Dogs bred in puppy mills maybe of lower quality and most will b sold at a lower cost. The thing about dog breeding and rearing is that it takes time, care and money. If the animal is bred right by the reputable dog breeder and sold by that person, it may come at twice the cost or maybe even free. It takes money to breed a good dog and do it right. Puppy mills may throw in a pup as a gift for you taking a scrappy dog off their hands that may eventually cost you hundreds of dollars in medical care in the long run.
2. Dog Breeding Age
Puppy mills will breed dogs at any age and anytime possible to maximize revenues. A good dog breeder will look at a few conditions when it comes on to breeding. The dog shouldn’t be bred too young as this can have complications on the litter. The dog should not be bred too often as this does not give the mom enough time to ensure that her body is back at full capacity to deliver a healthy set of litter. So always ask about the pups mother when making a purchase. Normally the first breeding age should be about two to three years with a full year rest between litters. A good breeder will only go 2 or 3 litters for one dog. Going over that will have significant strain on the mother’s health and even the pups.
3. Dog Health and Nutrition
Reputable dog breeders take the health of their dogs seriously. They ensure that the dog maintains an active and physical lifestyle. They ensure that the animal is properly fed and given the emotional attention it needs and never miss a vet date. If the dog is pure bred, there are often health conditions specific to each breed that should be monitored in advance. This will apply to both the mother and father, as well as the pups. Genetic disorders in Moms and dads will often time pass down to pups. You should know that you are getting a pup from parents that are free of these disorders. There is often a certification process that the parents go through to insure that the breeder isn’t carelessly increasing the number of dogs doomed to pain. Remember, A happy dog brings healthy and happy pups. The mom should be well groomed and kept in an environment without stress.
4. Puppy Monitoring
Reputable dog breeders know the importance of good puppy monitoring and care. It is at this stage that the animal begins to associate with humans and whatever is taught at the breeding facility, will impact how the animal grows and relates to humans. Puppies must be handled with care always and showed great love so they can bond with humans easily. Good breeders don’t separate the pups from the moms until they are at least 8 weeks old. Pups should be given the right vaccination as required. Good breeders allows pups to just be pups and express themselves with play. Pups should not be totally caged and not allow to experience their environment.
5. Dog Naming
A reputable dog breeder will have so much love for the dogs, he/she will name each one of them. This is something you may not find at a puppy mill. Puppy mills may refer to the dog by breed and age, but a good breeder may refer to the dog by name. Naming is important because it gives each animal an identity. It also helps create a bond between breeder and dog.
NOTE
Dogs bred in puppy mills is bred to a mom that comes into heat for the first time, usually around 10 months. The dog is given the proper attention and usually left in a cage. The dog will get the basic food and water, but proper health care will definately be lacking. The cage is often fouled. There is no checking for genetic disorders: since most don’t show up until a dog is mature, why bother? By then it’s someone else’s problem.
The pups are removed at 6–8 weeks, and the mom is rebred as soon as she comes into heat again. She lives an unhealthy, lonely, miserable life and is abandoned or sent to a shelter when her health will no longer allow her to make pretty puppies.