LOOKING FOR A CANINE COMPANION?  

If you are looking for a puppy or an older dog to adopt, Golden Valley Kennel Club will assist you in selecting a breed that should be suitable for your family situation.

We will be happy answer questions as best as we are able. You can e-mail us at goldenvalleykc@gmail.com You can also check with the AKC www.akc.org, Local kennel clubs and breed parent clubs

We do not offer referrals for breeding.

Golden Valley Kennel Club, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the quality or completeness of the services provided by any individuals or organizations listed here.

WHAT DOG IS BEST FOR YOU?

Before deciding on a specific breed, you should have an idea if the breed you want is a good fit for your lifestyle.
A few of the things to consider are:
Do you live in apartment or a house?
Is your yard large or small?
Do you have small children?
The American Kennel Club   web site www.akc.org can help you learn about different breeds and assist in selecting a breed that is right for you. Another link that may help you select a breed is Puppy finder www.puppyfinder.com. Check our links page for other suggestions.

Another excellent source of information is your local library.
Most libraries have a large selection of books on breeds, selecting and raising puppies, training etc.
 

HOW DO I FIND A PUREBRED DOG? 
 
We suggest that you check with the AKC or Puppy finder web site for breed clubs in your area. 

Attending a dog show or match will give you an opportunity to see a number of breeders' animals in one place.

WHAT ABOUT ADOPTION?

There are many, many wonderful purebred and mixed breed animals that for one reason or another need good homes.
You  might consider checking out a breed rescue group - there are too many to list - or visit your local animal shelter.
In this area try Stanislaus County Animal Services  or S.P.C.A. of Stanislaus .
Not in this area? Try the national S.P.C.A. at  Pet Finder .

Some pet supply stores also offer pet adoptions. For other suggestions, visit our links page.
 
WHAT ABOUT INTERNET PET AUCTIONS?

We have recently become aware of internet pet auctions. Golden Valley Kennel Club cannot recommend internet pet auctions, as we have no way of determining the quality of animals put up for auction on an internet web site.

DOGS AND HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE

A serious increase in the number of dog bite incidents has caused many insurance companies to rethink how they insure homeowners who own dogs. Probably the most notorious of these incidents is the lacrosse coach in San Francisco who was killed by her neighbors' dogs.

Dog attacks and dog bites often lead to lawsuits and liability claims against the homeowner's insurance policy. Dog bites account for about one third of liability claims and cost insurers $310 million dollars per year. All too often dog attacks and mauling involve the same breeds. Consequently many insures have instituted new rules for households that include dogs.

For example, Mercury Casualty Company offers discount to homeowners who do NOT own dogs.
Some insurance companies, such as State Farm Insurance, look at individual dogs. Farmers Insurance also insures dogs on an individual basis and has a no tolerance policy for bites. In either case, if the homeowner submits a claim, the insurer may ask the homeowner to remove the offending dog or their coverage may be canceled. The dog will certainly be removed from the policy.

Other insurers, such as Nationwide, will not insure households with specific breeds that have a reputation for aggression. Some insurers will charge higher premiums, or will not cover the pet unless the homeowner takes the dog to obedience classes or restrains the dog with a muzzle, cage or chain. More and more insurers are looking to breeds, because certain breeds are having more problems.

Some people own a dog for security. An alarm system will probably serve them better than the possible liability of an aggressive dog.

The message is clear: Know what you are getting into or be prepared to pay! It is certainly in the interest of potential dog owners to research the dog's history and the breed before you adopt. And potential dog owners should certainly check with their insurance company before adopting to avoid possible future problems.

  Homeowner's Insurance and pets,

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