. BE AWARE that that assertion should be taken with a grain of salt! Regardless of what types of temperaments they are trying to breed in, the fact of the matter is that we have selectively bred dogs for centuries to perform specific tasks and those tasks required specific temperaments. That type of genetic “memory” cannot be erased in a few generations. More interestingly, the task a dog was originally bred for contributes to its physical features! For example, a Sighthound developed a long nose and specialized head/eye shape to see long distances, and a slender, elegant frame to make them swift and effective hunters from afar (read instead: flight risk as a pet and over-interest in small animals). We cannot sacrifice function without sacrificing form because if we did, our dogs would no longer look the same. Ethical breeders breed to meet AKC/UKC breed standards physically and in temperament - something to chew on when inquiring about “pet lines”.

  • I would be remiss if I did not mention that challenges arising simply because of the breed they are isn’t a certainty - just that the chances of those manifestations occurring are much higher and guardians need to be ready to adjust their expectations, management, and habits if they occur.

• Do they belong to the breed’s parent club? This isn’t necessarily indicative of responsible breeding, but all responsible breeders will be. Many of these “XYZ Clubs of America” will also have their own list of breeders that they recognize as exceptional. Check their lists! Did the breeder make the cut?

• Do they breed mixes or designer dogs? This is an incredibly nuanced topic since there are plenty of mixed-breed breeders who purpose-breed for tasks - ESPECIALLY therapy work. There are also “designer” breeds that are currently in development and seeking AKC recognition. The point here is that the goal of ethical breeding should be to IMPROVE (physically and mentally) the lines of the breeds they are working with and designer breeds and mixes are not recognized breeds. For the purpose of this bullet point, I would warn you to stay away from your neighbor who is breeding their companion with random dogs because they think their companion is nice or that they would make cute puppies. In short, what is it they are giving BACK to the breed that is so valuable that they deserve to be breeders?

• Do they breed fad colors or sizes that deviate from the breed standard? There is a reason these sizes and colors are not recognized and it is because they are mutations in genetics that can very possibly come along with health issues.

• Is there a waitlist and deposit to reserve a puppy in the litter? This not only demonstrates purposeful breeding but also that they are not breeding for profit and without having a secure placement. I know it is difficult to wait for a companion once you decide you want one, but this is one of the MOST important things to look for.

• Where did you find them and how do they advertise? Most ethical breeders rely on word-of-mouth and WILL NOT advertise on Craiglist, local newspapers, or any other digital selling platforms. They simply do not need to as they should have a waitlist!

• What is the price to secure one of their puppies? To be sure, it won’t be cheap! But it shouldn’t be astronomically high or insanely low either. Research what the average cost of securing the breed is between several breeding outfits, and see if what they are asking is average/realistic. An outlandishly high price tag does not indicate quality and usually indicates greed.

• Breeders should be able to demonstrate that their lines are free of genetic physical ailments for generations and will provide genetic testing in writing. They will also provide the OFA testing results on the parents in writing, potentially for generations.

• Breeders should be able to demonstrate temperament tests have been performed for generations and provide the results of those in writing.

• How old were the parents and how many litters per year does the mother have? It is recommended to wait until a dog has reached social maturity to breed, which is between 18 and 24 months. Breeders who wait can ensure they are breeding the most stable temperaments and that the dog is mature enough emotionally to provide a nurturing environment to her pups. Furthermore, physically for the female dog, it is unsafe to breed too early and too often. Breeders will typically breed every other heat cycle and no more than 3-4 times total, spread out over optimal breeding years.

• **I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH** but is there inbreeding? Inquire heavily on the lineage of the puppies. Some common practices include breeding grandfathers to litters. Ethical breeders will ensure genetic diversity.

• Puppies will leave with age-appropriate vetting and de-worming. Core vaccinations for 8-week-old puppies include the first dose of distemper complex. This is a multi-dose vaccine for distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parainfluenza, parvo and leptospirosis. The next batch of vaccinations will be given by 12 weeks and then at 16 weeks. However, breeders that regularly list older puppies should be scrutinized. Unless the puppy was returned by a buyer, this may be demonstrating that they are breeding without secure homes in line.

• Puppies will be microchipped and the breeder will require that their name stays on the microchip in case of emergency.

• The environment they were raised in should be scrutinized. If you have not read my puppy development resource yet, please do. It explains the many reasons why a secure and stress-free environment is ideal for a developing puppy’s brain and social needs. Since many ethical breeders show their dogs, they will understand the importance of proper exposure during the first several weeks of life. Things to look out for:

  • Puppies should always be shown in the environment they were raised in. It is ideal that the puppies were raised INSIDE a home and not in a kennel so that they are exposed to everyday home life. Avoid people asking you to meet in public places or showing puppies on the side of the road, in trunks of their cars, and at swap meets.

  • Were the parents on-site? Did you meet the parents? Were they social and welcoming? What was their general temperament and demeanor? Furthermore, ASK about the parents’ personalities and listen closely to how the breeder describes them. Ask the breeder what the strengths and challenges of the parents are!

  • Was it clean and did all the animals in the home appear to be well-cared for?

• There will be a written contract and legalese regarding policies after placement and you should ask for a copy before putting any deposits down. It may include things like:

  • How you can and cannot house the dog. (e.g. not to be left outside on a tether, not to be off-leash or otherwise uncontrolled)

  • Your obligations for wellness care.

  • Spay/neuter policies - most of them do not support pediatric spay/neuter practices and there will be an agreement on when it is appropriate to spay/neuter the companion and they may even require a spay/neuter deposit.

  • Obedience deposits may be required to ensure that a companion’s needs are met.

  • In the event you can no longer care for the companion, there will be a requirement to let the breeder know so that they may have the option to take the companion back first. Most ethical breeders have clauses that their dogs CANNOT end up in rescues or shelters and ensure this doesn’t happen by MICROCHIPPING their puppies before they leave.

  • Health guarantees will be provided in writing that the companion will be free from genetic physical ailments. These are typically provided for the lifetime of the companion or they will take the companion back. Refund policies vary but usually, you will be given a refund in part or full if your companion is discovered to have a genetic issue that was inherited.

  • Temperament guarantees may also be provided, pending the understanding that all physical and behavioral needs have been adequately met by the buyer and that the companion has been well-cared for.

• The breeder should be available to you for a LIFETIME and may even check in with you periodically, of their own volition. Their communication should be open and transparent throughout the entire lifespan of your companion.

As you can see, this is an intense list of items to look at and may not even be exhaustive! Never skimp on the time and research it takes to find a good breeder. We live in an age of instant gratification, but this is one area where I encourage you to take your time, take a deep breath, and make a good choice in the interest of animal welfare.