looking for a new dog puppie

biggebruv

my best pal had to be put down back in February as he had cancer but I feel I'm ready to get another dog now

were can I look?

are the likes of done deal good? has anyone any experience?

SillyMangoX

Sorry to hear about your loss

Generally, done deal wouldn't be a great source for a pup. Too much dodgy breeding for too much money. (In general. There's always the odd gem but really I wouldn't risk it).
If there is a dog of a particular breed you're looking for, the first place I'd start is with the Irish kennel club. They should be able to give you details for reputable breeders for whatever breed it is.
If a specific breed isn't your thing and you just want to give a dog a loving home, you can look at what rescues are local to you, or in the pound too!

toadfly

biggebruv wrote: »

are the likes of done deal good?

For puppy farmers - yes. Search the forum about buying/rescuing a puppy. There are loads of threads.

Sorry to hear about your dog passing.

Cheshire Cat

The summer holidays are fast approaching, i.e. the rescues will be even fuller than normal with dogs and pups of all ages, shapes and sizes. A rescue near me has quite a few puppies at the moment as they took in highly pregnant bitches which had their pups in the kennels.
If you want to buy make sure to pick a reputable breeder. Forget about Done Deal and the likes.

The Bishop Basher

There are plenty of healthy pups available on done deal but as with anything you need to be careful about who you buy from.

There's a general consensus on here that unless you pay top dollar for a pedigree pup from a recognised breeder, you will end up with problems but this is not the case. In fact quite the opposite, buying from a breeder in my experience can bring just as many problems due to inbreeding.

Equally people will try and push rescues on you but this isn't for everyone either and we've had a bad experience on that front.

There are no sure fire paths to getting a healthy dog.

Just use your head, not your heart and be prepared to walk away if things don't feel right.

Ms Doubtfire1

Just stay away from Done deal. Lots of pups around in the rescues - plus you also get an history, they are vaccinated , wormed and socialized. Done deal is NOT the place to get a puppy (or any animal)

The Bishop Basher

Ms Doubtfire1 wrote: »

Done deal is NOT the place to get a puppy (or any animal)

There are thousands and thousands of very happy and healthy dogs out there in loving homes who would disagree with this statement if they could.

I also wonder what people think should happen to all these pups if they don't get sold to loving homes through done deal..

The idea that the only sure way to get a healthy pup is through a "reputable" breeder is frankly utter nonsense.

Anyway, best of luck with your search..

We can never replace our pets but i hope you manage to find a pal who brings as much joy as your last pet..

You can rest easy that he or she won't give a fiddlers which site you bought him from..

nhunter100

Swanner wrote:

I also wonder what people think should happen to all these pups if they don't get sold to loving homes through done deal..

If people stopped buying through Done deal doesn't it follow that the unscrupulous will stop breeding puppies as there will be no market for them.

Ms Doubtfire1

Swanner wrote: »

Ms Doubtfire1 wrote: »

Done deal is NOT the place to get a puppy (or any animal)

There are thousands and thousands of very happy and healthy dogs out there in loving homes who would disagree with this statement if they could.

I also wonder what people think should happen to all these pups if they don't get sold to loving homes through done deal..

The idea that the only sure way to get a healthy pup is through a "reputable" breeder is frankly utter nonsense.

Anyway, best of luck with your search..

We can never replace our pets but i hope you manage to find a pal who brings as much joy as your last pet..

You can rest easy that he or she won't give a fiddlers which site you bought him from..

and there are also 1000's and 1000's of pups on DD who's mother have NEVER seen the daylight.

Sorry Mod, off topic.will shut up now, it just makes my hair rise if people defend buying animals on any advertising site.

VonVix

biggebruv wrote: »

my best pal had to be put down back in February as he had cancer but I feel I'm ready to get another dog now

were can I look?

are the likes of done deal good? has anyone any experience?

What are you looking for in particular? It may be worth your while to do a little research on some breeds you are interested in, or if you are looking for a specific breed, I'm sure some of us here can give you pointers!

Lots of rescues in Ireland list the dogs/puppies in their care, they can often be found on Facebook with images and descriptions of dogs/puppies they have.

Otherwise, I would avoid DoneDeal like the plague, average dog owners struggle to tell the difference between puppy farm bred puppies and puppies born to responsible, reputable breeders.

Tilikum

Go to a rescue.

tk123

Swanner wrote: »

There's a general consensus on here that unless you pay top dollar for a pedigree pup from a recognised breeder, you will end up with problems but this is not the case. In fact quite the opposite, buying from a breeder in my experience can bring just as many problems due to inbreeding.

How many inbred pups have you paid top dollar for? Did you not check their papers to make sure they weren't inbred? Surely you knew all the main show and stud dogs from doing your research to be able to choose wisely.

biggebruv

VonVix wrote: »

What are you looking for in particular? It may be worth your while to do a little research on some breeds you are interested in, or if you are looking for a specific breed, I'm sure some of us here can give you pointers!

Lots of rescues in Ireland list the dogs/puppies in their care, they can often be found on Facebook with images and descriptions of dogs/puppies they have.

Otherwise, I would avoid DoneDeal like the plague, average dog owners struggle to tell the difference between puppy farm bred puppies and puppies born to responsible, reputable breeders.

my last dog was a cocker spaniel lab mix he lived 11 years
I'm defiantly looking for another Labrador

The Bishop Basher

VonVix wrote: »

I would avoid DoneDeal like the plague, average dog owners struggle to tell the difference between puppy farm bred puppies and puppies born to responsible, reputable breeders.

So what constitutes an average dog owner ?

Is there an exam you take to become a fully certified dog owner ?

And once you've taken the exam are you then certified to know the difference ?

With respect, people aren't stupid. The vast majority of people in search of a pet are perfectly capable of carrying out some basic checks to ensure they aren't buying from a puppy farm.

I've seen people have bad experiences with done deal, breeders and rescues. Sometimes because they didn't carry out due diligence and some were just unlucky. But i know far more people, as do all of us, who have very happy and healthy dogs that they found on done deal.. Myself included..

Done deal is not the problem. Puppy farmers are the problem.

By all means educate people and advise them to be careful but the militant anti done deal group think on here is utter nonsense.

nhunter100

Swanner wrote:

Done deal is not the problem. Puppy farmers are the problem.

These same puppy farmers, where do you think they carry out most of their advertising?

biggebruv

I don't see the problem with done deal back when I was getting my last dog I found calling card on noticeboards in a public place

so what's the difference between that and done deal nothing really except it's online

The Bishop Basher

biggebruv wrote: »

I don't see the problem with done deal back when I was getting my last dog I found calling card on noteboards in a public place

so what's the difference between that and done deal nothing really except it's online

Exactly.

This is the reaction when don't tow the boards party line and pay a "reputable breeder" top dollar for a "pedigree" dog with IKC papers all the associated health issues and vets bills that go with it..

It's nonsense.

razorblunt

Check the Kennel Club, reputable breeders may have waiting lists, so while you're ready for a dog, they might not be ready to give you one. Please don't use this as an excuse to use Done Deal and the likes. If you have a specific type in mind then it's worth waiting for.

On the other hand, check out the rescues too, you might fall head over heals with a young dog and give them their forever home.

nhunter100

Swanner wrote:

This is the reaction when don't tow the boards party line and pay a "reputable breeder" top dollar for a "pedigree" dog with IKC papers all the associated health issues and vets bills that go with it..

I hope the OP gets a breed that suits them form a responsible breeder. People discouraging them from using DD is based on an animal welfare position not one of group think which you have alledged.

The Bishop Basher

nhunter100 wrote: »

These same puppy farmers, where do you think they carry out most of their advertising?

Yes and people sell dodgy cars on there too..

Imagine..

Does that mean you should never buy a car on done deal ?

No of course not..

It means you carry out the appropriate checks and only buy when you're satisfied that the seller is genuine..

borderlinemeath

Swanner wrote: »

So what constitutes an average dog owner ?

Is there an exam you take to become a fully certified dog owner ?

And once you've taken the exam are you then certified to know the difference ?

With respect, people aren't stupid. The vast majority of people in search of a pet are perfectly capable of carrying out some basic checks to ensure they aren't buying from a puppy farm.

People can be very gullible. Not necessarily stupid, but a good few are easily scammed or duped into buying what they think is a well bred dog. A lot of other people think they're doing the right thing by taking a pup from a puppy farm so it won't suffer any more, conveniently forgetting about the bitch that whelped it, bred multiple times until she can't produce any more. And then there are people who don't really care where the dog comes from because "it's just a dog" that sits out in the back garden. All the types that continue to buy off donedeal and gumtree and the likes.

I've seen people have bad experiences with done deal, breeders and rescues. Sometimes because they didn't carry out due diligence and some were just unlucky. But i know far more people, as do all of us, who have very happy and healthy dogs that they found on done deal.. Myself included..

Done deal is not the problem. Puppy farmers are the problem.

By all means educate people and advise them to be careful but the militant anti done deal group think on here is utter nonsense.

Even donedeal have warnings on their own site as to how to avoid puppy farmers because they know full well they advertise there! Good breeders will always take back the dog if things don't work out, it's usually written in the contract. And the same with good rescues - they'll always offer back up.

nhunter100

Swanner wrote:

Yes and people sell dodgy cars on there too..

You're equating an inanimate object with a living creature...

The Bishop Basher

nhunter100 wrote: »

I hope the OP gets a breed that suits them form a responsible breeder. People discouraging them from using DD is based on an animal welfare position not one of group think which you have alledged.

So what should happen to all the happy and healthy non farmed pups on done deal ?

nhunter100

Swanner wrote:

It means you carry out the appropriate checks and only buy when you're satisfied that the seller is genuine..

Honest question, do you sell puppies on DD?

The Bishop Basher

nhunter100 wrote: »

You're equating an inanimate object with a living creature...

Was waiting for that :rolleyes:

Whether we like it or not, it's still a purchase just like any other..

Swanner what do you consider a well bred dog? What constitutes that?

pilly

I think the point OP is that there are so many dogs out there with no homes in shelters and rescue places that there's not really a need to buy off a website, unless you want a very specific dog.

I've had experience of both. My mother bought my dad a Labrador 13 years ago off a website and she was covered in fleas and ****e when we got her but she's alive and healthy now and a much loved member of the family.

I adopted my 1st dog from a shelter, he was a puppy at the time, beautiful, loyal, funny fella, cross between a Labrador and a Terrier, however he died at 5 from cancer so it's really the luck of the draw whichever way you go.

I understand people despising the puppy farmers though, the life the mothers have is awful and if people stopped buying from them maybe they would go out of business.

Ms Doubtfire1

Swanner wrote: »

nhunter100 wrote: »

You're equating an inanimate object with a  living creature...

Was waiting for that :rolleyes:

Whether we like it or not, it's still a purchase just like any other..

And that, dear people, is why Irelands animal welfare is in such a deplorable state. 

The Bishop Basher

nhunter100 wrote: »

Honest question, do you sell puppies on DD?

Never..

I don't breed my dogs.

I have however bought 4 or 5 dogs from DD and never had a problem.

My current dog (boxer) is now nearly 5 years old. Bought her from a family who had the bitch as a pet. Met both parents and she came vaccinated, wormed, chipped and well socialised.

Shes one of the best dogs we've ever had. In 5 years she's needed one trip to the vet for a UI infection. Otherwise just routine jabs etc.

I'm not saying DD is perfect. It's not. But the idea that you can't find a healthy dog on there is simply not true.

iceadtea

My friend recently got a lovely Lab puppy from the pound, so far he's growing up to be a healthy happy dog so it is worth checking your local rescues and pounds, especially at this time of year when pups are absolutely everywhere. There's no pressure to take a dog that doesn't click with you from a rescue so no harm looking.

If you are going to buy from somewhere like DoneDeal just make sure to do a few checks and go in with your head over your heart, I took a German Shepherd from a BYB (I refused to pay after seeing the breeder kick the pup, just walked with him) and a year later the poor thing passed from multiple issues.
There are some nice enough bred puppies on there but better to be cautious with sites like that.
If you know you want a lab you could also look around at registered breeders? Just make sure you ask for breeding history and check for inbreeding.

Good luck!

The Bishop Basher

Ms Doubtfire1 wrote: »

And that, dear people, is why Irelands animal welfare is in such a deplorable state. 

Please explain..

How is it not a purchase ?

Do you give dogs away for free ?

Knine

Swanner wrote: »

So what should happen to all the happy and healthy non farmed pups on done deal ?

What should have happened is that the majority never should have been born. Those reputable breeders you slate don't have to advertise. They don't need to as their reputation sells puppies.

I could sell 20 puppies right now if I had any.

Yes there are gems on Dondeal but you need to be really experienced to find them. The same way I won't buy a car there as although I am not stupid. I don't know much about buying cars so I'd prefer to go to a reputable garage.

borderlinemeath

biggebruv wrote: »

I don't see the problem with done deal back when I was getting my last dog I found calling card on noticeboards in a public place

so what's the difference between that and done deal nothing really except it's online

Back in the day, people advertised their unwanted litters on the likes of community noticeboards or shop windows. Pure breeds were advertised through their breed clubs or even ads in newspapers. It wasn't the multi-million euro puppy farming business it is now. And it's due to the advent of the internet and online selling that puppy farmers can advertise anonymously, meet in car parks, or friends/families houses that they use as a front. It's too easy to buy a dog now, there's far too little regulation, and puppy farmers use every loophole to get around the legislation.

To use Swanners analogy, that a dog is "just a purchase" when your dog was a pup, could you buy a knockoff mobile phone from China on the internet? Just because you can now, doesn't mean you won't get conned or duped into buying what you think is the real thing.

The Bishop Basher

Knine wrote: »

What should have happened is that the majority never should have been born. Those reputable breeders you slate don't have to advertise. They don't need to as their reputation sells puppies.

But as much as you or I might wish they they don't exist..

The reality is that they do..

So what do you think should be done with these happy and healthy pups ?

(Not talking about puppy farms here.. We can all agree that they wrong)

Knine wrote: »

Yes there are gems on Dondeal but you need to be really experienced to find them. The same way I won't buy a car there as although I am not stupid. I don't know much about buying cars so I'd prefer to go to a reputable garage.

That's my point though..

Lot's of other people, myself included, do buy cars on done deal and do so without any issue at all. I bought one a few weeks ago and i'm delighted with it..

Just because you don't feel comfortable buying a car there isn't a good reason to stop everyone else from doing so..

Educate people and they will have a much better chance of getting it right..

But the militant stance taken by so many on here in relation to this topic does nothing to help people avoid the pitfalls.

If anything it's totally counter productive.

nhunter100

Swanner wrote:

Whether we like it or not, it's still a purchase just like any other..

I totally disagree with you. However I have no wish to derail this thread any further.
OP sorry you lost your best friend, but before you buy I strongly suggest you go to a rescue shelter. These dogs need you more than a puppy farmer needs your cash.

Messengers

People still buying dogs from breeders when rescue services are the breaking point with unwanted animals? This country.

Bunnyslippers

Thing is Swanner you can go to someones home and see a lovely litter of pups, assume they're all healthy and see a mother dog - all super. What you don't see is those pups came from a puppy farm, often from several litters or different farms but roughly the same age, brought the night before to a sellers house, the 'mother' dog is actually a loaned show/pet dog of that breed - and yes this is a tactic they do to sell pups!! As a buyer you go along part with your cash and get said lovely pup, only to find a couple of days later it's sick and sometimes dies or costs you a fortune in vet bills, sometimes years down the line from a genetic issue and most have behavioural issues - I've seen it a ton of times having worked as a vet nurse - it's heartbreaking - not something I would equate to buying a car though, so warning people not to buy a puppy from such a place is a good thing!!!:(

If people don't buy off done deal then it gets the message out there to folk looking to make a fast buck from their pet/puppy farm etc that it is very hard to sell pups, and makes people realise buyers are picky and do want a healthy dog from a good home. It'll make folk think twice about that 50 quid cute pup on a whim when a pup costs a few hundred - sadly people tend to look after things better if they cost more!
If folk aren't buying pups and people who have bred puppies can't sell and end up taking them to a rescue then that will make them think again - usually! - sigh!:rolleyes: And it means a better chance for the puppy ending up in a better home, being vaccinated and neutered - we want to stop the random breeding for money and puppy farming with no thought to the end result - i.e. the puppy!
Good breeders do it for fun/health of the breed etc - if done right it is a very expensive hobby, most puppies on done deal are people breeding designer purebreds and crossbreds for fashion and cash, or too lazy to neuter their dogs!:(

So please OP go to a rescue as so many needing homes! Or do what I did and go to tescos - we found one dumped in the car park!! - sigh!!:D

tk123

Messengers wrote: »

People still buying dogs from breeders when rescue services are the breaking point with unwanted animals? This country.

Reputable breeders aren't filling rescues though. Also there's no education on how to source a pup from a reputable breeder - instead it's adopt don't shop or bust.

Teach don't preach should be the motto.

Knine

Messengers wrote: »

People still buying dogs from breeders when rescue services are the breaking point with unwanted animals? This country.

Yeah they do. I'm a breeder. People buy dogs from me because they want a specific breed, a quality example of this breed who is fit for function. They like the breed traits & think it will it in well with their family. They might want it for work purposes, agility, tracking, showing or as a fantastic family pet. Many rescue dogs simply won't fit these purposes.

None of my dogs are filling up pounds & people have a right to prefer a certain type of dog. When I see replies like yours I think "don't have a clue" If nobody brought from a breeder then there would be no quality examples of any breed left including some of our very special Native Breeds. You do realise that some breeds are in grave danger of extinction? Should we let these die out because of all the puppy 'Greeders' out there? Very short sighted.

DBB

Biggebruv (OP), you've said you'd like a lab.
Can you please state if it's a purebred lab you want or not.
Can you please then state whether you want to buy from a breeder, and/or whether you want to go to a rescue.
That is the ONLY discussion that will be permitted in this thread from this point on, because the usual sh!tstorm of squabbling, and casting aspersions on the users of this forum, is just derailing the thread, which will end up closed without the OP's question actually being answered... and OP, it can't be answered until you're more specific re my questions above, or other specific questions directly relating to your initial enquiry.
If you say that you'd like to go the rescue route, may I remind posters that any recommendations for rescue groups must be done by pm, not on-thread.
Please stay on topic now folks. If you want to discuss buying dogs online, start your own thread on it.
Thanks,
DBB

Messengers

I'd recommend looking into a rescue dog OP, so many poor dogs looking for a home.

Edit: despite some posters claims rescue dogs can of course make fantastic family pets. Adopted two of them and never looked back. Perfect dogs.

I never blamed breeders for putting strain on rescue services but the fact is there really are too many dogs waiting to be destroyed. Why spend money on bringing more into the world when the breed you're looking for may be waiting to be adopted.

Defensive business men will tell you other wise though I suppose.

crossmolinalad

Got my lab puppy from adverts.ie
Got it there for free and there are more ads over there for free animals to get

Mooooo

Check your local rescue or vets, as labs are relatively popular there are a lot of accidental crosses out there that may be advertised for free as well on various selling sites, ourselves and the brother picked up pups for free from such scenarios and are grand healthy dogs, brother has a lab crossed with a gsd which looks just like a tall lab we have a collie crossed with a gsd which came from a family with a kid in the sisters school, had thought their old dog was spayed when they got a new pup but turned Out it wasn't all free

biggebruv

what's the best way to get out to dogs trust by public transport? any buses go there?

Ashbx

biggebruv wrote: »

what's the best way to get out to dogs trust by public transport? any buses go there?

I think (haven't done it myself) you can get the 103 from City Centre (Abbey Street) to North Road, St. Margaret's....its a short walk from there.

You could try Guide Dogs, as not all theirs are suitable for the job and need homes.

mymo

Biggebruv, what part of the country are you in?
There are currently 3 lab crosses I've seen in local rescues here in south east. Maybe if you give an idea of region people can pm you links, as not allowed to mention the rescues on thread.

Sorry just seen above post I assume you're in Dublin?

biggebruv

mymo wrote: »

Biggebruv, what part of the country are you in?
There are currently 3 lab crosses I've seen in local rescues here in south east. Maybe if you give an idea of region people can pm you links, as not allowed to mention the rescues on thread.

Sorry just seen above post I assume you're in Dublin?

dublin yes

I'm looking for a lab cross or full lab

mymo

Have a ring around rescues, you often get dogs under a year in at this time of year.

Cherry Blossom

The IKC don't carry out premises checks. The local authorities have the right to check registered puppy farms and if they are having multiple checks a year this is a very, very bad sign.

messinkiapina

Get a rescue dog, everyone wins.