How to Spot a Puppy Farm (and Find a Genuine Breeder)
Bringing home a puppy should be one of the happiest moments of your life. Unfortunately, puppy farms profit from that excitement. These commercial operations breed dogs in poor conditions, often with little regard for health, temperament or welfare, and then sell the puppies through slick online ads, pet shops and “backyard” meetups.
The good news is that puppy farms leave clues. Once you know what to look for, they’re much easier to spot. Here’s how to protect yourself, and the puppy, before you hand over a cent.
What Is a Puppy Farm?
A puppy farm is a breeding operation that puts profit ahead of animal welfare. Breeding dogs are often kept in cramped, unsanitary or neglected conditions, bred repeatedly with no recovery time, and denied proper vet care, exercise and human company. The puppies themselves are often raised without socialisation and may be sold too young.
The consequences reach well … Read the rest
Training a Powerful Breed: Early Socialization Tips for Molosser-Type Dogs
Molossers include Cane Corsos, Rottweilers, Neapolitan Mastiffs, Presa Canarios, and all their relatives. These breeds have been used for working, protection and guarding for many years. Due to this history, Molossers possess confidence, physical presence and a strong bond to their owner. Because of this, proper socialization during the first year of life is especially important for this breed. A properly socialized Molosser will be calm, alert, and trustworthy companion. A poorly socialized Molosser however, may become suspicious, reactive or difficult. This is not due to the temperament of this breed, but rather because Molossers are bred to analyze and react to their surroundings. With proper guidance they can do so effectively.
Below are some tips for socializing a powerful breed puppy from the time they arrive home until adolescence.
Why Socialization Matters More With Molossers
A guardian breed will tend to be more territorial and alert than a Cavalier … Read the rest