Behavioural Issues found In Puppies Purchased From Pet Shops
Friends of the Dog
Friends of the Dog

Puppies sold in pet stores are often bred in large-scale, commercial breeding facilities (CBEs) that focus on making a profit rather than ensuring the well-being of the dogs. As a result, the conditions these dogs live in can be poor, leading to both physical and behavioral problems in the puppies.
In the U.S., pet stores typically get their puppies from intermediaries who source them from CBEs, and many puppies are also sold directly to buyers online.
Conditions in these breeding facilities can range from slightly acceptable to shockingly bad. Many of these places are overcrowded, with dogs kept in small, cramped cages. These dogs may spend their entire lives in these cages, with no room to exercise or play. They often don’t receive proper care, and some don’t even have the opportunity to interact with humans. Many CBEs have unsanitary conditions—like dirty cages, bad smells, and insufficient food or water. There’s often little or no medical care for the dogs, and some are suffering from untreated health issues. The dogs may also show signs of stress or unusual behaviors due to these conditions.
Puppies raised in these environments tend to have more behavior and emotional problems as they grow up, compared to puppies from responsible breeders. Common issues include increased aggression, especially towards family members or strangers, and fears of unfamiliar people, other dogs, or even everyday situations like walks. Many also develop attention-seeking behaviors or have trouble being left alone.
These issues are caused by a variety of factors. Genetics, lack of proper socialization during their early weeks, and stress from poor living conditions all contribute. Puppies may also be taken from their mothers too early, adding to the emotional and behavioral challenges. Transporting puppies long distances to pet stores can add more stress, and sometimes, owners who don’t fully understand how to care for these puppies may unknowingly make the situation worse.
By understanding these challenges, we can make more informed decisions when choosing where to get a puppy, ensuring both the puppy and owner have the best chance for a happy, healthy life. Please consider getting your pup from a shelter or breed rescue, so that we don't keep on reinforcing pet shops and commercial breeding facilities selling puppies.
To read the full research by World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress
In the U.S., pet stores typically get their puppies from intermediaries who source them from CBEs, and many puppies are also sold directly to buyers online.
Conditions in these breeding facilities can range from slightly acceptable to shockingly bad. Many of these places are overcrowded, with dogs kept in small, cramped cages. These dogs may spend their entire lives in these cages, with no room to exercise or play. They often don’t receive proper care, and some don’t even have the opportunity to interact with humans. Many CBEs have unsanitary conditions—like dirty cages, bad smells, and insufficient food or water. There’s often little or no medical care for the dogs, and some are suffering from untreated health issues. The dogs may also show signs of stress or unusual behaviors due to these conditions.
Puppies raised in these environments tend to have more behavior and emotional problems as they grow up, compared to puppies from responsible breeders. Common issues include increased aggression, especially towards family members or strangers, and fears of unfamiliar people, other dogs, or even everyday situations like walks. Many also develop attention-seeking behaviors or have trouble being left alone.
These issues are caused by a variety of factors. Genetics, lack of proper socialization during their early weeks, and stress from poor living conditions all contribute. Puppies may also be taken from their mothers too early, adding to the emotional and behavioral challenges. Transporting puppies long distances to pet stores can add more stress, and sometimes, owners who don’t fully understand how to care for these puppies may unknowingly make the situation worse.
By understanding these challenges, we can make more informed decisions when choosing where to get a puppy, ensuring both the puppy and owner have the best chance for a happy, healthy life. Please consider getting your pup from a shelter or breed rescue, so that we don't keep on reinforcing pet shops and commercial breeding facilities selling puppies.
To read the full research by World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress