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| Overdogged |
| This is a term that is used for people that have acquired too many dogs, creating a hardship. These dogs are usually kept in such large numbers that they are housed in basements, garages, tied, chained or kenneled outside (left to natures cruel elements of rain, cold , heat, wind, ants, wild animals and diseases). Sometimes pups are even born unsupervised and or raised outside. Often dishes left outside attract wild animals, get feces, dirt and bugs in them. Naturally there are losses, but too often they are seen as exceptable due to the number of pups produced per year. Like anything done in excess, it can ruin lives, marriages, relationships and mostly the quality of the dogs life. How do you afford this many dogs? by breeding excessively usually. Often at some point quantity over rules quality. Many will argue that if you love the breed or your dog how can you allow this. Do these dogs REALLY get proper exercise and socialization? Why does this happen? |
| Overdogged happens when people get the show or breeding "bug". When the show prospects fail to live up to your expectations and you acquire yet another show prospect. Then a once in a life-time dog comes along. Maybe you get pups back on a stud or sale agreement or keep a pup or two from a litter you bred. The food and vet bills quickly become staggering. If household members were not that crazy about the idea to begin with, things can quickly escalate to an unhappy household. Often the work and expense (food, shots, show fees, advertising, dog-sitters, hotels, crates ect) starts to overwhelm the pleasure and the dogs become such a burden that some may be dumped in shelters or to anyone that wants them with "flash in the pan" breeders. Some are moved to the yard, to be left out in the elements, kenneled or chained. In other extreme cases, dogs are moved into the garage or basements caged (sometimes left in the dark hours at a time) where they often sit and sit unsocialized waiting for bits of attention and affection. Too many dogs in 1 household results in your house smelling like a kennel. Non dog friendly visitors gag at the smell and start to decline to visit. Furniture is chewed or soiled, and the carpet holds the doggie odors. A lot of dogs can easily be a Full time job between feeding, play, training, exercising, shows and relieving themselves. It is difficult if not impossible to juggle full time work and a busy household and still give a litter and or a house full of dogs the proper amount of attention. |
| Saying NO can be difficult and will make you move more slowly in the dog game. But it gives you time to learn, to build a reliable solid reputation. Many breeders are overdogged. The only good reason is sentiment and love, keeping their retired dogs and unwanted pups. But you must love the dog, the breed more than the ribbons, the glory, the financial gain (if any). Better to house a small number, acquiring only the best there is to buy. A small enough number so that each can live indoors comfortably as part of the family. A small enough number that they can play comfortably in your yard, that you can afford the vet bills and food without sacrificing quality for quantity or overpopulating. ANYTHING beyond that and you are overdogged and very possible seen as a puppy mill by some. Doing a disservice to the dog, their breed and your family and perhaps your customers who buy these all too often under socialized pups. Would you buy your dog from a situation like this? If not, why would your customers want to? Unsocialized, chained and tied up dogs are also more likely to become aggressive and bite. Some breeders start even their young pups that they acquire or keep as future breeding stock to live like this. This is NOT a family beloved dog in our eyes, and why would you treat a show star like this? Does a dog that you breed that produces litter after litter giving you financial gain, champions & glory deserve this kind of life? |
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| We understand and know that most show people and overdogged breeders of quality dogs give there dogs excellant medical attention, pay kennel help, feed premium food, kennels are kept clean, making sure they are exercised ect. The kennels pictured here all appear very clean. We just personally feel that for all they give us, they deserve in return to be indoors, part of the family, sleeping on a soft warm bed, safe from the outdoor elements, lavished with the attention they so deserve. Although losses will happen to everyone, they should never be considered exceptable. I still cry over each loss. |