Dog Owners » Big Dog Blog

Saint and Mal Mom has just posed the question on the Message Board of “Who is exactly a backyard breeder?”

I have some questions about backyard breeders. I’d heard the term only occasionally before I came to BPO, but not as much as I do now. So I want to know, what exactly is a back yard breeder and who determines when someone is or not? What exactly do they do that is so bad? I’m not trying to stick up for them or anything. I’m sincerely asking. I know what things I think good breeders should do. Such as worm their pups and give them shots until they go to new homes. Make sure they are healthy by taking them to the vet for a checkup. Make sure they go to good homes and keep in contact with them after selling the pup to them. And take care of the puppies and parents of the pups. And if they can’t find homes for the pups or can’t care for them, then of course they shouldn’t breed their dogs. If a breeder doesn’t do that, then yes, I agree that they’re not a good breeder. But other than that, what defines a “backyard breeder” exactly?

There are some really good answers but what about all of the breeders that make that their life? They too started somewhere, with their first litter of puppies - were they at that time considered a backyard breeder? At what time did that title no longer apply to them? When do their peers shift from calling them Backyard Breeders and other names, as they often do, to finally recognizing them as a true breeder with the best of intentions?

For many of us it is hard to imagine going through a traumatic time in our lives without the love and support of a dog. I mean, if you think about the daily mundane ways that a dog brightens your life and eases your stresses then it is inconceivable to have to undergo some loss in your life without your best pal.

The job description for service dogs usually include helping those who are blind, have seizures, are living in a hospital or special care facility, have trouble reading, and have trouble hearing. Now however, with the help of an innovative pilot progam at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C., soldiers who have been injured in battle and have undergone surgery requiring the amputation of a limb will be able to reap the benefits of a service dog as they begin to recover. “Mike Sergeant, chief training officer for the organization, said he’s excited about the potential of a pilot program that will enable amputees at Walter Reed to get their own service dog, without cost. The dogs are trained to help the troops balance as they learn to walk with artificial limbs, to retrieve items the service members drop, and in some cases, to serve as braces as the troops lift themselves from a chair or the floor, Sergeant explained. The service dog will help the veterans as they learn a new way of mobility with their artificial limbs, he said.”

Through new and exciting programs like these verterans can more easily transition into a new life. Although this new lifestyle will not be easy the help, love and constant companionship of a dog should help to make the journey that much sweeter.

I was goofing off on the internet when the following headline caught my eye, “Family: Pit bull saved boy, 9, from abduction.” It was posted on www.denverpost.com, the online version of Denver’s newspaper.Media outlets bombard us with negative stories involving pit bulls. I cant help but hope a positive story will help shed light on this misunderstood breed. I dedicate this blog entry to Ellie, my dobie/pit bull bundle of joy…….

When a stranger tried to pull a 9-year-old Fort Collins boy over his backyard fence, the family pit bull “Destiny,” charged the suspect who then fled after letting go of the child.

Wayne Myers, the boy’s father, said he knew something was wrong when Destiny barked repeatedly in a non-playing manner. When Myers ran into the backyard he saw a man walking away, through his neighbor’s yard.

A few minutes later as the boy picked up his toys to go inside, the man returned and grabbed the youngster. That is when Destiny stepped-in and charged the man.

The boy’s father credits Destiny with saving his son’s life.

“I got her to protect my kids,” Myers said of 2-year-old Destiny. “I love pit bulls to death.”

Thanks to a loving family pet, a 9-year-old boy is safe at home.

Source: http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_4095627

Stefani Pastoor, of Salem Oregon wrote an opinion in the Statesman Journal, a local paper there, saying he physically gets ill when he sees dogs riding in the back of pickups. He goes on to say that it’s especially worse in the heat where he illustrates two examples of obvious cruelty one of which is this:

“Today I saw a woman in a pickup with her poor panting dog in the back, not secured, not covered and protected from the sun; his feet and body not protected from the scalding heat of the bed of the truck — and the woman was all alone in the cab of her truck. The dog could easily have been riding in the cab with her, completely safe and protected.”

Now no normal caring person would argue this, and hopefully they would call this in as cruelty – but this is actual cruelty. Riding safely in the back is not. I understand the heat but that goes for inside the truck too, if you’re that dumb to lock your dog in the truck, parked, without the ac on. But what makes him sick about the dog being in the back in otherwise ideal temperatures and conditions?I have always let my dogs choose what they want to do, lay down by the fire place, rest outside under a tree. Bear, he might even choose a puddle of water of mud to pass away a few hours. It makes me happy to know that my dog is doing something that makes him happy. When it comes to riding in the truck, he gets the same choice; in the cab, or in the back. My dog personally would prefer to be inside, but I know many dogs that would absolutely jump at the opportunity to ride in the back. Why? They love the wind in their face, the panoramic view, and just all of the stimulation a hayride-like cruise might provide. This is a dog’s favorite past-time! And if you use reasonable, sensible care, it can be a safe and enjoyable ride for all. Common sense tells you not to throw your dog in the back under scolding hot circumstances or at speeds more than 20 mph, which ideally limits you to the back roads of a ranch or slow climbs to your favorite camping spot. And yet people like this have all but taken that away too.

Stefani, as a reporter, should be able to note the difference and not get “ill” when a dog could very well have made the choice, is safely secured, and actually be enjoying him or herself. This is the type of person that contributes to the laws that punish everyone for the ill-fated actions of a few. This cavalier ignorance is just as bad as the inconsiderate dog owner as our freedoms will manifestly shrink more and more as a result of it.

There are many obvious reasons and benefits for us to exercise, whether we are just starting or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We, as pet owners, are also aware that our dogs need exercise; so we usually let them outside to run and play, or engage in a game of fetch or, as I like to call it, “please bring it back, I don’t want to walk over there to get it”. If we merge our routines with our dogs there are increased benefits for both of you.

For our beloved dog it can help eliminate or, at least reduce, behaviors such as digging, chewing, barking and excessive hyperactivity. Our dogs get bored too and they need an acceptable outlet for their energy, or else it will manifest itself through these unacceptable behaviors. If Spot is not getting a sufficient amount of exercise and you find your brand new shoes shredded in the hallway, you may have no one to blame but yourself. Exercise also aids in your, and your dog’s digestion and reduces the incidence of digestive problems and constipation. As well as the fact that walking together increases your bond with your dog, depression is also reduced or avoided for both, dog and owner alike, with a thirty minute daily walk. One of the best, immediate benefits, is a happy, healthy, TIRED dog!

One of the most motivating reasons to begin a walking regimine with your furry best friend, is the weight loss benefit. A study from The University of Missouri-Columbia has concluded that having a pet is encouraging owners to exercise and results in more weight loss than nationally known diets. A monitored study group averaged a loss of 14 lbs in one year, and the best part, that was without dieting! The study participants began walking 10 minutes a day, three times a week and eventually worked up to 20 minutes a day, five times a week.

So put on your running shoes and clip on the leash, the benefits cannot be denied. It will keep, both, you and your beloved pet happier and healthier and here for a little while longer. Remember, don’t overdo it, increase your workout gradually and you will begin to look and feel much better.

source: The Many Benefits of Exercise and Play from Your Dog newsletter (published by Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine)

source: http://munews.missouri.edu/NewsBureauMain.cfm