Return that dog. - Page 2

I personally am the complete opposite of the fellow that Prager has quoted in the OP.  I abhor the practice of buying and returning perfectly healthy dogs that were purchased as young pups, just because he/she did not achieve the high points that the purchaser was looking for (whether that was the handler's fault or whether that was the dog's "fault" is not being debated here). 

There should be a database that tracks/black-lists these kinds of returns/people, so that other breeders can turn them away, when these buyers approach for a puppy purchase.

Dirty pool to quote out of context IMO

That said, where does the right or wrong
come in to play for those that make their
living off of peddling dogs & puppies?
How about the 'breeders' who get what they can from a dog then sell the dog to the next who will likely do the same.

Where do you draw the line on what's ethical or not?

Anyway, sound German Shepherds have little or no problem transitioning to a new environment,
that´s true
the problem is the emotional projection and baggage of some people,
this is no "problem" buying a German Shepherd doesn´t mean you have to
achieve 300 points or
achieve a VA rating or
become a famous breeder
but means to buy a companion you should train up to its own capabilities.

There is too much money involved, and the so called professionals are feeding this money machine.

What Susie, Workingdogz, HundMutter, and aakay said.

I'd never buy a dog unless I were prepared to provide a good home for it cradle to grave and I'd never buy a dog from a breeder who required the return of the dog or who worded the guarantee to say something like "the buyer might be able to keep the dog if I say so".  If you're looking for a sport dog, IMO one should be prepared to keep the dog even if it doesn't work out or be responsible enough to re-home it where it will be well cared for. Many times the breeder will take the dog back and rehome it and that's a good thing IMO. What's not a good thing is a breeder who says -well, yeah I'll take him back as I said I  would, but  don't have room for him so he'll need to be put down.

Yes, most GSD's can be rehomed successfully, I happen to be the 8th owner of a dog that was only 3 1/2 years old when I got her.  She has adapted nicely, always has since she was 8 weeks old. Still I don't think it's the best life for a GSD to be handed around so much. I don't board her often, but when I do she spends most of her day watching the road for my car.  That doesn't make me feel good at all.

How about the 'breeders' who get what they can from a dog then sell the dog to the next who will likely do the same.

That´s unethical. Don´t misunderstand me, there are points in life you may need to give a dog away, but for some people is "usual practice".

I think we pet owners humanize our dogs, especially gsd's. Give them mythical powers and emotional bonds. Perhaps the same is done to horses too. I am sure there are psychological reasons for that. To some sport/SL people, gsd's may be a tool to achieve success. For police/military, gsd's are a tool, and they mercilessly cull them after they are no longer useful. I dont think either of these view points is more correct or wrong than another. Its all about whether we have formed an emotional bond with the dog and what is it worth to us.

As an OT: Recently I was investigating mouse traps (the kind that snap and instantly kill the mouse), and there were many who were opposed to killing the mouse and wanted a humane way to capture them and release them into the wild!.

"How about the 'breeders' who get what they can from a dog then sell the dog to the next who will likely do the same."

This is done by professional breeders. their argument is that they are sharing the oats, and being selfless in the process. It sounds noble, when put that way.

 Melissa.

"I'd never buy a dog unless I were prepared to provide a good home for it cradle to grave". Sounds noble too, but it also means that the only dogs that should be sold are the ones who are puppies, and selling green or adult dogs is to be frowned upon.

Cleary a division exists between those who/breed dogs only for sport, and those who buy/breed dogs that are essentailly intended as companions. It's hard for one to understand or justify the intentions of the other.  When I first got into the breed I was appalled when I learn about dog brokers. What, there are people who make their living trafficking in dogs? I still don't fully undertand it, but have become more accepting of some who do it since I've got to know them better.  Make no mistake there are plenty of showline breeders/owners whose kennels have a revolving gait - dogs come, dogs go on a regular basis.