[traciek88]

So I recently came across this website because the woman that created it and wrote a book about it lives near me and some local dog people were talking about it.

The website seems like a great concept. It's essentially yelp or Angie's list for dog "merchants" be they breeders, puppy stores or rescues and shelters. I really like the concept.

What do you think? I already wrote some reviews.

 

[desmetval]

Can you link the website please? I would love to take a look at it!

Love xx

 

[traciek88]

Sure. I'm pretty sure links like this are allowed! The site is also good because it doesn't allow anyone to buy things or change reviews, and any articles or charges of animal cruelty will come up.

http://www.dogmerchants.com

 

[traciek88]

I'm bumping up this threat I started 2 months ago because I've since read Kim Kavin's really well researched book, met her and have regularly corresponded with her. This *seriously* should take off because it could do great things to show people the right place to get a dog. On a daily basis I see people on the website asking each other about breeders, good sources to find a dog and what's good and bad about different rescues and everything. Seriously, everyone should submit a review for wherever they got their dog! I'm REALLY hoping this will take off now. Can you imagine how good it would be for an international database of legit reviews and info about breeders, rescues, stores, etc. popped up when people searched for dogs? If they went to this instead of the first puppy find site or crooked breeder who paid for their site to show up first? It would really chop bad breeders, mills and even bad rescues off at the knees. We could even refer people to it when they come on this site and ask about where to get a dog along with personal experiences.

Keep in mind the site is still really new so it's kind of blank. If your breeder/rescue/other source isn't on the site you can submit it and then review it after it's published. I know we've got lots of people from all over the world on here so you might be listing the first "merchant" in your country! She's looking to expand it with some other features, so hopefully this will work.

Everyone check out the link above let me know what you think.

 

[revolutionrocknroll]

All of the breeds and breeders I've looked up haven't had reviews! Hopefully it will take off because it could be a good idea.

However, how does it determine the rating? Does the reviewer just rate 1-5 stars, or do they have to answer questions about the quality of the breeder and the site averages them? The reason I ask is, I see pet stores, puppy mills, bybs on facebook and yelp that sell puppies getting high ratings and reviews saying things like "My puppy is very healthy" or "I love my puppy so much, thank you!" from people who aren't actually informed about ethical breeding/selling.

 

[traciek88]

@revolutionrocknroll The ratings are just 1-5 chosen by the reviewer. Theoretically this could have the same problems as Yelp with foolish people reviewing bad places if they got a decent dog or just havent found out all the issues yet. But if a place is truly bad it will have articles and charges and other things attached to the profile that the merchant CANNOT take down. For example search for the pet store 'just pups'. You'll see the criminal charges articles there. The reviews are screened for trolls or fakes thst seem obvious and there might possibly later be a follow up to ask the reviewer how the dog is a year later and if they would keep the review as it is. Like I said it's just starting but it's the best regulated review site I've ever seen.

If your breeders and rescues aren't reviewed then review them! we need the site to grow.

 

[revolutionrocknroll]

If your breeders and rescues aren't reviewed then review them! we need the site to grow.

I'm going to review the rescue I got Delilah from! It's not listed on the site so it wants me to create a listing for the rescue. Am I allowed to do this or should someone who represents the rescue make their own page on dogmerchants?

Edit: Actually, I'm not going to make the listing- it's asking for their info like phone, email, etc. I feel like that's something the rescue should set up for themselves.

 

[traciek88]

No anyone can submit a listing. Truthfully most merchants have no idea about this yet. But if someone comes on and says they are one they have the ability to send in photos and other stuff and even talk to people who review them. But if you don't want to do it you can message me the reacue's name and location so I can do it then you can review.