Current Events > Should I pay $2000-3000 for a dog?

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Austin_Era_II posted...

Is it true if your arm falls off it'll grow back?

If you don't use it, you lose it.
In this case, you are using your arm.
So logically speaking, it will grow back.
It's basic science.

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Do you guys recommend pet insurance or is that just a scam?

Also one person I talked to said don't get too many shots for the dog cause that's a scam too.

Thoughts?

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Austin_Era_II posted...

one person I talked to said don't get too many shots for the dog cause that's a scam too.

vaccinations are a must. pet insurance isn't something i invest in. just have a emergency fund in case stuff comes up so you'll have money to cover those visits.

just my 2 cents.
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Austin_Era_II posted...

Do you guys recommend pet insurance or is that just a scam?

Also one person I talked to said don't get too many shots for the dog cause that's a scam too.

Thoughts?

Get the pet insurance. Wish I had it when my dog tore her CCL (ACL equivalent in humans) which is more common than you think in larger dogs. Surgery was $2,300, and it's considered a pre-existing condition if you try to get insurance afterwards because there's a good chance they'll blow the other knee out.


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Austin_Era_II posted...

Labs are cool, but a bit too needy I noticed

they have a ton of energy. they also smell bad due to their oily waterproof undercoat and they eat literally everything they find (even crap) to the point where the breed in particular has an obesity problem

IDK much about huskies but yes they are also very high-energy dogs. I'm not into that myself. I worked with somebody who took their australian shepherd to work, and the dog would never leave us alone, always wanted to play, it got really annoying :/

German shepherds are also high-energy so I would hope you would be able to take it for exercise every day. but overall they are a great breed, I like them a lot.

Is there any real reason you want a purebred so much that you would pay so much more for one? Purebred german shepherds still have health problems btw

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Yeah I'd be worried about hip issues. The pure breed just looks appealing to me especially working line. Generally after dinner I'm bored killing time watching tv and tv just bores me. I can take the dog for a walk and do other stuff on my yard. Where I live I can get a house with more property so the dog could have lots of free roaming, but I don't want it getting ticks and stuff.

My boss has a lab and I find it gets smelly.

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If youre dead set on a certain breed or dont want the gamble of a rescue dog then paying a high premium for a breeder is ideal. Just make sure theyre properly certified. An AKC certificate is also a plus. Breeders are also more than happy to take them back if for whatever reason it doesnt work out.

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Austin_Era_II posted...

Do you guys recommend pet insurance or is that just a scam?

Also one person I talked to said don't get too many shots for the dog cause that's a scam too.

Thoughts?

Pet insurance is worth it if they need surgery, but I'd just save up money

And just take the dog to a reputable vet. They'll need quite a few shots. Usually at 8 weeks, the normal age of homing, they need parvovirus boosters n jazz still


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Use the money for future medical expenses and food for pound dog

If you get a German Shepard, are you looking at the ones with the sloping back? Because that's the "in-thing" for that breed and what breeders go for but it fucks them up with a lot of health problems.

My grandparents had a German Shepard and they let her roam outside in the country. She would just always explore the woods and visit the neighbors and then come back for dinner.

With that breed it's not so much that they have a lot of energy but they are so fucking smart and they need a lot of mental stimulation in whatever form you can give them.

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Yeah I'd give it mental training. I've seen videos. They are very smart and I like that about them. I don't want sloping backs. I'd prefer straight.


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As long as you dont forget to get neutered TC. Cant have a bunch of unwanted babies from an unwashed animal running around looking for a GSD to purchase.

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I'd get male and neutered for sure. Something like this color:



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divot1338 posted...

As long as you dont forget to get neutered TC. Cant have a bunch of unwanted babies from an unwashed animal running around looking for a GSD to purchase.

You'll never see a breeder that doesn't mandate it, so no worries

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btw there are online communities for all the popular dog breeds. I'm sure there are at least a dozen dedicated german shepherd forums where you could get advice.

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Austin_Era_II posted...

Yeah I'd give it mental training. I've seen videos. They are very smart and I like that about them. I don't want sloping backs. I'd prefer straight.

Good good. A lot of people don't realize that dogs need mental stimulation just as much if not more than physical exercise. Like walking won't be enough but most people don't good that.

But whatever you do....do not do not DO NOT indoctrinate your dog into a neo-fascist mindset blaming the economic woes of your country on the Jewish minority class and facilitate a belief structure that the Aryan race is the superior race. It will never end good. Not only is it a horrible thing to do, it would take WAY too many treats for them to learn it. Just keep it to "one treat = one roll-over" and save your money.

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Waits for it.

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I joined a forum shortly 3 years ago for advice before deleting the account. Got good advice. Plus Youtube video helps. I had a high school friend who had a GSD and he was great.

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You buy a purebreed, and you'll end up spending 20 times what you paid for it in medical bills.

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008Zulu posted...

You buy a purebreed, and you'll end up spending 20 times what you paid for it in medical bills.

If he gets it from a breeder that doesn't health test, yes.

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Unless you're a breeder or make well over 6 figures a year of disposable income I'd say it's a pretty dumb idea to spend that much on a dog

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008Zulu posted...

You buy a purebreed, and you'll end up spending 20 times what you paid for it in medical bills.

While I generally agree with the idea that adopting is better than buying a purebred in most situations, This isn't really that true. A reputable breeder will test specifically for those kinds of defects going forward, and generally purebreds have lower vet costs in the future than what people might think. whereas with a shelter mutt, you don't know what you're going to get, they aren't screened for anything when they're young, and neither were their parents. They're prone to medical problems just as much as a properly bred purebred is.
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Irony posted...

No

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Timohtep posted...

While I generally agree with the idea that adopting is better than buying a purebred in most situations, This isn't really that true. A reputable breeder will test specifically for those kinds of defects going forward, and generally purebreds have lower vet costs in the future than what people might think. whereas with a shelter mutt, you don't know what you're going to get, they aren't screened for anything when they're young, and neither were their parents. They're prone to medical problems just as much as a properly bred purebred is.

Exactly my thoughts that's why I'd rather pay that much. You get what you pay for in life. Some things I don't cheap out on.

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Austin_Era_II posted...

Exactly my thoughts that's why I'd rather pay that much. You get what you pay for in life. Some things I don't cheap out on.

However I still think that in your situation, and from what you've described, it would be a better choice just adopt a dog and save a life. But hey, it's your money
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It's not just gonna be a companion. I will work with the dog. Unlike most dog owners it won't be a sit at home watching tv all day on the carpet dog.

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Parasite_Eve posted...

Adopt dont shop

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My dog (who I still miss) was $65 dollars.

Purebred means nothing.

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Timohtep posted...

A reputable breeder

Anyone can say they are reputable. Anyone can Photshop fake certificates. How do you really know the dog is a genuine, and not some brain-damaged result of incest?

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008Zulu posted...

Timohtep posted...

A reputable breeder

Anyone can say they are reputable. Anyone can Photshop fake certificates. How do you really know the dog is a genuine, and not some brain-damaged result of incest?

Don't ask me I'm not a professional. But there are ways.
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Considering they live for a very long time and become part of the family I'd say it's a good investment.

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Irony posted...

No

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No, there are plenty of shelters with dogs who need homes. Also depending who youre buying from, youd also be supporting a puppy mill.

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My first cat was from a shelter. She was older, was originally planning on getting a kitten. Kinda aggressive. She lived for a bit over 10 years and had one litter, from which I kept one kitten who is not aggressive but still kind of a problem in his own way. I blame his parents.

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Its crazy how much people in this board force their beliefs on you. Ive worked with animals all my life. Youre taking a gamble with shelter dogs. Youre already having to pay several hundred dollars for a dog. If its a popular breed theyll charge extra too. Youre getting a dog you have no idea how they are. Ive seen many people adopt a dog and bring it right back because it doesnt like other animals or it bites the owner.

also, I like pit bulls, but all my local shelters are 99 percent pit bulls. If theyre not, theyre gone within the hour. What if you dont want a pit bull? I mean he said GSD....

pure breeds are animal cruelty


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If you get a German Shepard dog, be very careful.

If you can get it from a legit, well regarded breeder who cares about the dogs its better.

Do *not* get a dog that hasnt been breed surveyed, GSDs have huge problems with hereditary hip dysplasia and neurological problems.

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Perascamin posted...

pure breeds are animal cruelty

So is taking animals to a safe haven and then being put down because they didnt get adopted fast enough, or theres too many

Austin_Era_II posted...

It's not just gonna be a companion. I will work with the dog. Unlike most dog owners it won't be a sit at home watching tv all day on the carpet dog.

Everything you want to teach the dog, you can do with a Shelter dog.

Seriously, save your money.

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Austin_Era_II posted...

If it has health issues in the first year or two. Like goes blind.

Then you take care of it. Dogs aren't disposable toys you can just.. toss away if something bad happens to

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Nothing wrong with getting a dog from a reputable breeder, especially if it is your first dog. Then you know it most likely doesnt have any genetic diseases or problems, and also comes from a good home where it got to spend a lot of time socializing with other dogs and learning from its mom. A lot of breeders start basic training even before you pick the puppy up.

When you adopt, you have a bigger chance of getting a dog with health problems or with mental trauma (or just lack of socialization and training) that will make it a hell of a lot more work to handle if you dont know what you are doing.

Just dont get a dog from a puppy mill, the puppies you see in the window at the pet shop.

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Its up to you if you've got that kind of cash and if you've met with the dog and made a connection with it. That kinda dough for a dog seems more like it would be for people looking for good breeding/working/ show dogs.

If your just looking for a pet, then you can probably find a dog much cheaper. German Shephards are smart dogs, but come riddled with health issues due to idiotic breeding. And I don't mean the back yard type. It's " stupid akc show standards" that fucked up a once healthy breed of dog.

Wherever you find your furry new companion at, please show pictures of your pup.

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Venger2112 posted...

Then you take care of it. Dogs aren't disposable toys you can just.. toss away if something bad happens to

I agree with this. Dogs are supposed to be members of the family.

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DantexNero posted...

So is taking animals to a safe haven and then being put down because they didnt get adopted fast enough, or theres too many

This isn't an equivalency

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Lil_Bit83 posted...

I agree with this. Dogs are supposed to be members of the family.

If it comes with 2 or 3 years warranty and develops health issues I have no problem getting a new one in that timeframe cause I paid for that service.

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No, people shouldnt keep pets

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Parasite_Eve posted...

Adopt dont shop

Garioshi posted...

you can just get one from a shelter

SaltyWet posted...

Get one from the pound.

Etc etc. Breeding is morally bankrupt. You want an expensive showpiece, not a living animal to bond with.

It's not a showpiece. I like the working line and the pure breed instead of mix looks appealing to me. I don't like the look of show line either.

Also why do I need to be making 6 figures a year to drop $3K on something that could last me 10 years or more. It works out to like $300 a year. $25 a month. Considering I pay $15 for Netflix which I'm going to cancel again since I barely watch it that's an extra $10.

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