We got Parker, our 9 week old Rattie, from a very reputable breeder. She's been doing it for about 12 years, shows her dogs, studies which one will be a good fit for her girls, etc. Definitely not just a , "They're cute, I have two, lets have puppies" kind of breeder.  We've bought a few dogs from people like that before, and I have to say...the difference is amazing!  Parker, after having him for a total of five days, knows his name, is starting to ask to go out, is going up and down stairs (SCARY!!!), will retrieve for us, doesn't bite, doesn't get aggressive at ALL with my little DD (who should have been named Elmira), is walking nicely on a leash!  Our breeder does temperament testing on the pups, and this one passed with kids with flying colors. It does make a BIG difference.

  Of course, we haven't had him that long, but this is what I've been waiting for.  I honestly didn't realize the difference in responsible breeding, and breeding.  I got me an education! lol.  He is just the sweetest little boy.  He loves up on the kids non stop.  DD more so than DS, but DS is in school all day, and DD was in preschool two times a week for only a couple of hours. So "us girls" as she says, gets to take care of him for the most part.  I have to say...NO dogs love my DD. She is extremely annoying to them. She just loves them SO much, she doesn't know when to stop!

DH did gross me out last night. Parker of course LOVES giving kisses, and I was letting him. DH said he saw Parker trying to eat a turd! EEEWWW. Gross! I don't know why he'd do that, he doesn't finish the food I give him! I hadn't witnessed him doing that before, and I normally am the one to take him out.  No more puppy kisses for me.

K, just my opinion. Anyone else have the same or less/more than experience?