Frequently Asked Questions


Michelle Williamson
Top Dog, PetRescue

"Contrary to the popular belief that puppies are a 'clean slate', by the time they reach their new families they are in fact very affected by the upbringing and environment they have been subjected to. But you can’t tell because the problems they have don’t surface until they are adults and you find yourself trying to manage their unwanted behaviours.

"This is why I’m such a fan of adult dog adoption for families. Adult dog personalities are totally developed and there for all to see and if placed with a complementary family, they are a match made in heaven."

 

Tamara Jackman and Stuart Mulholland

Underdog Training and Behaviour Consulting

Underdog Training owners Tamara Jackman and Stuart Mulholland work around Australia- not only with dogs and their owners, but also with dogs without owners- dogs that are in shelters, pounds or in foster care with rescue groups. "We run everything from group obedience classes to behavioural consultations, dog psychology seminars and private sessions for pregnant dog owners- When Freddy Meets Fido. Underdog Training aims not just to resolve existing problems with our four legged friends- but to prevent them in the first place! Quality socialisation of puppies, from birth to adoption and the training and education of new dog owners is vital to ensure our canines really are 'mans best friend'- and thats why we support Oscar's Law.
 

Is the RSPCA opposed to puppy factories and the sale of animals in pet shops?

Yes. Please support the RSPCA campaign to Close Puppy Factories

And support them on their Close Puppy Factories Facebook page

 

What is the difference between a registered breeder and a puppy factory (and how will I know)?

A registered breeder is registered with the Australian National Kennel Council and must meet certain requirements. A breeder will usually specialise in one breed and is also likely to be involved in showing that breed.
A puppy factory will not be registered with the ANKC. Many claim to be registered, but they are just a ‘registered’ business! The ANKC only registers ‘pure breed’ dog breeders. All designer dogs are cross breeds.
A breeder will be happy for you to visit them to meet the parents and the pups at their own premises, in fact most will insist. Puppy factories will not. If puppy factories who meet the legal requirements of minimum standards of care will not let you see their breeding facilities - they know that you will be horrified.
A breeder will know about their breed, they will be happy to answer your questions and are very likely to have plenty of their own. If you are suspicious, go home and do some research.

 

What’s wrong with cross breed dogs?

Nothing! Cross breed dogs are just as likely to make a wonderful pet as a pure breed. But because puppy factory dogs are mass produced and kept in isolated conditions until purchase, they have a high likelihood of suffering from behavioural and health problems.

 

Why are there health problems with pups from puppy factories?

Many breeds of dogs have conditions that they are prone to, such as hip dysplasia, chronic skin conditions, overshot jaws and heart murmurs. Good breeders test their breeding dogs for these conditions prior to mating. Puppy factories do not and, as they have no contact with the puppies once they have left the factory, they have no idea what genetic defects they are continuing to breed into these puppies.

 

Why are pet shop puppies more likely to have behaviour problems?

It has been known by behaviourists for years that the most important time in a puppy’s development is between 3 to 12 weeks and puppies isolated during this time (say in a glass box in a pet shop or cage at a factory) are much more likely develop behavioural issues than a well socialised dog.

In short - puppy factory puppies miss out on the two things that are known to help shape a good, stable temperament for later life; good breeding and many and varied positive life experiences before the age of seven weeks. As long as they're cute and fluffy, the factory farmer gets his money.

 

What happens to ex-breeding stock?

Dogs should not be bred every heat cycle as it is bad for their bodies. Puppy factory bitches are bred every time they come into heat, until their uterus prolapses and falls out of their body. Once the dog is no longer useful for breeding it is destroyed and replaced by one of her female pups.

Dogs rescued from puppy factories are often very difficult to rehome. They have known nothing but a cage their entire life and struggle to cope with the outside world. Many of these dogs can not be rehabilitated as pets and will be euthanased. The ones that are saved will need special care their entire lives.