Collecting puppy

Pups can be viewed over video.
Any good breeder should be able to carry out the required assessment for what the new owner is looking for or carry out the instruction for assessment and film it
Wouldn't be my cup of tea but one of the big breeders in Scandinavia asks your sex and colour preference and picks you one.
Chip #/dog selected should be linked to colour collar (purple male, green female etc) to prevent mix ups.
If you don't trust the breeder to be able to do any of that, why purchase from them in the first place?
 
I wouldn't buy a horse, dog or any animal that I hadn't seen on the day of purchase and particularly one that I had only ever seen on a video. It would be lovely to be able to trust any animal breeder and allow them to choose the one that the owner was going to spend years with as part of the family, but unfortunately, where money is concerned, not all business people are saints.
Taking on a dog is a serious responsibility. I don't understand how standing several feet away on someone's property is going to magically spread the virus.
Without the ability to see into the future, I don't know how breeders were expected to know we'd be expecting a pandemic of this proportion because if they could it would have been better to have played the stock market rather than going through the risk and hassle of producing a litter.
 
I think we're talking at cross purposes, most people I know do a first viewing at 4-6 weeks and then seek ongoing updates, they don't pick the pup on day of collection. I certainly wouldn't.
I didn't see my pup for seven weeks between the time I first saw him until the day he arrived with me.
I knew I liked what I saw in that particular dog.
OP sounded as if hers was picked already, apologies if I got that wrong.

Nobody can have predicted what happened at a certain point, but people have had plenty of time to come up with ideas/innovations/solutions and anyone who has deliberately mated a female should definitely have thought things through.
 
I wouldn't take a very young puppy without having seen it for 7 weeks. My parents were very careful about anyone who had one of their dogs and expected potential owners to show some commitment and involvement in the process. However, they didn't breed to make money, it was purely because of their love for the breed.
 
I bought a pup totally unseen on the recommendation of a friend who I greatly admired and respected, and who had exactly the sort of whippets I was looking for. Paid for the puppy in full, didn’t see her until the day I collected her (this was well before video calls and all that malarkey ?)

And guess what, she was exactly the sort of whippet I was looking for.... we had 13 happy years together before sadly she developed an inoperable nose tumour and had to be PTS ?

I trusted my friend.....the breeder trusted my friend... simple ?
 
With regard to picking a puppy, I had one family come from Spain (they had their previous dog from me when they lived in the UK). They didn't see their pup in the flesh until they came to pick her up at 14 weeks when she had all her jabs ready to travel.

Just to add to the courier debate, didn't want to comment earlier in case I tempted fate in some way, but I have been involved with the rehoming of a dog I bred due to very sad circumstances. Yesterday he was taken by courier from Cheshire to Moray, the courier was recommended by the previous owners police contacts as he was ex force. The alternative would have been waiting for lockdown to end which would not have been great for dog or owner. He travelled in an air conditioned van, which was probably preferable to an ordinary car as it was warm yesterday. Arrived happy and in excellent condition, although it did cost a small fortune, but he was the only dog being transported and it was arranged at short notice so cost would no doubt have been more realistic if a shared trip.
 
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I thought the pup had been agreed on and deposit paid.

I thought this was the query

littlen said:
Firstly- I am not trying to break corona rules at all so please don’t all murder me at once ? more wondering than anything else.
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littlen said:
Is collecting a dog ever a reasonable excuse to be stopped?
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Opinions and suggestions were offered.

I found who said what quite interesting.

I would be inclined to put my trust in a reputable breeder who understood genetics, bred from healthy blood lines with sound temperaments, with necessary health tests undertaken. Someone with the experience to assess the temperament and potential of each pup and match those with the requirements of the buyer.
 
I’ve bought Highland and Shetland ponies unseen other than video/photos (from people I trusted) and an 8 month old GSD from a breeder I’ve known for 20 years from a couple of photos and her description of his temperament and nature. Never regretted any of those decisions, in fact the dog turned into my dog of a lifetime. Sadly I lost him to cancer at just 8 years old. If I were after a puppy in lockdown I’d definitely trust the breeder of my last three GSDs to choose a good one for me and my circumstances. Let’s face it, at 8 weeks old you don’t really know exactly what the pup you choose will turn into as a 2-3 year old dog. The important thing is to choose a breeder you trust, with dogs you like and could live with. Recommendations from other owners can help if you don’t know the breeder personally. I’m in touch with all the owners of the pups from the litter my dog sired and I can honestly say I’d be happy to have chosen any of them.
 
With regard to delivery of pups this is the Statement from the Canine and Feline Sector Group approved by Defra:

There will be many existing litters of puppies and kittens and some will currently be ready to be re-homed. The ban on third party sales of puppies and kittens (known as Lucy’s Law) came into effect on 6th April 2020 in England.
Although it is recommended not to do so under that legislation and as general best practice, during the coronavirus pandemic because of travel restrictions, it may be necessary to allow the breeder to take the puppy or kitten to their new home as collection by the purchaser is restricted. This is acceptable providing the animal is at least eight weeks of age and any viewing of them with their mother and litter mates can be achieved electronically. For the duration of the lockdown in these exceptional circumstances the breeder must ensure that when taking the puppy or kitten to a home address that journey times are minimised, preferably less than six hours, and that the handover can be achieved whilst maintaining social distancing.
Alternatively, a commercial transporter licensed for dogs may be used. Only puppies or kittens from a single litter going to the same household should be taken in each journey so that personal hygiene for the breeder or transporter can be maintained including hand washing after the drop off that can only be achieved once the breeder has returned home. The person transporting should ensure that the puppy or kitten is provided with comfortable and appropriate accommodation including bedding during transport. It may be necessary to stop to provide water. Handover should take place in a room or space large enough for the breeder/transporter and purchaser to maintain their social distance.
Gloves should be worn during the handover, removed before returning to the vehicle and disposed of afterwards. The puppy or kitten should be wiped over with a pet safe damp disposable cloth prior to handover and no equipment such as a basket should be given by the breeder to the purchaser. Doors and gates should only be opened and closed by householder. Time in the property should be kept to the absolute minimum. Paperwork and other checks and documentation should be predominantly completed ahead of meeting. Prior to the dropping off of the puppy or kitten, the purchaser should be given advice on immediate care of them including what food to purchase and allowing them to settle in their new home.
Breeders who are considering mating a bitch or queen should ensure that they have the facility to be able to allow potential purchasers to view the litter remotely. They should also consider how the offspring can be safely delivered complying with the guidance above. It may not be possible to vaccinate and microchip puppies or kittens in the current lockdown. Breeders and purchasers should contact their veterinary practice for advice. Where there is a high risk of infection with severe disease such as Canine Parvovirus the practice may be able to provide suitable arrangements for vaccination. If vaccination is undertaken the pet should be microchipped at the same time if not already implanted.
 
Moobli said:
With regard to delivery of pups this is the Statement from the Canine and Feline Sector Group approved by Defra:

There will be many existing litters of puppies and kittens and some will currently be ready to be re-homed. The ban on third party sales of puppies and kittens (known as Lucy’s Law) came into effect on 6th April 2020 in England.
Although it is recommended not to do so under that legislation and as general best practice, during the coronavirus pandemic because of travel restrictions, it may be necessary to allow the breeder to take the puppy or kitten to their new home as collection by the purchaser is restricted. This is acceptable providing the animal is at least eight weeks of age and any viewing of them with their mother and litter mates can be achieved electronically. For the duration of the lockdown in these exceptional circumstances the breeder must ensure that when taking the puppy or kitten to a home address that journey times are minimised, preferably less than six hours, and that the handover can be achieved whilst maintaining social distancing.
Alternatively, a commercial transporter licensed for dogs may be used. Only puppies or kittens from a single litter going to the same household should be taken in each journey so that personal hygiene for the breeder or transporter can be maintained including hand washing after the drop off that can only be achieved once the breeder has returned home. The person transporting should ensure that the puppy or kitten is provided with comfortable and appropriate accommodation including bedding during transport. It may be necessary to stop to provide water. Handover should take place in a room or space large enough for the breeder/transporter and purchaser to maintain their social distance.
Gloves should be worn during the handover, removed before returning to the vehicle and disposed of afterwards. The puppy or kitten should be wiped over with a pet safe damp disposable cloth prior to handover and no equipment such as a basket should be given by the breeder to the purchaser. Doors and gates should only be opened and closed by householder. Time in the property should be kept to the absolute minimum. Paperwork and other checks and documentation should be predominantly completed ahead of meeting. Prior to the dropping off of the puppy or kitten, the purchaser should be given advice on immediate care of them including what food to purchase and allowing them to settle in their new home.
Breeders who are considering mating a bitch or queen should ensure that they have the facility to be able to allow potential purchasers to view the litter remotely. They should also consider how the offspring can be safely delivered complying with the guidance above. It may not be possible to vaccinate and microchip puppies or kittens in the current lockdown. Breeders and purchasers should contact their veterinary practice for advice. Where there is a high risk of infection with severe disease such as Canine Parvovirus the practice may be able to provide suitable arrangements for vaccination. If vaccination is undertaken the pet should be microchipped at the same time if not already implanted.
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Very clear. I do wonder what the difference is betwen the seller and the purchaser making the journey? Other than the seller could possibly transport more than one, but that isn't a given.
 
I met a couple yesterday with a westie puppy who was having his first walk and thought of this thread so I asked them what they did to collect the pup. They looked at me like I had two heads and said they just drove and picked him up, it’s about 40 miles so closer but I got the feeling that wouldn’t have stopped them. He had had both his vaccinations, done at different vets for some reason and both times they said there was no problem getting them done but they had to wait in the car park.
 
dogatemysalad said:
I wouldn't take a very young puppy without having seen it for 7 weeks. My parents were very careful about anyone who had one of their dogs and expected potential owners to show some commitment and involvement in the process. However, they didn't breed to make money, it was purely because of their love for the breed.
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In my own case, the dog was 14 weeks when I got him, I trusted the breeder and the person who had been keeping him in that time as they were both very experienced and knowledgeable. There were four in the litter and one was pick/not paid for and mine cost 500, so not a money making enterprise :)
Anyone who imports from EU has to trust the breeder or keeper until Rabies jab time is completed.
Some people can afford to/have the time to view early and or go and collect, some don't.
 
skinnydipper said:
I thought the pup had been agreed on and deposit paid.

I thought this was the query




Opinions and suggestions were offered.

I found who said what quite interesting.

I would be inclined to put my trust in a reputable breeder who understood genetics, bred from healthy blood lines with sound temperaments, with necessary health tests undertaken. Someone with the experience to assess the temperament and potential of each pup and match those with the requirements of the buyer.
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Indeed, back when I was looking, I had people who I could ask, this dog/pup is available, these are the lines, this is my lifestyle, would it suit? And they could say yep/nope. There were a lot of nopes.
And looking at the dogs that I could have bought, I made the right decision.

The OP said she has been on a list for a long time, I'm sure she has built up good contacts/relationships in a breed that isn't numerically large in the UK :)
 
Clodagh said:
Very clear. I do wonder what the difference is betwen the seller and the purchaser making the journey? Other than the seller could possibly transport more than one, but that isn't a given.
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The Statement from the Canine and Feline Sector Group approved by Defra: says "Only puppies or kittens from a single litter going to the same household should be taken in each journey". This makes no sense because this is the same as the buyer collecting, one journey whichever way you look at it. It would be different if the courier was allowed to deliver to several households. Presumably the breeder would only be allowed to deliver one pup at a time too. Clear as mud.
 
I’m reading it like ester, I think.

I read that the courier can do just one pick up of puppies/kittens and these must come from a single litter, but he/she can do multiple drop offs of the litter mates at different locations as long as strict guidelines at the drop offs are followed.

Can’t be the best wording if different folk can read it so differently, though :rolleyes:.
 
I think this is what people should be paying most attention to.

Moobli said:
Although it is recommended not to do so under that legislation and as general best practice, during the coronavirus pandemic because of travel restrictions, it may be necessary to allow the breeder to take the puppy or kitten to their new home as collection by the purchaser is restricted.
Click to expand...
 
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If I’d previously bought a good pup from a renowned breeder, I think I’d trust them to choose one for me and just see video, although I’d hate it. I’d rather have hands on.

My father in law chose our first two, KC reg, working stock, remote farm on the Welsh border. We saw them on pick up day for the first time. I trusted him to choose and it was tricky as the OH wanted Hereford size/style!
 
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