Everything you need to know when considering buying a puppy from Penbuck Labradors!
Thinking about buying a dog?
So you've decided to purchase a dog.
Owning a dog can be the beginning of years of happiness as the special bond
between humans and canines exceeds even the greatest of expectations. However,
to ensure the best relationship with your dog, you must be prepared for some
important responsibilities. Keep the following questions in mind as we go
along.
1. Have I found the right breed to fit into my lifestyle and
home?
2. Will you have enough time to spend training, grooming and
exercising a dog?
3. Am I willing to spend the resources to ensure the
best future for a dog?
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You and Your Dog
Too frequently, common sense goes out the window
when it comes to buying a puppy. This seems to be even truer when the purchase
is by a family with children. Buying a dog is like buying anything else; the
more you know before you buy, the better off you will be. This advice applies to
all aspects of buying your dog, from selecting the breed to deciding where to
obtain the puppy. We strongly recommend that you spend enough time investigating
before buying. Remember, dogs are for life.
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Caring for your dog
All dogs must be cared for daily. This means
proper diet, exercise, grooming and veterinary attention. There are many
excellent guides on all facets of dog care. Do not attempt to be your own veterinarian! All dogs should be regularly
examined by a veterinarian and inoculated against the major infectious canine
diseases.
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Your dog and your neighbors
All dog owners must be aware of their
responsibilities to their neighbors, both those who live in the area immediately
around their residence and their neighbors in the broader sense of the community
as a whole. Dogs, for all the pleasure they are, can be a nuisance to your
neighbors if not trained. Remember, excessive barking can be annoying. And,
always keep your dog on a leash or inside a fenced yard when exercising.
Remember to pick up after your dog.
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Obedience training for
everyone
One way to make your dog a good neighbor is through
obedience training. A poorly behaved dog is a problem for everyone. Nothing is
more frustrating than attempting to corral a dog that will not "come" when you
call. A well trained dog is not only a pleasure to own, he is a goodwill
ambassador for the entire canine community. A well-behaved dog is the result of
the dog's owner being willing to work with the dog regularly in a systematic
manner. Time spent training your dog is time well
spent.
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How Much Does A Puppy Cost?
This is not the time to hunt for a
bargain.
If you've made the decision to add a puppy to your household as a new
member of your family, you've also made an 8 to 15 year commitment to that pup.
Why not spend a little extra time and money getting the right pup, instead of
rushing out and buying the first one you find because you just had to have a pup
right away. You shouldn't spend a minimal amount on a puppy from a back yard breeder
because you don't think it makes sense to spend more than $500 on a pet that is
not intended as a show dog? A good pedigree with multiple champion titles within
the first three generations of a pedigree says a lot about that dog. Even as a
pet, you want a pup who will be healthy and beautiful, and who comes from a long
line of reputable breeders, right? Besides if your reason for wanting a pup as
cheap as possible is because you can't afford to pay $1,000 for a pet, than why
should we believe that you are in a situation to pay for its vet bills,
emergencies, year round flea and tick prevention, year round heartworm
prevention, training classes, toys, food, etc? We breed for quality, and in doing so build up a lot of expenses. Not only do we
have the usual costs of things like dog food and routine vet appointments, but
we also go the extra mile to produce healthy and temperamentally sound pups
which means we have additional costs such as hip and elbow clearances, annual
eye and heart clearances, dog shows, puppy care packets to send home with all
our pups, and much more. All this takes not only a lot of time, but also a whole
lot of money. But you must also consider what you recieve when purchasing a puppy from Penbuck Labradors:
- A
puppy
- AKC
limited registration
- A
chance to meet the dam
- A
minimum of the pup's 1st set of shots (done at 6 and 8 weeks), vet checks, multiple wormings, and a
copy of your pup's health history to take home and have on record as well as to
show your vet for your pup's next appointment.
- A
2-week trail period in which you may return the pup for a full refund anytime
within the first two weeks for any reason at all--no questions asked.
- A
2-year money back or puppy replacement guarantee covering most hereditary
health concerns.
- Lifetime
support to help if there are any questions or concerns, at any time during your
new pup's life. We are available to answer questions & take a pup or dog
back at anytime in the event that you can't keep it, we will take whatever time
needed to find it another suitable, loving home.
- A
puppy pack that generally includes copies of the parents' health
certifications, the puppy's pedigree, pictures of the parents, sample
bag of food, and helpful booklets
about raising, training, & socializing a new pup.
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Can You Afford A Puppy?
The purchase price of your puppy is not
the only cost you have to consider. Be aware that the puppy you bring home will
need proper care: food, health care, (a dog needs annual shots). Your puppy will
also need little things like a collar with identification, a bowl, and a leash.
Evaluate your budget; ask yourself if you really can afford a dog.
Dog
Ownership = Responsibility. Your dog will have lifelong health care
needs, whether for preventive care or for unexpected accidents, injuries and
illnesses that could happen at any time, however well you look after your dog.
It is sensible to consider planning for these. Take the time to ask yourself these questions and to make an educated decision.
You and your dog will be happier for it. There is no doubt that a puppy is a
cuddly bundle of joy, but it is also a huge responsibility.
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Can I place a deposit?
Placing a deposit will
secure your place on the puppy list. We make a list of when a
deposit was recieved, what gender of the puppy, and what color of puppy
(when applicable.) We will hold the deposit checks until the
time we know that we can fulfill your wishes (shortly after the puppies
are born.) If you have a change of heart and decide not to
purchase a puppy we will refund your deposit when a new owner for that
puppy is secured.
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Do you ship puppies?
Unfortunately, we don't feel comfortable with shipping puppies.
We like to meet our puppies new families first-hand so we have a
sense of what type of home they will be going to.
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What is limited registration?
You can find information on limited registration by visiting
http://www.akc.org/reg/limitedreg.cfm. We strive to produce labs
for the perfect temperament and soundness whether they are heading for
the show ring, the fields, or just for cuddling on the couch. We
place a great deal of effort into selecting the best parents for our
litters. Providing limited registration with our puppies helps us
protect our breeding program.
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