Dogs can be trained for many purposes, including search and rescue, protection, therapy, service dogs and more. You may be interested in a trained dog for sale, but be sure to check out all of the details before you make your final decision. Trained dogs are available from a variety of sources, including rescue organizations, retired work dogs, vets or trainers. Before you buy a trained dog, take the time to find one that matches your lifestyle and personality.

Rescue organizations

Trained dogs for sale are a great way to get a new pet without having to go through the time, effort and expense of selecting, socializing, training, and then caring for the dog. It is a great option for people who don’t have time to train their dog, want a pre-trained puppy or need to buy a housebroken puppy to replace an adult dog. Many rescue organizations work hard to reduce the number of animals in shelters and rehome them when they cannot be adopted. This is possible with the support of volunteers, fosters, and adopters.

Retired work dogs

Some military bases and organizations have a program where they sell trained dogs that are retired from service. These dogs are often very skilled at a specific task, such as finding drugs and identifying bombs. These dogs are often rehomed by their handlers or partners, but a variety of circumstances can force them to be put up for adoption as well. These include multiple deployments, reassignment to remote duty locations and other types of stress. If you are interested in adopting a retired police dog, start by calling local police stations or K-9 officer training facilities. These places can tell you about any waiting lists, requirements and any other important details about the adoption process.

Vets or trainers

A vet or trainer who has a knack for motivating even the most stubborn of canines may be able to turn out a well-trained specimen for a price you can afford. These dogs can range in price from $0 to several thousand dollars, though it isn’t uncommon to find a well-behaved companion for the princely sum of a few hundred. In my opinion, a dog that has been trained to do a trick is a worthy addition to any family. The best part is that these dogs are a lot easier to train than your typical poodle or shih tzu, and often require minimal grooming and training. You’ll probably have to wait a while to find the right match for your family, but you’ll be rewarded in spades. Besides, the right dog will likely be with you for life. The most important rule of thumb is to never put an animal in a cage or crate without a bonded pair of hands, and it’s always wise to ask before you pull the trigger on that expensive pet food and toys.

Shelters

Shelters that have trained dogs for sale are a great place to find your next companion. These dogs are all ready for a home and are waiting to fill their spot in your heart. They’re also great for families who are looking to get a service dog or a therapy dog for a loved one. They can help people who have special needs, such as autism or PTSD. Many shelters have a behavior program that focuses on education, training and ongoing interaction with people and other dogs. Without these things, kenneled dogs often become inattentive and hyperactive, de-socialize and develop bad habits. Some shelters also provide weekly obedience classes to their dogs to train them to interact with visitors, not jump or bark. This helps to make visits more enjoyable for potential adopters, and makes the dogs easier to manage in a home.