Follow tips for holiday gifts
Guidelines will help buyers avoid pitfalls of puppy trade

For the last few years, I have been trying to warn readers of the drawbacks to giving puppies as presents for Christmas. But no matter how much advice I have attempted to give, people are still choosing to give puppies as gifts.
If you have your heart set on giving a puppy to a loved one this holiday season, there are certain guidelines that you should follow. First, I recommend that you not buy a puppy from a pet store or grooming salon without doing serious research. These puppies often come from puppy mills and may suffer from medical, genetic and behavior problems. These puppies are bred only to make money for the millers and the retail outlet.
The second group of breeders to be watchful for are the "backyard breeders." These dog owners want to earn some extra cash by selling litters of puppies but on a much smaller scale than puppy millers. Many of these backyard breeders have little, if any, education on the breed standards. You might read in a newspaper advertisement that they offer dogs "from champion blood lines," but the owners themselves have never set foot into the competition ring. Again, these puppies may suffer from medical, genetic and behavioral problems and may have been raised in unhealthy environments.
If you have already made up your mind to purchase a puppy from a pet store, grooming salon or from a breeder who advertises in the newspaper, be sure to ask plenty of questions. You should inquire about the background of the breeder, the origin of the puppy, and if any medical guarantees come with the puppy. Ask if the puppy is from registered parents. But do not be fooled by fancy titles. There are several dog "registries" that will provide "papers" on just about any dog regardless of lineage or breed standards. Don't be surprised if the salesperson is unwilling to give you any reliable information.
How will you know if you have found a reputable breeder? Most reputable breeders will only sell a dog under contract that will vary from breeder to breeder but will set forth that breeder's policy regarding health guarantee, refund and return policy and other rights and responsibilities of the buyer and seller. A responsible breeder also will carefully screen potential buyers to insure that the dogs will be placed in an appropriate home. These breeders will offer you support with your new puppy and always help you place the dog (or take it back) if for some reason you cannot keep it. Conscientious, caring breeders will be knowledgeable about the breed and the genetic diseases common in that breed and will be willing to answer your questions. And finally, a reputable breeder will agree to let you inspect the environment in which the dogs are bred and raised, and the kennel or home should appear clean and well maintained
If you are thinking about getting a new pet, please consider from whom you are buying. Get references on the seller and ask for a list of satisfied customers whom you can telephone for more information about the dogs that they have purchased.
Of course, I strongly suggest that if you want a new pet, consider adopting one from your local humane society or animal shelter. Remember, human beings are not the only ones who want to be home for the holidays.