Many Pet Stores, (but not all) get their puppies from 'puppy mills'.
Puppy Mills are dog breeding facilities which operate under substandard conditions regarding the well-being of the animal. These dogs are continuously bred for profit only.
These horrific breeding conditions produce puppies which are unhealthy and poorly socialized to other dogs and humans. But they know the unwittingly consumer won't be able to resist the cute puppy in the store or their website, and so, they breed more!
Do a Google Search for Puppy Mill Photos and see for yourself!
Shop owners know if they get you in their doors, place a cuddly little puppy in your arms, one that showers you with lots of kisses, it will be too difficult for you to hand them back the puppy to be placed back into that small wire cage. And so, you buy the puppy!
Hopefully, you go home with the puppy you’ve always wanted. But if you have problems – then what?
Pet shops are not trained to handle questions on problems that you may experience with your new puppy. At best, they may have some type of guarantee to take back the puppy, within a certain time limit, and if the reason meets one of their ‘contract conditions’.
But even if they are willing to do so, most than likely you have probably already bonded with your new puppy and wouldn't want to return her for anything in the world, and the pet stores know that.
So, you are left dealing with the problems on your own.
My best advice, if you are considering this option for buying your new Miniature Schnauzer puppy, is have a list of questions ready to ask them:
Where did the store get the puppies?
Did they come from a licensed USDA dealer?
Ask breed specific questions about the Schnauzer, are they knowledgeable?
What happens to the sotre's unsold puppies?
If they cannot answer these questions, I strongly suggest you not purchase your new puppy from them.
Again, do your homework. DO NOT buy your new puppy on impulse. You may regret it!
For further information on this topic - read the Humane Society’s article on Pet Shops, so you won’t be fooled! Pet Shop - Double Talk
5 More Reasons Not to Buy Your Miniature Schnauzer Puppy from a Pet Store
The Cost: Most puppies sold in stores cost way more. A Miniature Schnauzer puppy usually costs between $400 to $2500!
You may not get what you pay for: Most puppies sold in pet stores come with AKC papers, but are they real? Some people going home with what they think is a purebred Miniature Schnauzer may end up with a dog that has other breeds in its lineage.
Potty Training More Difficult: Because the puppies in pet stores are left in cages until sold, they do not get the proper potty training and socializing skills other puppies get. These puppies have to soil in their cages and this makes housebreaking them even more difficult.
Poor Health: Because most pet shop puppies come from puppy mills they are not the product of careful breeding and health issues are a bigger problem for them. These puppies don't even get the proper care before coming into the store.
Not Properly Socialized: Puppies coming from puppy mills are usually taken away from their litter as early on as 4 weeks. These puppies have not been able to socialize with their siblings at all and then they are stuck in small cages where they remain until someone purchases them. Reputable breeders know the importance of socializing a puppy and do not let a puppy leave the litter prior to 8 to 10 weeks of age.
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