Even with Oregon's new laws putting limits and regulations on dog breeders, expectations of how dogs are bred are still far below what they could be.  Seeing as the law went into effect on January 1, 2010 and only one Oregon breeder has surrendered any dogs, it's probably safe to say that legislation is not the definitive answer to the problem.

Dog breeders will only change their standards when the buying public starts demanding more.  This will require education of the public as to what can be and should be expected when purchasing a puppy from a breeder.  It will also require that potential puppy owners do more planning, searching and non-emotional selecting of dog breeders and their puppy.

Responsible dog breeders are very picky about the homes they will send their dogs to.  They would never dream of selling one of their puppies to a pet store!  In fact, great breeders wouldn't even have their pups in an outside kennel or other area outside of their home.  Why?  Because pups who are going to live in a home need to be raised in a home with all the sights, smells and sounds of a human family.

It's fair and right for any potential puppy owner to only pay money for a puppy who comes from healthy, well-balanced parents.  As a potential puppy owner, you have the right to and should expect to meet the parents of your potential puppy.  If the parents are afraid of people, shy, aggressive or in any way not the kind of pet you would want to have, you certainly shouldn't buy a puppy bred from those dogs.

You have every reason to expect that a new puppy, even at eight weeks of age, has been properly socialized with lots of people, has learned to sit, down and come when called, and has started proper house training.  You do not want a puppy that has been kept away from people in a newspaper covered area where all the pups are peeing and pooping all over the place!

It's the buyer's responsibility to be informed of their options and to know what to look for.  No one should be purchasing a puppy without first consulting a Certified Pet Dog Trainer to assist in choosing the right breed, the right breeder and the right puppy.

Dr. Ian Dunbar has written an entire book called Before You Get Your Puppy and it is available for free download at his website, www.dogstardaily.com.  Now there is no excuse for financially supporting sub-par breeders or purchasing less than great puppies.