Grand Rapids

Kennel Club

Board of Directors

 

PRESIDENT

Mr. Clare Lodenstein

269.792.9590

 

VICE PRESIDENT

Delberta Gogulski

 

 TREASURER

Janna Bayle

 

RECORDING

SECRETARY

Lin Beenen

 

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Diane Black

3030 Timpson Ave SE

Lowell MI 49331

 

  DIRECTORS AT LARGE

Len Podleski

Michelle Waterman  

 

AKC DELEGATE

Sandee Lovett

 

LEGISLATIVE LIAISONS

Kevin Nieboer

Nori Goodhue

 

  GRKC 

NEWSLETTER

EDITOR

The Hairy

Len Podleski

 

 

 

Finding the right dog                                   

Here are some things to think about as you try to find that family companion for your family.

To begin, take your time, do your homework, and find a dog that matches your lifestyle. Owning a dog is a very special experience. The reality is that you are adding a member to your family, as a healthy dog can live for 12-15 years or more. It is important that you give a lot of thought to this process.

Don't get a dog on impulse. Don't get a dog to be trendy. Trends come and go, but your dog will be with you for a long time. The stars of "101 Dalmatians" and "Frasier" and "Beethoven" are wonderful dogs, but they aren't for everyone and they may not be the right dog for you or your family.

Envision the dog as an adult.                     

Every puppy is cute, but you need to know what it will grow up to be. This is the essence of the purebred dog: predictability. You will know what that puppy will grow up to be in terms of size, personality, conditioning and grooming needs.

 

Study the breed's history.   

                   

All breeds were developed to perform a specific function. If you know that purpose and the history of the breed, then you will be best prepared for a successful relationship.

Make a commitment.  

Having a dog creates responsibilities. Be sure that you will have quality time to spend with the dog.

There are many resources to help you. By visiting the AKC Breed List you will find descriptions of each of the 165 breeds and varieties currently recognized, and links to all the parent club web sites (e.g., Boxer Club of America).

Here are some other suggestions:

* Look at books, magazines, web sites and videos.
* Consult with your veterinarian.
* Go to a dog show and visit with breeders and owners.

Find An Ethical, Responsible Breeder

An ethical, responsible breeder breeds to improve the health of the breed, not just to create a product for re-sale. They know their stock, they study pedigrees and they do extensive health screening.

AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION

 

 

 

Cavalier Communicator - Fall 2009 Issue

 

  

An ethical, responsible breeder is not offended by your questions and in fact will have lots of questions for you. Responsible breeders want their dogs to be in good homes.

An ethical, responsible breeder will have an active history in shows or other competition, and should be involved in a club or rescue activities.

You should visit in person the facilities where the puppy was raised, as this will play a role in the future health and personality of the dog. You should also try to see at least one of the parents and some of the littermates.

An ethical, responsible breeder will provide a contract with health guarantees and will provide papers for you to register your dog. Remember, when you buy a dog from a breeder, you are also buying that breeder, too, someone who should be willing to be a valuable resource and a mentor for you for the life of the dog.

Be A Responsible Dog Owner

We like to say that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. Have fun with your dog. Love your dog, include them in your life.

Know the laws for dogs where you live. License your dog, use permanent identification such as a tattoo or microchip. Practice good manners and dog owner etiquette: be respectful of your neighbors and their dogs. Clean up after your dog, and control barking and behavior issues.

Take them to some basic training and help them be a responsible member of your family. A trained dog is a happy dog.
 
 

THE IMPORTANCE OF AKC REGISTRATION FOR ALL YOUR PUPPIES

 

Full Page

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF AKC REGISTRATION FOR ALL YOUR PUPPIES

Half Page

 

Registering All Your Dogs Has Never Been More Important

Article

 

ALL Dogs Deserve to be Registered

Article

 

GRAND RAPIDS KENNEL CLUB IS A MEMBER CLUB OF THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

Copyright 2012 Grand Rapids Kennel Club