So i just read the sticky about puppy mills

So are all dogs from pet stores destined to be health ridden dogs? I made the mistake of getting buster from a local pet store, he seems to be a good dog outside of slight nipping problem. Am i basically screwed /w my new best buddy?

No. Not at all. You could have one healthy dog on your hands and he could have problems down the road... but so could any purebred bough from a responsible breeder or any rescue that is adopted from a knowledgeable, responsible "rescue".

I tend to believe it's luck of the draw. I've got one rescue who has had health problems from the very beginning, another rescue that is in perfect condition and a purebred that is having a problem that we are seeing the specialist for. Go figure.

However, wouldn't give any of them up for anything.

No, you are not basically screwed. Some of the odds are not in your favor, but I'm sure you love and care for your dog, and willing to learn / work with Buster to the best of your ability. Most likely, Pet store puppies are taken away from the litter to early, and do not get a chance to learn bite inhibition, which results in nipping problems. Thinks may be more challenging for you and Buster. How his the house training been? May I ask what pet store? Then again, there's a chance your dog will be fine despite where you got him from...
it's our hope that we spread the word, so the puppy mill/pet store business is not supported {in the future}

My Jack Russell, Domino, is a Pet store puppy (PetLand, she was 9 weeks when we got her, and had been in the store for just a day or two), and her skin gets irritated sometimes. But the vet's say they're probably just bug bites and she irritates them further by licking and scratching at them.

We started taking her to the dog parks after she got her shots to socialize her and get her used to other dogs. She loves to play and wrestle with my parents Golden Retriever. It's funny watching the 60-70 pound Golden play tug with my 17 pound Jack Russell. It's a fairly one sided game, especially with tile floors.

Domino was a little ankle biter at first, but we were able to nip that habit with a little trick I read on here and some other sites...

If she's being nippy, say Ouch! in a high pitched yelpy voice, hide your hands from her and ignore her. If she bites at your arms, yelp again, get up and stop giving her attention. She'll learn that biting means playtime is over.

We've gotten Domino to stop for the most part, if we're playing rough, sometimes she'll put her mouth on my arm or hand, but she won't apply any pressure. If she does, it's game over. I was doubtful that the trick would work, and it took a while for her to figure out, but if you keep it consistent the pup will get the idea. Good Luck!

Thanks!
-Sean

yes, it's the luck of the draw . I think the #1 negative is the start these poor pups get ...socializing and health wise . So basically a pup from a Pet Store is like a rescue ( except for $$$ )......lots of TLC and you'll have a pal for life .

i love em. his potty training is going well as long as i watch him and look for his que's. He is a bit nippy but i already am teaching him bite inhibition and it seems to be working out well. Only real health problem he has at the moment is dry flakey dandruff. I am solving that /w an egg in his dry food twice a week. Seems to be working out cept hte day after i give him a bath. He also has some seperation anxiety being in the crate when im not in the room. But again, ignoring him till he gets quiet and then letting him out.