Pages: 1 2 3  Next -- Posted by Artistic Drain at 1:03 pm on July 31, 2006 A Guide To Buying A Pet So you want a new puppy? Kitten? Bird? Elephant? Awesome. Just make sure you are prepared. On the other end of that cute little face is a pooping machine. Are you ready to deal with that? Well, maybe the following will help you decide. Before You Start Looking So you want a __________. (insert animal there) Now it is time to ask yourself some key questions. Do I have enough space? If it is a dog, does he have space to run? Or if it is a lizard, do I have room for a big enough cage? Can I afford it? Food, vet bills, neutering, training, toys, accessories (beds, poop and scoops), unexpected things like surgery? What about the rest of my family? Do they want one too? Will they help when I am not home? What animals are in the neighborhood? Is there a vicious cat that beats up all the other cats? Does your hillbilly neighbor like to use your pets as target practice? Do I have other pets or family pets that come over often? Will this animal get along with them? Will the other pets like a new friend? What laws are there in my area? Is it illegal to own a roaster in a residential area? Is there a limit on the number of pets I am allowed to have? Do I have the time? Can I take a week or two off work so I can train my puppy and house break him? Can I make it to the pet store every week to buy crickets and silkworms for my tarantula? If you feel you can answer all those positively, I think you are ready to take the next step. Picking Where To Get Your Pet Common places to get pets are: -Breeders -Pet stores -News paper ads -Shelters -Friends Each has its pros and cons. Lets go over them shall we? Registered Breeders These people breed animals as a living. They often have a couple animals they use in shows/contests. They are usually very passionate about their animals. Pros to Buying with a Breeder -The dog comes with papers, this makes them more valuable and allows you to enter them in competitions -Guaranteed to be 100% thoroughbred (no other breeds mixed in pasted generations)   -The puppy is with it's mom until you get it -You get to meet the mom (sometimes the father too) to see what it is like. Often dogs have similar temperaments as their parents -Usually are safe, clean and satisfaction guaranteed way to buy a pet Cons -Expensive. Dogs could range from $800 to a couple thousand. So be sure to call lots of breeders and see their price ranges -Breeders can be picky about who they sell to. Don't have a fenced yard? No dog for you then Pet Stores *sings* How much is that doggy in the window? The one with the waggly tail? Ok ok, lets get serious. Pet stores are great for getting suckered into those cute little faces. But they get sold quick.  Fish, non-exotic birds and small animals (hamsters, etc) are usually bought at pet stores with no problems. Cats and dogs (and reptiles if your pet store carries them) should be given a closer look. Pros -You get your pet right away! Point to the one you want, and it is yours -All the things your pet needs is right there in the same store. You can buy the same food that the store was feeding them and do it all in one trip -You can bring the pet back for visits. Pet stores love having animals in it, so as long as it is well behaved, bring it along for the trip for more food -Prices are good, they are much lower than buying through a breeder Cons -Where did these animals come from? A puppy mill? Born in the back of the store? What is the animals history? Why is only one kitten left? -Those poor animals don't get to run around much. And they have snotty nosed kids poking and pulling at them all day. Do you want a dog who has gone through that? How will that effect their temperament? Newspaper Ads What? Free cats to a good home? Sweet! Or $100 for a 5yr old golden retriever! Wow! Now before you get your boots on and go get it, there are some things you should think about. Pros -Really low prices, sometimes even free! And usually some shots or neutering has been done already so you don't have to (be sure to ask) -Quick way to get a pet Cons -You aren't dealing with someone who knows animals usually. They are just an average joe who doesn't know hairball from a dust ball. -You don't know what is 'wrong' with the animal. Why do they want to get rid of this cute doggy? Well, it bites children. Wow, don't want that! -No guarantees about anything and no clue what the animal has gone through Shelters I hate going to shelters. I just want to load all the animals up in my car and take them all home with me. But I can't. There are a lot of cruddy owners who abuse perfectly good animals. Shelters are a great place to go find an animal in need. The dog missing a leg could be your next best friend. Pros -Less expensive than some places, though you still have to pay because this is how the place stays open and continues to save animals -Tests are done on the animal. They make sure you aren't getting an aggressive dog that will mall you. -You get to deal with animal lovers who will do anything to help you find the right animal for you -You get to help with an over growing problem, which is abanded pets. Help one find a home -Usually an older dog, so it is usually house trained and not so hyper like a new born Cons -It is an older pet, and sometimes sick or injured. It may mean you don't get to have the animal as long because it is fighting cancer, or is just plain old. -While the shelter should do everything in its power to ensure you are getting a safe animal, you are taking the risk of having unexpected behavioral problems and fears if the animal was abused in its past home. -Added vet bills and visits if the animal is sick Friends Aww. Your best friends rabbit had babies! And they want you to have one. Perfect right? Well, maybe. Pros -You know who you are buying from and how the animal is raised -It is free or really cheap because they are your friend! Cons -Kinda hard to say no isn't it? You go over to see the babies, and the next thing you know, you are comming home with a tank of barracudas! Lets hope your cat at home doesn't try to catch them! -You haven't gotten them from a professional, so no tips or guidance can be offered *wipes brow* Alright. Now you can start looking (finally!) Picking Your Pet This will mainly be for cats and dogs. Spend some time playing with them before picking. Be sure to see how they interact with their siblings. Some Things To Do To Dogs These will test to see if it is a dominate dog towards humans. (remember, you are the alpha dog and it never gets ranks over you) -Hold it under its front legs in front of you. His bottom legs should not excessively kick, and he should be completely calm in a matter of 10-15seconds -Roll him on his belly and pet it. he should not appear to be in any stress. It should be a fun thing. If the dog does not allow you, do not get it. It is a sign of a highly aggressive and dominant dog -Cradle it in your arms (like you would cradle a baby) A little squirming is normal, but the dog should calm down and relax in your arms quickly Tests To Do On A Cat -Cradle it on its back in your arms. Cats either love or hate this. If they jump out/hiss or attack you, it means they do not trust people. (don't rub their belly though, all cats in general do not like their bellies touched. Just don't do it) -Lightly tug their tail. Do they hiss at you? Definitely not a cat you want around children -Encourage it to come to you (call it), does it co-war in the back of the cage? If so, you have a very timid cat and do not expect it to be a lap cat, expect it to be a scaredy cat. Yay! You have a pet! Brining It Home Have everything set up already. A bed, toys, food and water dish. Let them out of the cage and let them explore one room. Giving a new animal free range of a whole house can be overwhelming and makes it harder for you to keep an eye on them. As days go on, slowly introduce more rooms. Have a towel/blanket or toy from their previous home (if possible). Put this in their night cage or in a close by area. This will help with separation anxiety. The sent from their old home will help comfort them. Don't have people over for a couple days. Let the animal get used to you and your house before introducing new people. Tell your family you will invite them over in small groups soon to met Spot or Fluffy. Also, make sure they have all their shots before meeting new animals or people. Young animals can pick up disease easily and need to be protected. And have fun! Don't get mad when they mess on the floor, just run them outside and praise them then! (if it s a dog:P) ___________________________________________ Well. I hope that covers most of it. Let us know how you got your pets and what it was like introducing them to a new environment. Post pictures of them too! Other Helpful LW Pet Topics! What Not to Feed Pets by pan (Edited by Artistic Drain at 5:45 pm on July 31, 2006) -- Posted by I dont exist to them at 1:04 pm on July 31, 2006 wow lots of stuff -- Posted by TMAX at 1:06 pm on July 31, 2006 Pretty good guide for beginners.. -- Posted by trashcan at 1:06 pm on July 31, 2006 thanx -- Posted by sydneysue13 at 1:07 pm on July 31, 2006 Wow! I will remember this if I ever decide to get a pet. -- Posted by Artistic Drain at 1:21 pm on July 31, 2006 Pfft. I bet a lot of you didn't read it. I will share how I got my current pets. Oliver: He was a stray. He wouldn't leave a house down the street alone. And they took him in because it was winter. They didn't want him, so they gave him to us. He is the best cat ever. We have had him for 6years I think now Amy and Benson: (Amy is on the right, Benson on the left) Amy is a foster dog kinda. We take care of her and she will have 3 litters until she is completely ours. At which time the breeder transfers ownership to us. She is about 1.5yrs old. She is a sheltie. Benson we bought through a breeder. He is 12weeks. Nothing special about his story:P He is a collie -- Posted by glamourxshot at 1:27 pm on July 31, 2006 Cool, thanks. -- Posted by HowCouldYou at 1:30 pm on July 31, 2006 Wow this is a good thread. I desperately want a dog but I'm not allowed! -- Posted by Artistic Drain at 4:16 pm on July 31, 2006 :D Thankyou Rach! -- Posted by twistedxlogic154 at 1:25 pm on Aug. 18, 2006 Pugs All The Wayy -- Posted by silverbullets at 9:26 am on Aug. 21, 2006 Registered Breeders These people breed animals as a living. They often have a couple animals they use in shows/contests. They are usually very passionate about their animals. this statment is untrue, breeders are usially cruel to theyr animals because they know that they have more of that same animal if the other dies. breeders are also a bad place to get animals from. breeders are the reason there are so many homless animals. by buying from a breeder, you are endorsing them overpopulating the world with homeless animals. i also do not agree with this statment: (don't rub their belly though, all cats in general do not like their bellies touched. Just don't do it) -Lightly tug their tail. Do they hiss at you? Definitely not a cat you want around children. i have had cats my whole life and at the moment have 6 cats. i have never had, nor known of a cat whom dosnt like theyr bellies rubbed. they love theyr ears and under the chin as well to be rubbed. i do not know where you get that they dont like theyr bellies rubbed. and no cat should have theyr tails pulled. if you have a child, teach them not to pull the animals tail before you get a cat. cats tails are fragile and center theyr ballance. no cats like to have theyr tails pulled. children should learn to respect any animal befor it is gotten because by letting your kid pull the cats tail, you are in a sense saying that its okay to hurt animals. which its not at all. -- Posted by Artistic Drain at 9:41 am on Aug. 21, 2006 Right, you teach a baby not to bug a cat. It takes time to teach a child. So having a cat that attacks when being pulled at, isn't one you want in your house. Pulling a cat's tail lightly will not hurt it. And every cat I have met as not liked their bellied rubbed, and I have had many cats and taken care of many. As for breeders, no shit there are some bad ones, but they aren't all bad. Most are very good. Not everyone wants a homeless/abused animal. Some want 'perfect' dogs. You get what you pay for. -- Posted by chavina at 2:43 am on Sep. 5, 2006 could just buy a tamagotchi, they're damn easy to look after :D -- Posted by Ania at 9:58 am on Sep. 16, 2006 I dont know any bad breeders here, except one but no one buys from him any more. But that aren't breeders. Breeders take care of their dogs, cats... like their own children. They take them to the doctors. Their dogs are very healthy, have great parents and they have a guaranty they are not mixed. Buying an animal that doesnt have a pedigree is stupid, except if it's a mix. We have 3 dogs, Carlos is a Pug and we bought him from slovene breeders Snorewood pugs. Luis is a French Bulldog and we got him in Netherlands. They both have pedigree, but we dont take them to any shows. Third dog is mix between cocker spaniel and dachsbracke and we got him from friends. -- Posted by dragonking at 8:09 pm on Oct. 10, 2006 Interesting post.  I got my cat from a newspaper ad and she is great.  She is one tough little one.  hehe. -- Posted by yesmaam at 8:39 pm on Oct. 28, 2006 I just want to say that good breeders rarely breed for a living. That is what puppy mills are. Most show breeders LOOSE a lot of money on their animals, and it is only done out of love for their breed and species. -- Posted by oddly at 11:57 am on Nov. 10, 2006 I have 12 animals. 3 dogs(2 are pups),3 salamanders(all rescued),3 frogs(all rescued),2 bearded dragons,and 1 hamster.. Snapple was found May 9th,06 at my work.A customer returned a Variety 12 pack of Snapple and he was walking around inbetween the necks of the bottles.I convinced the store manager to let me take this fellow home. Quazi,I found 3 years ago on my front lawn.Due to the extensive construction and developement going on,I took him.His old habitat is now currently a subdivision.He shares a tank with Snapple. A tip for introducing an older dog to a new pup,make sure whenever the pup is in the room,that you praise the older dog for good behavior.Some growling/nipping is acceptable as the Older dog has to teach the young pup who is dominant etc.If he's going to start attacking the pup,then intervene! Bring the old dog into a room,have every one there praising him..then bring the pup in(we had two pups,so it was quite interesting). Its a year later and the pups and the older dog get along fine! Shadow is the Border Collie(12 yrs old),Romeo has the white mane,and Milo is the other one. Rio is 4months old,and is a colored Bearded Dragon.At the age of 2months she had to undergo tail surgery to stop the spread of a rapidly ascending tail infection.She's currently in shed,so you can't see her colors. This is Tiger,she's Rio's sister.She is a savage.Hence the name.She bites. For reptiles and amphibians make sure you know what you're going into.IF you want the best for your animal,RESEARCH before you even think of buying one. Rio and Tiger will be growing to over 2ft in length,and will need atleast a 4x2x2 enclosure.They eat over 100crickets a day,each. -- Posted by marjiew at 9:37 pm on Nov. 20, 2006 This is the worst post on obtaining pets, ev er. -- Posted by BobbyGmad at 7:17 pm on Jan. 22, 2007 thanks, that was really helpfull -- Posted by Artistic Drain at 11:16 am on Jan. 28, 2007 :) Updated photo of Cassidy and Benson, Amy isn't here right now so she isn't in the picture :( -- Posted by horney123 at 3:46 pm on Feb. 18, 2007 i act took alot of tht in -- Posted by Dixiechick567 at 7:14 am on Feb. 21, 2007 awww these pictures are soo cute!!! i need to get some of my dogs on here. my dog bonzo is from the pund. we got him the day before he was gonna be euthanized!!! and sadie we found on the street. someone had tried to drown her so you can just imagine how hard it is giving her a bath. -- Posted by PopArtsy at 7:56 am on Mar. 1, 2007 Really good guide... but please, ppl! don't get puppies from a pet store since pet stores are commonly stocked by pupy farms. puppy farms keep the mothers and puppies in dark, cramped cages just to get more puppies, and funding for these come from puppy purchases at pet stores. just a thought, but really good guide! -- Posted by PopArtsy at 10:40 am on Mar. 7, 2007 good guide. but seriously people, please, if you are getting a pet, adopt one from a shelter. puppies in pet stores usually come from abusive puppy farms, and each purchase helps to fund them -- Posted by Fanana Banana at 3:22 am on Mar. 27, 2007 well, im tryin to get a cat but since my sis is saying no then im not even finished with the first step  *sniff sniff* -- Posted by babymoi14 at 11:53 pm on Mar. 31, 2007 good post -- Posted by Artistic Drain at 7:04 am on April 3, 2007 I am getting my filter and plants for my newt tank tonight. And then the newts probably in 2 weeks or so. I still have to find a store to buy them at. And I am getting my cute panda cories tonight as well! :D (catfish) -- Posted by clavicle at 3:02 pm on April 4, 2007 I hope you don't actually condone pet stores. There is no reason to talk them up like that. They are terrible places. And they are not cheaper than a responsible breeder. -- Posted by Artistic Drain at 3:28 pm on April 4, 2007 I did not talk up pet stores at all. They have their place, and if you aren't stupid, you will know if it is a good one or not. Dogs are MUCH more expensive bought from a breeder. My though (sp?) bread collie was over $1000. You cannot tell me a pet store would charge even more. They wouldn't, they would never sell any animals if they did. They charge less because you don't get papers with the dog, you don't know their history/parents health etc etc -- Posted by clavicle at 3:31 pm on April 4, 2007 Quote: from Artistic Drain at 3:28 pm on April 4, 2007 I did not talk up pet stores at all. They have their place, and if you aren't stupid, you will know if it is a good one or not. Dogs are MUCH more expensive bought from a breeder. My though (sp?) bread collie was over $1000. You cannot tell me a pet store would charge even more. They wouldn't, they would never sell any animals if they did.   They charge less because you don't get papers with the dog, you don't know their history/parents health etc etc Then you know absolutely nothing about pet stores. And I'm sorry you're so ignorant. By the way, it is purebred. Not 'through bread' which I assume you were trying to say thoroughbred, which is a breed of horse. Pages: 1 2 3  Next