Why All The Fuss About "Puppy Mills?"

Here in South Jersey, protesters regularly gather outside pet shops to protest the sale of puppies. They claim that the puppies come from "puppy mills" but the owners of the stores claim that they come from "breeders." So what's the difference, and why do we so often hear that people should not buy their dogs from pet shops or puppy mills?

According to the ASPCA, "Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog-breeding operations where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Unlike responsible breeders, who place the utmost importance on producing the healthiest puppies possible, puppy mill owners disregard genetic quality. This often results in generations of dogs with hereditary defects, including dental abnormalities, eye problems and limb deformities. Legitimate breeders also put a lot of effort into giving puppies a good start in life by providing proper nutrition, veterinary attention and thorough socialization. Unfortunately, puppy mill dogs aren’t so lucky. Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water or socialization. The dogs don’t get to experience treats, toys, exercise or basic grooming. To minimize waste cleanup, they’re often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs—and it’s not unusual for cages to be stacked in tall columns. Dogs used for breeding often spend their entire lives outdoors, exposed to the elements, or indoors, crammed inside filthy structures where they never get the chance to feel the sun or a gust of fresh air on their faces."

Responsible breeders do not sell their puppies to pet shops, period. EVERY puppy you see in a  pet shop came from a  puppy mill, regardless of what the pet shop owners will tell you. In addition to health problems, many of these puppies have behavior problems resulting from inbreeding, poor early crate training, removal from their litters at too young an age, and lack of appropriate early socialization. 

Some FAQs:

Q) But if the puppy has already arrived at my local pet shop, why not buy one and give the puppy a chance at life in a family?

A) It all comes down to supply and demand. The reason that puppy mills exist at all is that people buy them. If no one bought them, the puppy mills could not stay in operation. Buying a dog from a pet shop supports the puppy mill industry.

Q) My friend bought a puppy from a pet shop, and it lived a long healthy life and had none of the behavior problems  you mentioned.

A) If you buy a puppy from a pet shop, it is theoretically possible that you might get a healthy one, but the odds of having one of the above problems is much greater than buying from a responsible breeder.

Q) Ok, you've convinced me to stay away from pet shops, but how can I tell if a "breeder" I find on the Internet is a "responsible breeder?"

A) Check with local rescues - they know who's who in that area. Also, prices are very low for puppy mill dogs compared to dogs purchased from legitimate breeders. Here is some good advice from the AKC:

• To find a responsible breeder, go to a dog show or access the AKC Matketplace. The breeder referral officer for the parent club is the best contact. Local all-breed kennel clubs in your neighborhood are also a good option to find reputable breeders. Find an AKC club in your area by using this directory: http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cfm
  
• Don't be put off if a breeder isn't immediately responsive. Hobby breeders often have full-time jobs and they don't always have available puppies. Be selective. Find a breeder who is knowledgeable and make sure you're comfortable with them.
  
• Visit the breeder's home or kennel and ask to see at least one of the puppy's parents. Get an idea of what the future holds for your dog in terms of temperament and appearance.
  
• Observe the premises. Is the house/kennel clean? Odor-free? Dogs and puppies should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly. Look for signs of malnutrition such as protruding rib cages or illness such as runny nose/eyes, coughing, lethargy and skin sores.
  
• Pay attention to how the dogs and puppies interact with their breeder. Does the breeder appear to genuinely care for the puppies and their adult dogs? Both dogs and puppies should not shy away from the breeder and should be outgoing with strangers.
  
• Find out about the health of your puppy and its parents. Breeders should be honest about the breed's strengths and weaknesses and knowledgeable about the genetic diseases that can affect their breed - including what's being done to avoid them. Breeders should be willing to share proof of health screenings such as OFA and CERF certificates with potential buyers.
  
• Establish a good rapport with the breeder. He/she will be an excellent resource and breed mentor for you throughout the life of your puppy. You should be encouraged to call the breeder if your dog has a crisis at any stage of its life.
  
• A responsible breeder may ask you to sign a contract indicating that if specified conditions of care are not met or you become unable to keep the puppy, he/she will reclaim it.
  
• Don't expect to bring home the puppy until its eight to 12 weeks of age. Puppies need ample time to mature and socialize with its mother and littermates.
  
• Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you have and should ask many of you as well. Breeders will want to make sure their puppies are going to good homes, with people who know what to expect and have made all the necessary preparations.
  
• Don't leave the premises without the appropriate documentation of the dog's pedigree, a.k.a. "papers." The words "American Kennel Club" as well as the AKC logo should be clearly visible. You'll need to send in this application form to register your dog with the AKC. Be wary of a breeder who refuses/hesitates to give you papers, wants to charge you more for AKC papers, offers papers from a registry other than the AKC, or tells you he/she will mail them to you at a later date.
  
• While the AKC does not have penal or regulatory authority, AKC conducts thousands of its own inspections each year. Breeders who have major kennel deficiencies may lose AKC privileges (ability to register dogs or compete in events). In some cases, fines will be imposed, AKC privileges may be suspended indefinitely and appropriate law enforcement authorities are contacted. If you would like to ensure that the breeder you are dealing with is in good standing with the AKC, contact AKC Customer Service at 919-233-9767 or Info@akc.org .
  

Adopting a Rescue Dog who came from a “Puppy Mill"

Adopting a dog or puppy who was rescued from a “puppy mill” is a very rewarding experience! Many of these dogs have never lived in a home before, so you’ll need extra patience and kindness as you help them adjust.

What is a puppy mill?

A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog breeding operation where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs. Puppy mill puppies are typically sold to pet shops.

Dogs are often rescued from puppy mills by the SPCA, Animal Control officers and/or other local authorities when unsafe or inhumane conditions are reported. Puppies may have lived stacked in cages and adult dogs used for breeding may have lived their lives in kennels. As a result, many of the dogs lack appropriate early socialization and may need special attention in helping them learn good manners, appropriate “in home” behavior and good housebreaking skills.

Puppy mills usually house dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without adequate veterinary care, food, water and socialization. Puppy mill dogs do not get to experience treats, toys, exercise or basic grooming. To minimize waste cleanup, dogs are often kept in cages with wire flooring that injures their paws and legs. Breeder dogs at mills might spend their entire lives outdoors, exposed to the elements, or crammed inside filthy cages.

Fearful behavior, territorial marking and lack of social skills with humans and other animals are common characteristics of dogs from puppy mills. But with a little time and patience, they will quickly adjust to life in the home.

What can I do to help the dog feel at home?

Give the dog its own safe, secure place - a kennel crate. A kennel crate is a necessity for two reasons. First, the dog is used to living in an enclosure and will feel safe and secure inside the crate. Second, the fastest way to housetrain your dog is through supervision when you’re home and confinement when you’re away. This also helps prevent destructive behavior due to boredom and curiosity. Remember, most of these dogs have never seen the inside of a home before! Don’t allow “free run” of the house too soon – keep the dog nearby when he’s not resting in his crate. How long can the dog be crated without a break? Except for overnight, the rule of thumb is no more than 4 to 5 hours in a row for adult dogs and no more than 3 to 4 hours in a row for young puppies.

How to housebreak a dog rescued from a puppy mill:

• The proper use of a kennel crate as mentioned above.

• Frequent trips outside for potty breaks.

• Constant supervision, including keeping the dog on leash inside the home for a while.

• If the dog does have an occasional accident, there must be NO physical punishment. NEVER take a dog back to an accident and scold him – it doesn’t work and it only creates other more serious behavior problems.

How can I help a shy dog gain confidence?

Don’t coddle a shy dog; instead be a good leader. This will help a shy or fearful dog feel more secure. Dogs are pack animals, continually attempting to define their place within the social order. Contrary to what some people think, establishing leadership has nothing to do with “dominance”. Don’t confuse leadership with bullying. You can show calm and benevolent leadership by following a few simple rules:

• Be a leader by controlling access to resources. Nothing in life is free. Basically this means that the dog should do something for you before you do something for him. For example, “Want a treat? Sit.” “Want your ball? Sit.” “Want to go out? Sit.” Also, ignore “demands” for attention made by the dog. Give lots of love but always make sure that you are the one initiating all pleasurable interaction with the dog.

• Many puppy mill dogs have never been trained to walk on a leash. Introducing a frightened dog to a leash requires patience. Introduce the dog to the leash slowly, in stages. Never tug or pull on the leash. Instead, teach the dog to focus on the handler and make each walk fun! Most dogs can easily learn to enjoy going for a walk on a leash without pulling, lagging or protesting, but this can be an area that requires training assistance so if you need help, please call.

• Remember, when bringing a dog home from the shelter, in your dog’s mind he has just been separated from his pack. When he first arrives in his new home he needs to spend a days learning that your family is his new pack.

• Except for a visit to the vet, don’t take him anywhere during the first week. Instead, let him take some time to settle in and learn that this is his new home.

• During this critical introductory period, be patient and kind but DO NOT lavish the dog with praise and attention.  

• Do not invite friends and neighbors over during the first week. Give your dog some time to get to know his new family first.

Adopting a rescued dog is an exciting, rewarding experience. Most dogs adjust very quickly, but if you need additional help, consider hiring  a professional dog trainer.