[blackrose]

I received Chloe for free and so far she has cost me about....*adds furiously in head, sighs, then takes out sheet of paper and a pen* $500, and I get a reduced fee for vet visits, free grooming, and I was buying things (the kennel, collars, leashes, dog house, etc.) used, thus cheaper. That price isn't including her spay or her heart worm and flea meds (add another $150-$200). I've only had her for a little over a month.
So if you can afford the first month of a dog, you can afford to save up for a month and purchase a dog for "not so cheap".

However, I have a job and am going to be starting my senior year of highschool this fall and I'm fully confident in my ability to take care of Chloe. That all depends on the person. I know some people who have had dogs in college and did it extreamly well, and I know some other people who I wouldn't want to own a dog even if they had won the lottery so they didn't need to work or go to school.

My husband will survive if I don't cook him dinner. He can take care of his own bathroom needs. The dog? Not so much.

Are you sure about that?

[Durbkat]

Originally Posted by Lorina

Which also means less time to spend with your dog. Then when school starts back up again, you'll have even less time, since you'll still need to be working to support the dog.

It's a lot of work, even more with a puppy, which is why it's important to have the full support of everyone in the household.

Right, but I will get up early to take it for a walk in the morning and my mom is willing to take it for walks during the day and I'll only be working on the weekends so I will have plenty of time with the dog. Also in our county we never get homework because the schools are to cheap to buy enough books for everyone to take home. I'm sure my mom will be able to help me on the vet bills but she just doesn't have over $300 laying around to add onto my $300 to get a $600 dog.

Originally Posted by Jaylie

But what if the puppy ends up swallowing a sock? For a Shih Tzu especially, that can be alot of damage, and therefore would cost a ton for surgery. And as Lorina said, Shih Tzu's live a long time, and how do you know where you'll be in five years? Ten? Even if you find someplace where you can keep a dog, what will you do while you're at college? Since I'm a kid also, I do the puppy raising, since I want a dog but can't have on for 13+ years. You don't want a big dog, and I've never heard of puppy raising a small dog, but you can get a job pet-sitting small dogs, or volunteering at a shelter or vet, and then you would be getting that dog-fix without actually having the financial responsibility. I pet sit, and I have a Schnauzer that comes here about once a month, sometimes two days, sometimes twelve days, and I LOVE the little guy. He's great with puppies, (He reminds me of the "grandfatherly" type...Playing with them gently, and being VERY patient with them.) and then I have a Maltese/Toy Poodle mix, (His owner introduced him as a "malti-poo.") and he's also a sweetheart. He comes more often then the Schnauzer...Sometimes spending two weeks out of a month here. I got these two dogs by simply placing a simple ad in the paper! I suggest maybe trying this before you get a dog.

I don't have clothes laying around on the floor. I have already puppy proofed the house.

[GreyhoundGirl]

Originally Posted by Durbkat

I'm sure my mom will be able to help me on the vet bills but she just doesn't have over $300 laying around to add onto my $300 to get a $600 dog.

Do you have enough money to buy a $300 dog and then have to pay at least $2000 to fix the diseases it has because it was bred poorly by a BYB? Instead of buying a healthy $600 dog that will only need its vaccinations.

Honestly, $600 is very cheap for a healthy puppy. You'll make up the extra $300 very quickly from vet bills.

[Durbkat]

Do you think I should email this breeder that is selling the dogs for $600 and see if she would accept $300 and then I make weekly payments or are most breeders like her not going to deal with payments?

[GreyhoundGirl]

That is a very good idea. S/He sounds like a very reasonable person, (judging by going from a 1000 puppy to a 600 puppy. )

Hope you have luck with the payment plan.

[Durbkat]

Actually it was from a $750 to a $600 puppy.

I just sent her an email and I'll let you know what she says.

[GreyhoundGirl]

Oh, sorry I thought I'd read 1000. It's still very nice of her to work on the prices with you.

[Durbkat]

Yea, I agree.

[gizmobaby]

Actually, I disagree with the advertisement. My breeder advertised my puppy and she actually knew what she was doing. I don't think advertisement is a big role in this, because obviously breeding dogs for some people are hobbies and some just happen to profit out of it.

However, all the other red flags are definitely NOT okay and I totally agree with..something you must look out for.

The first picture concerned me because it looked like something you would see in the pet store..doesn't look too clean and the shredded paper isn't appealing. Knowing my pup, he would have eaten that paper in a heartbeat..something definitely you don't want around a puppy.

Although I find pictures of puppies "posing" in front of a neutral background (ie: toy dogs in cups or whatever) just as iffy as puppies in pens such as that, it's a good sign to see puppies near their mom (to show the mom as well) or in a better suited environment.

Who knows if she is a puppy mill person or not...I say you visit her and ask her questions. It is still your choice whether or not you will buy the pups. Just make sure that they are not sick and she can answer all your questions, because otherwise, you might get problems with your puppy..something you definitely DONT want! Puppies are expensive enough as it is.

------------

If you want a puppy right away and know you can be responsible, then go for it! All smiles here. I actually got my puppy out of impulse and for the first few days, I was very frustrated and second-guessed my decision in buying one so soon. I got my act straight though and now, I am very please to have him! I don't know what I would do without his goofy self.

And I don't think you should depend on prices to know whether or not your pup will be healthy. My pup was sold to me for sale, since he was the last one. His sister was $450 (overheard them talking) and Im sure that was probably deducted..they sell their dogs mostly for $500+. He was sold to me for $200. He came as a very healthy puppy! With of course normal exceptions, like worms (all puppies go thru with that and it's something you can fix). The only problem with him now is that he chews on things he shouldnt or eats things he reallyr eally shouldnt.

I don't think dogs should be sold for such an expensive price. But I guess that's a good thing, because then there might be more dogs at the pound...but in my opinion, I wouldn't rely on prices to give you the best quality dog. It'd be sad to know you got ripped off.

[Durbkat]

I know, I'm going to ask to see the parents so I can get an idea of how the puppies are going to act when they grow up. Also is there anything else I should check for in the puppy, I know its a good sign if they come up and greet you but what else?

[Mdawn]

I have to echo the cost of a puppy after the initial purchase price. We got Uallis on May 17th and have spent about a $1000 dollars since on him.

As for things that haven't been mentioned...Have you asked how many litters the female has had before? If this is the last litter, what are they planning for the female after? Are they going to keep her and let her live her life out with them?

[Durbkat]

No I didn't ask.

[Haidden]

Originally Posted by Durbkat

Well there are people that scan the genetics of the dogs and charge cheaper, they sell for like $350 and me and my parents can afford that.

Thought you said your parents wouldnt be helping you in the below quote?

Originally Posted by Durbkat

My parents are unable to help me pay for it. They said if I wanted the dog it was going to be my responsibility, care wise and financial wise.

------------------


When I moved out of my parents I got my own dog, which was a shihtzu. I moved out to go to a different college and I got an apartment near that college. It cost 200 dollars pet deposit fee that you dont get back. That is cheap, alot of apartment places cost around 400 pet deposit that you won't get back or ever see again.

A small bag of good dog food, canidae, innova, etc will cost you around 14 dollars for the smallest bag. I read that you said 8 dollars somewhere, that would be in more of lines of purina puppy chow, which isn't good at all. On top of that you have the vaccination's your puppy has to get which will cost around 70-100 a visit, which can be 3-4 visits just for vaccinations. Then you have to buy toys, cage, treats, flea and tick medications (which is around 75 dollars for 6 month) heartworm (around 30 dollars for 6 months) which add up fast also. All this money will be coming out fairly fast also.

You also have grooming, nail clipping, bathing which ranges from groomer to groomer but it costs and adds up quiet a bit also.

Its just something to think about. The first couple weeks you will be spending 700-900 dollars on top of the money you buy the dog with. If you get a bad bred puppy then your expenses will be off the chart. If it would take you to next year to save 300 more dollars just to get the well bred shihtzu then that is something within its self, cause how will you afford everything up above if would take you a year to get 300 more dollars?

Just my opinion. If you think your ready then that is your decision to make, just make sure your financial limitations will not effect the dog. Good Luck to you =)

[mattmania843]

So who are you getting this puppy from? Im not exactly clear, and I said it once and Ill say it again, Im sure youll be a great pet owner, but i think your financial limitations will severely effect the dog. I would just go to the shelter..

[TheChinClique]

Are you sure you should be getting a puppy? I'm sorry, I don't mean to nit-pick, but if you can't afford the pet, how will you afford everything else that comes along with owning a pet? I have two dogs, one cat and two chinchillas. I don't really even like thinking about how much I've spent on them (not including initial costs), but I know it has ALL been worth it.

My Bulldog had to have surgery to open his nares and throat more due to breathing issues. The total cost: $600.00.

My Japanese Chin had to go to the emergency vet because last week he wasn't eating or drinking for more than twelve hours. Turns out he had tapeworms. The total cost: $127.00.

My Bulldog had to be neutered as does pretty much every dog. The total cost: $266.00.

My Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Cat and Chinchillas like to eat. Total monthly cost: $125.00.

...They also like to have toys. Total cost: $600+ (includes crates, beds, toys, cat tree, etc. I think it's been about $600. Could easily be more).

My Bulldog was stung by a bee and had a bad reaction at eight months of age. Total cost to treat him: $87.50.

My mom had a dog when I was eleven years old. He came down with a terrible disease: immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. Total cost to treat him: $5,627.00. He died during treatment.

These are just some examples as to how other costs come into play with owning not only a dog, but really, any animal. Granted, some people only take their animals to the vet at the LAST minute to avoid spending money, but if you are truly responsible, it can get expensive. Of course, like I said, it's worth it!

Just something to think about. I'm not saying you're not able to care for a puppy...I'm sure you are...but please consider the other costs that come along with dog ownership. Don't think your dog will never get sick-- it almost definitely will.

Keep us updated.

-Andrea and the Gang.

[Haidden]

Originally Posted by TheChinClique

My Bulldog had to have surgery to open his nares and throat more due to breathing issues. The total cost: $600.00.

Bulldog had to be neutered as does pretty much every dog. The total cost: $266.00.

Little off topic but o well =)

My girlfriend has a bulldog and she had to get eye surgery done and that cost around 650 dollars.

Question for you though ChinClique why did the neuter cost so much for you, i guess depends on the area you live in but almsot 300 dollars for a neuter?

[TheChinClique]

Originally Posted by Haidden

Little off topic but o well =)

My girlfriend has a bulldog and she had to get eye surgery done and that cost around 650 dollars.

Question for you though ChinClique why did the neuter cost so much for you, i guess depends on the area you live in but almsot 300 dollars for a neuter?

Well, I didn't get him neutered until 2005...he was already two years old. I guess that might have something to do with it? He also has to have special anesthesia support due to his breathing issues. He still has problems even after the surgery. Poor guy

Although...I am looking at my mom's dog's records (for Beau, American Eskimo Dog) and his neuter was almost as much. The breakdown is:

IN HOUSE PREANESTETIC CHEM6: $47.00
CASTRATION CANINE 21-50 LBS: $67.00
ANESTHESIA INHALANT: $44.00
IN-PATIENT CARE CANINE: $33.00
ANESTHESIA SUPPORT: $23.00

TOTAL: $218.00

I guess my vet is just expensive?

[Lucky_13]

i was reading through the thread and i know i'm late and you already found a good breeder and your getting your puppy on the 9th, but i realized nobody ever responded when you asked "why?" to the below question.

Quote:
*Ask about how big the puppies will be when full grown. If the breeder mentions "teacup" "tiny toy" or "imperial" RUN.

*Also, be prepared for the breeder to ask you tons of questions on you and your family. If the breeder doesn't ask you anything but has the attitude of, "Great, when can you pick the pup up?" something is wrong.

Why?

if the breeder doesn't ask you any questions about your family, home, and expirience, there is a problem because any reputable breeder wants to make sure their dogs are going to a good home where they will be properly cared for.

[Haidden]

Since you got a puppy coming on the 9th, did you decide to go with the original breeder or did you find a different one in the KY area?

Guessing you are picking him up tomorrow?

[Durbkat]

Lucky, I was asking why as referring to if the breeder mentions "teacup" "tiny toy" or "imperial".

Well I got the dog today, went with the orignal person and she was more professional than I thought. She had the health guarantee written out and had me sign and she had some paper from the CKC that she said needed to be filled out and mailed off.

Pics!!!!


These are from the car ride home ^

Well the puppy is doing good. It's already pee'd and pooped on the carpet which my mom said she wasn't to happy about then it pooped on the puppy pad so I praised it and gave it a treat. Then it pooped on the carpet so I rushed and cleaned that up before my mom came in. He sure is a handful. lol Oh! Is it normal for it to freak out when I have the leash on? Cause I have the leash on to keep it on the pad and when it tries to walk off it I hold onto the leash and he starts freaking out by whining and thrashing. Is that normal for a puppy with its first time with the leash?