Honest advice on buying or adopting a healthy, good-tempered purebred dog, crossbreed dog, or mixed breed dog.
Reviews of my older (1990) dog buying book
Gina Spadafori, Pet Connection columnist:
""In my 15 years as a syndicated pet-care columnist, I have found myself recommending this book to readers again and again. If you're looking for the inside track on finding the right breed and (even more important) the right breeder, you must read this book."
Karen Greene, obedience instructor and veterinary technician:
"This book is #1 out of all the ones I recommend to prospective dog owners. If you want honesty, and at the same time fun to read, no other book touches this one. It's an eye-opener."
Barbara Simmons-Broane,
Golden Retriever breeder:
"I've never seen a book that puts the whole picture together like this one. It covers absolutely everything. Don't even think of buying a dog without reading this book."
Peter Enoki, new Bloodhound owner:
"A superb book. I especially appreciated the script you gave us for calling breeders on the phone. The interview questions were terrific and really helped me weed out the clueless breeders."
Chelsea Ann Siebert,
new Sheltie owner:
"This book was so easy to read, I felt like you were talking directly to me the whole time. I never realized there was so much about purebred dogs I didn't know, especially about health problems."
Sandra Kowalski,
Poodle groomer:
""The best book I've ever read on buying a dog. The author lays it straight on the line and talks about dog breeds and dog breeders exactly as they are."
Georgia Sukaris, new
Shih Tzu owner:
"I am now the proud owner of a beautiful Shih Tzu puppy! The questionnaire was fun, and matching up the breeds to my list of requirements was exciting. I can't thank you enough for being so thorough."
Dr. David R. Miller Ph.D.,
searching for a Labrador:
"I had no idea there were so many health problems in dogs. I didn't realize how common hip dysplasia was, or how to question a breeder about it or read a hip clearance certificate. Thanks to your book, I can approach dog breeders feeling confident that I'm prepared."
Rick Shales, new Samoyed owner:
""All by itself, the word for word interview between a buyer and a breeder paid for this book. I never would have thought of all those questions or known the right words to use when talking with a breeder."
Jeanne Schaefer, new Dachshund owner:
"I was flabbergasted when I called my first breeder and he gave me most of the stupid answers you said to watch out for! Because of your book, I was able to recognize that he knew absolutely nothing about his own breed."
Danielle DeVrons, new Golden Retriever owner:
"The first three breeders I called had never even heard of hip dysplasia -- this is unbelievable! Why are such people breeding in the first place? I was so glad to have your list of questions, it led me to a breeder who had OFA certificates, CERF certificates, and heart test results for both of my puppy's parents and all four grandparents. Hopefully Sadie will live a long healthy life!"
Richard Curtiss, new Pug owner:
"Would you believe two breeders tried to assure me that Pugs don't shed much? I responded, "Oh, really?" and hung up. Finally found a breeder who was brutally honest about all the negatives of the breed. Just like you are! And you're both right! My new Pugster sure is stubborn, sure does shed, sure does snort and fart. But because of your honesty I was ready for all this, and it's okay. Thanks for everything you wrote. People thinking of getting a Pug really do need to hear these things."
Jim Johansen, Sheltie breeder:
"Your advice on picking out a puppy is very, very good. I can't tell you how many people would have chosen the wrong puppy from one of my litters if I hadn't stepped in to steer them toward a much more suitable puppy. If people would only test puppies with the tests you've suggested, they would stand a much better chance of getting the right puppy for them!"
How To Buy a Good Dog
Brand New 2008 Edition!
373 pages
I can help you choose the right kind of dog for YOU, show you how to find a healthy one, and show you how to test his temperament (to be sure he'll make a good pet) before you bring him home.
You would think that Buying a Good Dog would be an easy thing to do, wouldn't you? Just flip open a dog book, choose an attractive-looking breed, open up the newspaper to the classified section, make a few phone calls, drive over to see the puppies, and pick the friendliest one who jumps into your lap.
Voila! Your new dog.
EXCEPT...
Here's what might happen in just a few months:
You discover that this breed ISN'T what you wanted. He sheds too much. He bounces off the walls because he needs more exercise than you can provide. He's not good with your kids. He's not good with your other pets. He's the wrong breed for you.
Or he starts showing symptoms of a serious (and expensive) health problem. Or he starts to growl at people. A lot of dogs today suffer from inherited temperament problems and health problems. To avoid these problems, you can't look at JUST the puppy -- you have to look at the breeder, the puppy's parents, the puppy's pedigree, and the environment where the puppy was raised.
I've written a book to help you evaluate these things -- if you're serious about finding a GOOD dog.
Instant Download, order now and start reading immediately!
You read an eBook with the free Adobe Reader, which is probably already installed on your computer.
Order now using our secure server.
Instant download $14.00
Or if you prefer, I can put the book on a a computer CD and mail it to you.
E-book on CD (U.S. addresses only) $19.00
Short outline of How To Buy a Good Dog:
Purebred dogs
Crossbred dogs
Mixed breed dogs
17 canine characteristics to consider
Researching breeds and crossbreeds
Misinformation and "spin"
Male or female
Puppy, adolescent, or adult
Animal shelters and humane societies
Rescue groups
Show breeders
Performance breeders
Pet breeders
Pet shops
Evaluating a breeder's website
Red flags to watch out for
Contacting a breeder
Evaluating puppies
Evaluating an adolescent or adult dog
Final paperwork
If you get a dog from the wrong source, he will probably develop temperament and health problems as he grows up. You can't see inherited temperament and health problems by looking at a puppy. They're hidden in the genes and take months to develop -- but develop they will. In How To Buy a Good Dog, you'll learn how to avoid these problems and come home with a GOOD dog.
You'll receive this Special Bonus when you order HOW TO BUY A GOOD DOG.
Before you buy a dog, you need to know which health problems are most common in that breed, because...
In some breeds, you shouldn't buy a puppy unless he has been tested and cleared of specific ailments common to that breed.
In other breeds, it's the parents who should have been tested and cleared before breeding.
Some breeds are so sickly that you should only buy that breed if you're prepared to deal with the expected heart disease, or cancer, or blindness, or epilepsy.
Download Health Profiles For 165 Dog Breeds -- FREE -- and you won't have to do your own research about health problems. I've done it all for you and I want to give it to you FREE.
There's no risk on your part because I offer a money-back guarantee for 30 days. I guarantee that you'll like your new eBook or I'll give you your money back, no questions asked. I'm a respected author and I want you to be satisfied and happy.
About the author
My name is Michele Welton and I'm an Obedience Instructor and Breed Selection Consultant.
I've been teaching people how to choose and buy dogs for over 30 years.
Or get my full package of 7 e-books on buying,
raising, training, and health care for $24
You already know about these two books.
Now take a look at the 5 additional books you'll receive!
Teach Your Dog 100 English Words will help you TRAIN your new dog. My unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program will make your dog the smartest, most well-behaved companion you've ever had. The A+ course in good manners and happy obedience. Your dog will learn to listen to you and to do whatever you ask him to do. (328 pages)
11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy shows you how to RAISE your dog the right way -- feed him the right foods, give him the right vaccinations, use the right flea and heartworm preventatives, avoid health problems and unnecessary veterinary expenses, and help him live a longer, happier, and more comfortable life. (343 pages)
Test Your Dog's IQ includes 25 challenging IQ tests that will measure your dog's problem-solving abilities, memory, and observation skills. These IQ tests are challenging -- and very revealing. After your new dog has settled into your home, I recommend you make a home movie of him taking these tests. You'll laugh every time you watch it! (63 pages)
The Nose To Tail Checkup is a step-by-step guide that shows you how to catch problems that most dog owners would miss. You'll learn how to detect health problems while they're still minor and easy to correct. (79 pages)
If your dog does develop any health problems, Treatment Options will tell you about the most effective treatments with the fewest side effects. You'll learn when inexpensive at-home treatments are better options than going to the vet. And when you DO go to the vet, you'll learn how to avoid unncessary tests and treatments. (314 pages)
7-book package, instant download for $24
7-book package on CD for $29
(U.S. addresses only)
P.S. Don't forget my Risk-Free, Money Back Guarantee!
There's no risk on your part because I offer a money-back guarantee for 30 days. I guarantee that you'll like your new eBook or I'll give you your money back, no questions asked. I'm a respected author and I want you to be satisfied and happy.
Or get my full package of 7 e-books on buying,
