After watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 last week I was furious and HAD to talk about it. They got not one, but two German Shepherd puppies from a Backyard Breeder, yet seemed to be completely uneducated about/prepared for dog ownership. I see that on tonight’s show they have to bring one of their new dogs to the vet because she has swallowed one of the kids’ stuffed animals. I just hope that these dogs get the socialization, exercise, and training that they need.
If you are thinking about getting a pet, HERE are some things to consider. Also make sure to do research on the breed you’re interested in because each breed has its own set of needs. Finally, please consider rescuing. Petfinder.com has made it really easy to search for adoptable dogs in your area according to you breed, gender, and age preference. They will tell you all they know about the dog you’re interested in…both good and bad…because they want you to make sure that each dog gets his or her forever home.
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Tags: backyard breeders, dog rescue, german shepherds, jon and kate plus 8, obtaining pets responsibly, petfinder, responsible pet ownership





I couldn’t agree more. I don’t think I’ll be watching that show anymore. There was no consideration for the needs of the puppies. Did you see that they made jokes about the dogs eating the children’s toys. That is so dangerous. You can’t expect small children to pick up after those dogs properly. That is their responsibility. Makes me mad just thinking about it.
Yes, this is absolutely ridiculous. I’m not a big fan of Kate anyway and now even less so. As you mentioned, I would have to think that the producers of the show maybe had something to do with this?
And you’ve also got to note the breed they chose. Anyone who “knows dogs” knows that German Shepherds are really not the best choice for first-time dog owners. They are incredible dogs, but they are not the happy-go-lucky first family pet.
Very irresponsible all around.
Suzanne Jalot
Editor
Dog Living Magazine
I agree with you. I don’t think that much thought was put into the research on owning a dog, let alone two dogs. I also agree about getting one dog at a time. Getting two from the same litter ensures they bond together, not so much with the pet owners. One dog is a lot or responsibility. Two dogs is insane when they are both puppies if you don’t have much experience with dogs, don’t even want a dog, and have 8 kids! Normally, I love the show, and the kids are adorable. I have a few issues with Kate’s neurotic tendencies in the cleanliness department, but I understand that 8 children equates to a huge mess. I have a big problem with the lack of research, the purchasing of two puppies, and not even a thought about adoption! What about rescuing a dog? Why did they have to buy from another backyard breeder? It perpetuates more irresponsible breeding. Why do people think that just because they love dogs, that it’s okay to breed them without any research on lineage or history of the breeds? Jon & Kate could have adopted a puppy from a rescue league. They could have been more prepared with everything they needed before they adopted, and then I would be able to respect that decision. The fact that Kate doesn’t want a dog, and the parents aren’t on the same page in the decision of ownership, made me cringe. The German Shepard Puppies will lose out in this decision eventually.
Hi, saw your video. I agree, owning a dog should be taken on more responsibly. I feel the worst reason a person should take a dog is because it is given to them. It is free. What people do not understand is that owning most pets is a financial responsibility, as well as providing emotional support for the animal, especially in training and care. We have 5 chihuahua’s and although they are small, there are five individual animals. We have had to learn about each of their individual needs, and how to integrate those needs in with the group of five. We love our dogs, and take their care very seriously. (the kids refer to them as their dogs, but mom and dad take care of most of the work and care. I believe that shelters do the best job in preparing new pet owners, but even they don’t always get the message across. Thanks for taking the time to record the video. The message is clear.
Awesome points you have made here, another huge alarm bell for me was when the dogs came home from the vet a few episodes later (didn’t see the original procuring but read about it online), the vet gave the father instructions on caring for the dog after surgery, including not letting it run around, get excited, or do anything that could rip the stitches.
The father clearly wasn’t listening and when he was at home made quite a point of saying how that was pretty much impossible as they are outside dogs.
Considering there was no belly wrap or cone it would appear that the timeline was somewhat made up, but it ‘appears’ as though the dog just returned from having surgery and is allowed out to run and wrestle with it’s litter mate in the mud.
Even if it had been allowed the appropriate healing time, it doesn’t look like it, and he ultimately mocks the advice of the vet. This was not only a wasted opportunity to be a good example, but turned out to be a downright bad example of pet care.
I’m appalled at this show and realy hope some sort of animal rights group becomes aware of this and take the opportunity to make an example and publicy decry this bahaviour.
I agree and was upset about how they acted and treated the whole situation of getting the new puppies. I have only watched this show twice out of curiosity since I’ve been reading in the news about multiple birth families. It seem me this family wasn’t really interested in the dogs and did it for rating, kids and puppies.
I hope they will realize their responsibility in raising these poor dogs, and not just leave them locked in a pen, then wonder why they have difficulties with the dog’s behavior in the future. Isn’t this suppose to be the learning channel. Seems like a misuse of title.
Great vlog. I agreed and was horrified reading about this episode and the irresponsible behavior of both the Gosselins and the breeder. Now I’m outraged there has been a second episode due to the female dog eating a toy and Jon’s cavalier disregard of the post op instructions given by the vet. I hope the local ASPCA has gotten those dogs safe homes, otherwise, I fear they may face even more problems down the line.
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I absolutely agree with you Ann!! The worst part about the whole thing is they didn’t teach their children to be responsible with their belongings and Nala actually ate a small toy!!
What made it even worse was when John and the kids picked her up from the vet, and they were told to keeps her quite and do not allow her to run around and play for a few days, John totally disobeyed and allowed her outside with her brother to run around the yard with no supervision!!
I’m so glad to hear I wasn’t the only upset by this!!