I bought my dog from a backyard breeder.

[Herschel]

I've been posting on these forums for a while and I haven't said very much about my dog. That's because we shamefully bought him from a backyard breeder.

I'm new to this dog thing and I didn't entirely know what I was doing until it was a few weeks after we had the dog. I should have known something was wrong when I could go online, submit payment, and have a dog flown to me. (Slightly more complicated than that, but that was basically it)

Herschel is a 5 and 1/2 month Miniature Schnauzer/Toy Poodle mix. Apparently, people like to call the mix a "Schnoodle." I adamently refuse any such nickname--he is a Schnauzer mix.

I'm sorry. I really do feel bad...pretty much daily. We love him like crazy and we're going to make sure he doesn't end up in a shelter. I hope some people on this board have seen that I've come a long way since I first "placed my order." I've worked to learn so much about dogs over the last few months and I've tried to share some of that information with this community.

The website, if anyone is interested, is http://www.dogtownpuppies.com. Please don't bombard them with hate mail, but if you have a question for them just email them and ask politely.

Here are some pictures:

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Baby picture: (This is what made us buy him)

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[PoodleMommy]

I got my first dog from a terrible breeder.
Now that I have learned more, I dont know if my current dog is from the best breeder either. However, you learn from your mistakes and the important thing is that you become educated on the topic and dont make the same mistakes once you know everything.

Your puppy is absolutley adorable and deserves to be loved just as much as any other dog.

Dont be afraid to tell your story, its all the stories like this that have helped me to realize what to look for in a good breeder. Twelve years ago when i got my first dog I thought anyone who called themselves a breeder was good.

Good luck with your pup!

Elissa

 

[SummerRiot]

Honestly, your post was amazing to read

I'm glad that you have been educated about what exactly a backyard breeder really is, the flaws in them and why they aren't great to deal with.

I'm also soooo glad to read that you dont acknowledge the schnoodle name as well.

You definately shouldn't feel bad for purchasing your beloved pet, but cherish him and bring his life up to be full of love and happy moments.
In one aspect, you could potentially think of it as "saving" him?

Definately educate everyone you know about BYB, what they are and how they do business, and at what effects to their "breeding dogs".

Because you have learned from previous mistakes, there is no way that you could repeat them again, so definately dont dwell on the make that you think you made one

 

[Roxy's CD]

Admitting it is half the battle.

I sure wouldn't flame someone that has clearly realized their mistake and is regrettful. What's the point?

You love your dog that you have now. You sound as though you would never make the same mistake.

And from what you've posted you sound like a great dog owner.

No torch over here

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

I did the same thing, but it was from the unspayed 'pure' golden up the street. Escaped, and the naughty neighbour dog had some fun... LOL
Don't worry about it, you know better now.

~Tucker

 

[LabBreeder]

You have a very pretty puppy. At least (now) you realize you went to a BYB and won't go back to one (especially that one ) again. Do you also live in Missouri?
I can't believe that's the SECOND BYB/Puppy Mill I've encountered since moving here. There is another one in St. Louis *Mopuppyexpo.com* that sells upwards of 40+ dogs and mixes. It's so sad that these people are allowed to do this.

I hope you will continue to stay here and learn/share knowledge with others. You have realized these people are very bad and shouldn't be breeding. They are in it for the money and not to better any breeds, better temperament and conformation, or breed out hereditary problems. They have a bad guarantee (not as bad as some) and are more than willing to fly pups to a new home. It may be ok for some, but I'd never do it to mine...I'd rather drive with them.

 

[showpug]

Whoa, whoa, whoa!!!! Don't ever feel bad about your dog. He's lucky to have you! You learned a lesson that the majority of us have learned in the past as well. I bought my first pug from a back yard breeder and have learned SO MUCH since then. Regardless, she is a heart dog for me and I love her dearly. Feel good about your dog and just help educate others on the differences between a BYB and a reputable one. Now,keep posting pics and be a proud pooch owner!

 

[Herschel]

I live in Illinois. They "shipped" him from Tulsa, OK and the flight went through Chicago. It was a 4 hour trip.

We just flew a two leg trip to California with him without giving him any sort of sedative and he was fine! I was worried that his initial flying experience would have been too traumatic for him, but he did so well as our special piece of carry-on. The Delta attendant even let us take him out for a while.

 

[LabBreeder]

If they are located in Missouri why did they ship him FROM Tulsa? Shouldn't he have been shipped from Saint Louis (or whatever major airport they are closest to) through Chicago?

 

[Herschel]

If they are located in Missouri why did they ship him FROM Tulsa? Shouldn't he have been shipped from Saint Louis (or whatever major airport they are closest to) through Chicago?

I just Google mapped Everton, MO. It is 3 hours from Tulsa, OK and 4 hours from St. Louis, MO.

They always ship on Thursday. I'm just now realizing that they probably ship a lot of dogs at a time, that is why they wait for Thursdays. Don't these people have any sort of conscience?

 

[MyIrishWolfie]

You live you learn.. I can tell you love your dog and thats what counts

 

[Citrus007]

Aww Its ok. You have come a long way, both my cats were from byb cat version.

 

[Amstaffer]

I bought my first dog (Rottie female) Macha from a BYB and I felt bad about giving money to an unethical person but thats all I felt bad about. She turned out to be a wonderful dog and I loved her LOTS...still do even though she's been gone a long time.

Your dog is REALLY lucky to have you! Good dog owners aren't born they are made

 

[RD]

Don't regret it, Herschel - often times these "mistake" dogs are the ones that teach us the most. Your dog is lucky to have you!

My first puppy (Ripley) was from a BYB too. He has so many issues that can never be completely "healed" due to his poor breeding. But, he has also been my teacher. I've learned so much from him. He's helped me become a better, more understanding trainer and a more compassionate person. Without him, I wouldn't have discovered how to train the dogs that don't magically understand what you want. Without him I wouldn't have met the many people who have helped me with his problems . . . Heck, without him, I wouldn't have had a reason to join this forum!

I think it's great that you have made the effort to learn about this and take what you've learned to heart. So many people refuse to admit that they may not have made an educated decision, and they simply ignore the facts. Good for you!

 

[Mordy]

I think it's great that you took the time to learn more about breeders and breeding!

Please don't feel bad - look at the flip side: now will be able to help educate others to not make the same mistake.

 

[Caren+Bailey]

Is this the Admitting our mistakes thread?

I also bought Bailey from a BYB......a friend of mine.....i didn't have a clue what BYB'ing was all about at all.
I was one of the naive people who thought that if you had 2 KC Registered dogs and breed them, that was ok

I was told that mum and dad both had their Hips and Eyes tested before Mating....but who knows.

I didn't sign a contract (Didn't know that i should have).

Bailey has suffered with lots of Tummy problems since a puppy, probably due to poor breeding

Hey........everyone makes mistakes.........but just to add that i wouldn't give Bailey up for the world.......he is a great dog and a loyal friend and i am glad to have him.

So you see, don't beat yourself up over it.........you are not alone!

 

[Sadie'smama]

Oh please don't feel bad. You didn't know any better. I wouldn't have known either, except I work with a woman that rescues dogs and she explained all about it to me, so I got Sadie through Pet Finder. But, you love your puppy (and a very cute puppy too), you know better now, but definetly don't feel bad!

 

[bubbatd]

Kudos to you Herschel for coming clean !! Now you can join our forces !!

 

[LabBreeder]

It makes a little sense but why not drive the extra hour so the dog has a shorter flight (since they insist on flying them). Still, dumb people IMO.

 

[stevinski]

quite a few of us have made that mistake,
backyard breeding isnt common knowledge so until it is, people will continue to make this mistake, atleast you've learnt from it and will most likely never make that mistake again