What puts you off potential buyers of puppies?

[Wagtail]

I have been inundated with enquiries for my litter of puppies but have so far only allowed three people to view, all of whom have left a deposit and I am in no doubt whatsoever, will provide a good home for the pup they have chosen. But I am in a constant state of anxiety whilst I am going through the process of vetting potential buyers. I know I owe it to the pups to ensure they have the best homes possible, especially as this was an accidental breeding, never to be repeated as am having both parents neutered after the pups have gone.

However, I could have sold them all twice over by now. But if the slightest thing bugs me about a potential buyer I put them off. Maybe I'm too harsh? For example, a man emailed me on Saturday. All he said was 'do you have any puppies still available? I am only interested in a dog, and not a bitch'. I emailed back telling him I had one dog left and asking him to telephone to discuss a possible viewing. He did not email back until the following morning. This made me think he wasn't that interested, and I started to feel really put off him. He asked for more up to date pictures and said he would phone later in the day. I sent the picyires, but I didn't like the way he offered no info about himself. Maybe I was wrong. He did not phone, just emailed at 6 pm saying sorry he hadn't phoned as he was busy with Father's day and that he would call the following day to discuss. I emailed back, saying no worries, but I had sold the dog puppy (not true). My reasoning? I felt that he was deliberately delaying contact because he wanted to appear as if he could take it or leave it. I want buyers to be really keen, as if they are not keen to start with, and don't have time to call when they say they will, that they don't have time or enthusiam enough for a pup! Is this too harsh?

What things would put you off a potential buyer?

 

[BigRed]

I think the problem with modern communication is, that so much is done via computers - emails, texts. People shy away from a proper phone call. It's a shame. I would want to speak to someone too. I don't blame you for being fussy.

 

[BBH]

I'm like this with horse buyers.

I would be put off any buyer who didn't show real enthusiasm for the puppy and appeared a bit 'cagey' about divulging information or information that doesn't feel right.

I am also a speech snob and don't answer back anyone who texts / emails in text speak or appears to have poor language skills.

I am sure some of these people probably make wonderful caring owners but I really have a problem with anyone sounding ' rough'.

PS I'd never breed anything as I'd never be able to let them go.

 

[Wagtail]

I think the problem with modern communication is, that so much is done via computers - emails, texts. People shy away from a proper phone call. It's a shame. I would want to speak to someone too. I don't blame you for being fussy.

I'm like this with horse buyers.

I would be put off any buyer who didn't show real enthusiasm for the puppy and appeared a bit 'cagey' about divulging information or information that doesn't feel right.

I am also a speech snob and don't answer back anyone who texts / emails in text speak or appears to have poor language skills.

I am sure some of these people probably make wonderful caring owners but I really have a problem with anyone sounding ' rough'.

PS I'd never breed anything as I'd never be able to let them go.

Sounds as though I am not alone then in what puts me off a buyer. These pups are so 'with it'. They seem far older than six weeks and all so intelligent. I would never go through it again, not ever. I find the whole thing so stressful. I look at their adorable faces and just hope and pray they have a good life and that I make the right choices by them.

 

[BBH]

Sounds as though I am not alone then in what puts me off a buyer. These pups are so 'with it'. They seem far older than six weeks and all so intelligent. I would never go through it again, not ever. I find the whole thing so stressful. I look at their adorable faces and just hope and pray they have a good life and that I make the right choices by them.

Thats the problem I'd have. It would kill me if I ever thought of one of them being abused or ill treated and the only way to prevent that is to be absolutely sure in your mind that the owners you pick are the best you can. Also I'd make sure that each owner really understood that if they were ever in a position where their circumstances changed the pup / dog would come back to me.

Good luck.

 

[Wagtail]

Thats the problem I'd have. It would kill me if I ever thought of one of them being abused or ill treated and the only way to prevent that is to be absolutely sure in your mind that the owners you pick are the best you can. Also I'd make sure that each owner really understood that if they were ever in a position where their circumstances changed the pup / dog would come back to me.

Good luck.

Thanks, yes, I will be asking all of them to return the dog to me should they ever need to.

 

[Alec Swan]

.......

What things would put you off a potential buyer?

When they tell me that they can't really afford the puppy. That's fine, leave him where he is!

I've never been a breeder in the commercial sense, but every puppy which I've ever bred has been with some sort of work in mind, and the bulk of them have gone to working homes. Some have gone off as pets, and specifically with sheepdogs, the offer has always been that if they aren't happy with the puppy, as it grows, then please do come back to me. You'd be surprised how many decent dogs I've had returned, they've been reared for me, and it doesn't take much to lick them into shape!!

Alec.

 

[MurphysMinder]

I like people to ask lots of questions about the parents of the pups, how they have been reared etc, health tests, and to volunteer information about what they can offer before I even hae to ask the questions. Anyone whose first question is about the price doesn't get any further with me.
With Evie's recent litter all bar one were booked prior to whelping and in all cases the people had phoned me first and I think you can gauge a lot from speaking to folk. The only one who came through the KC ABS listing sent me a really lengthy email about their family, their previous dogs etc and asked if they could call me if I considered them suitable. That is the sort of prospective owner I like.
Personally I will not sell a pup to someone who is out at work a day and is only able to come home at lunch time, fine for an older dog but not for an 8 week old pup imho.

Ets. One advantage of modern communication is that with a bit of internet stalking you can find out a lot about prospective owners

 

[Wagtail]

When they tell me that they can't really afford the puppy. That's fine, leave him where he is!

I've never been a breeder in the commercial sense, but every puppy which I've ever bred has been with some sort of work in mind, and the bulk of them have gone to working homes. Some have gone off as pets, and specifically with sheepdogs, the offer has always been that if they aren't happy with the puppy, as it grows, then please do come back to me. You'd be surprised how many decent dogs I've had returned, they've been reared for me, and it doesn't take much to lick them into shape!!

Alec.

Shame there is not too much call for flock guardians in this country. Mine don't have the option of a working life. I think dogs thrive on having a job to do.

I like people to ask lots of questions about the parents of the pups, how they have been reared etc, health tests, and to volunteer information about what they can offer before I even hae to ask the questions. Anyone whose first question is about the price doesn't get any further with me.
With Evie's recent litter all bar one were booked prior to whelping and in all cases the people had phoned me first and I think you can gauge a lot from speaking to folk. The only one who came through the KC ABS listing sent me a really lengthy email about their family, their previous dogs etc and asked if they could call me if I considered them suitable. That is the sort of prospective owner I like.
Personally I will not sell a pup to someone who is out at work a day and is only able to come home at lunch time, fine for an older dog but not for an 8 week old pup imho.

Ets. One advantage of modern communication is that with a bit of internet stalking you can find out a lot about prospective owners

Yes, I always do a google search on their name, telephone number and email address. If I were ever to go into deliberate breeding I would do like you do and only breed when we had all the pups spoken for. We did that with our two mini JRs. In fact, we ended up with two more wannabe owners than pups. But would never breed them again. One of them got eclamsia twice before the pups were born and twice afterwards. I thought I would lose her each time it happened and she spent several days in the vets on a drip. It was horrific, not to mention the £1000 vets bill!

 

[SusieT]

I think you're being too fussy. A lot of people aren't overly effusive on email-if you wanted to know things it;s up to you to ask the question. Just because someone isn't socially aware doesn't mean they will be a bad owner-I'm guessing the pups aren't ready to go to new homes hence he didn't feel the rush? You don't want to be left with 3 6 month old pups when there were suitable homes.

 

[MurphysMinder]

I don't think you can ever be too fussy Susie, and do you know what I would far rather be left with 3 6 month old puppies than have a doubt in my mind about the home they have gone too.
If someone is keen to have a puppy, in my experience they will mither the life out of you wanting as much information as possible, and will be desperate to come and see them.

 

[Enfys]

My adult dogs do the job for me I disregard the Bouvier x because he is the "Welcome. Come in, Come in. Do help yourself, murder my family, here, let me show you where the sharpest knives are..." kind of mutt - love him.

The bitch doesn't like anyone on her territory being a dyed in the wool guard dog, so I take no notice of her, but the dog, he is a softie really - but a surprisingly good judge of character. I trust him every time.

There have been many times when he will come between me and visitors, or he'll guard the pups from them. If Boston isn't happy with someone then they aren't taking one of his children home with them, end of story. When that dog stands to attention against me with his hackles up and his whole body rumbling I listen well. Twice I have not sold horses to people because of him as well, maybe it is just me being fanciful, who knows.

I think when deciding on a pups future, you must go with your gut and make decisions that make you happy. If there is a niggling doubt then don't do it, you are under no obligation to sell to just anyone who wants a pup. I frequently say, either personally, on the phone or by email that I don't thing the do will be suitable for that particular situation "Thankyou for your enquiry, I hope you find what you are looking for" Most of my pups come back to visit, unborn pups are reserved before they are even planned, one family has been waiting over a year for me to breed again, and four families have come back and bought siblings, one family has three dogs of ours.

 

[Wagtail]

I think you're being too fussy. A lot of people aren't overly effusive on email-if you wanted to know things it;s up to you to ask the question. Just because someone isn't socially aware doesn't mean they will be a bad owner-I'm guessing the pups aren't ready to go to new homes hence he didn't feel the rush? You don't want to be left with 3 6 month old pups when there were suitable homes.

Thanks. That was my worry. However, I can only go on how I am when I want to buy a pup. If there is only one left of the sex I was wanting, I would be really keen to arrange a viewing ASAP. I am also really careful to reassure the breeder what a good home I can offer, without them having to ask questions.

 

[noodle_]

I think you're being too fussy. A lot of people aren't overly effusive on email-if you wanted to know things it;s up to you to ask the question. Just because someone isn't socially aware doesn't mean they will be a bad owner-I'm guessing the pups aren't ready to go to new homes hence he didn't feel the rush? You don't want to be left with 3 6 month old pups when there were suitable homes.

i agree ^^


when i was looking for a pup i started with email... as i could be sent pictures instantly almost

In regards to ownership i was happy for a reference to be given to pup owner and them knowing my full history/work pattern etc

but as it happens i got so peed off with breeders i rung up one 3 hour round trip and set off an hour later having the choice of 1 out of 1 dog!

breeder could tell from meeting us the dog was going a good home, so to me, i think meeting people is a good way to judge them

also a good way to decide if they are lying

 

[Spudlet]

Email is tricky I think, on a first email to a breeder I don't think I would be setting out my life story unprompted. I would rather email to see if there were puppies left, then call - it's easier to do some things on the phone or in person.

 

[Wagtail]

My adult dogs do the job for me I disregard the Bouvier x because he is the "Welcome. Come in, Come in. Do help yourself, murder my family, here, let me show you where the sharpest knives are..." kind of mutt - love him.

Lol the father of my litter is like that. He's anybody's

There have been many times when he will come between me and visitors, or he'll guard the pups from them. If Boston isn't happy with someone then they aren't taking one of his children home with them, end of story. When that dog stands to attention against me with his hackles up and his whole body rumbling I listen well. Twice I have not sold horses to people because of him as well, maybe it is just me being fanciful, who knows.

I think when deciding on a pups future, you must go with your gut and make decisions that make you happy. If there is a niggling doubt then don't do it, you are under no obligation to sell to just anyone who wants a pup. I frequently say, either personally, on the phone or by email that I don't thing the do will be suitable for that particular situation "Thankyou for your enquiry, I hope you find what you are looking for" Most of my pups come back to visit, unborn pups are reserved before they are even planned, one family has been waiting over a year for me to breed again, and four families have come back and bought siblings, one family has three dogs of ours.

Good advice. Thank you. I have turned a couple of people away purely because this would be their first dog and I don't believe a Pyrenean Mountain dog is a beginner's dog. It maybe that they would provide a very good home, but I just couldn't risk it.

 

[Wagtail]

Email is tricky I think, on a first email to a breeder I don't think I would be setting out my life story unprompted. I would rather email to see if there were puppies left, then call - it's easier to do some things on the phone or in person.

Yes, I am quite happy for the first email to be just enquiring about the availability of the pups. But this man said twice he would ring and just kept firing off emails asking for more photographs. I felt he was stalling, for whatever reason. Could be because he felt it was a buyer's market, it isn't with puppies! Could be that he didn't have the money right now. Could be that he just wasn't that sure, could have been that he didn't have time to make a phone call. All of those reasons mean that he was not an ideal owner for my pups.

 

[Wagtail]

i agree ^^


when i was looking for a pup i started with email... as i could be sent pictures instantly almost

In regards to ownership i was happy for a reference to be given to pup owner and them knowing my full history/work pattern etc

but as it happens i got so peed off with breeders i rung up one 3 hour round trip and set off an hour later having the choice of 1 out of 1 dog!

breeder could tell from meeting us the dog was going a good home, so to me, i think meeting people is a good way to judge them

also a good way to decide if they are lying

Yes, I believe meeting face to face is always the best. However I have people coming from as far as Ireland. The nearest of my buyers was two hours away, so I need to sus them out before they make the long trip. I would find it incredibly difficult turning someone down after they had made a 12 hour round trip.

 

[Spudlet]

I didn't really mean in the context of that guy, because if you want a dog obviously you call - but in a general context.

 

[Wagtail]

I didn't really mean in the context of that guy, because if you want a dog obviously you call - but in a general context.

Ah right. No I wouldn't be put off by a first email not disclosing much about the person, but then I like to speak on the phone.

 

[Dry Rot]

I used to breed the occasional litter of working dogs and had an application form on my web site. One of the things I asked for was a post code. Using Google Maps satellite view it was then quite easy to see if they were in suitable country to work the dog! There are a lot of romantics out there!

I also had a few questions that quickly high lighted whether the intending purchaser knew anything about training and working the breed in question. I probably turned away 80% but if I was interested in money, I wouldn't have the breed I do. Over the years I have become quite skilled in turning away those who are obviously unsuitable with a stock excuse, "all sold" being one.

Strangely,those who come across as perfect owners often aren't. They are the ones with people skills -- they are good at selling themselves, which is not the same as being able to train or work a dog. On the other hand, the withdrawn self effacing types are sometimes quite good!

 

[Alec Swan]

.......

Strangely,those who come across as perfect owners often aren't. They are the ones with people skills -- they are good at selling themselves, which is not the same as being able to train or work a dog. On the other hand, the withdrawn self effacing types are sometimes quite good!

Something to do with books and their covers, or so I'm told!

Alec.

 

[SusieT]

Quite often its the over excited ones who mither the life out of you who give up when the dog is 18months old and chewing!
To add, people like to feel wanted etc., if it is not in your nature to be overly enthusiastic and overkeen, you can find it hard to really behave like a superkeen, enthusiastic person about a pup without seeming insincere. Particularly men. Just a point.

 

[Holidays_are_coming]

I decided I wanted a dog on the friday am (please understand I have had dogs all my life and trained all my parents dogs, but never had one as my own), and by the friday night I was the proud owner of a bouncing ball of fluff, he is my complete baby (not sure what Id do without him now). I was very enthusiatic and wanted to make the breeder understand the sort of home I could offer one of her babies, he has the life of riley lots of walks and we have just started agility, he was the last pup left but we instantly clicked and I even managed to keep him semi calm and have a cuddle!!

 

[Wagtail]

I used to breed the occasional litter of working dogs and had an application form on my web site. One of the things I asked for was a post code. Using Google Maps satellite view it was then quite easy to see if they were in suitable country to work the dog! There are a lot of romantics out there!

I also had a few questions that quickly high lighted whether the intending purchaser knew anything about training and working the breed in question. I probably turned away 80% but if I was interested in money, I wouldn't have the breed I do. Over the years I have become quite skilled in turning away those who are obviously unsuitable with a stock excuse, "all sold" being one.

Strangely,those who come across as perfect owners often aren't. They are the ones with people skills -- they are good at selling themselves, which is not the same as being able to train or work a dog. On the other hand, the withdrawn self effacing types are sometimes quite good!

Good point regarding those that can sell themselves and know what sort of things to say. I like the 'all sold' excuse. However, in my case I will have only assertained they are not suitable after speaking with them on the phone. Then it becomes an unusual excuse. I usually then say something like I have viewings booked for the remaining pups and will be in touch if anyone backs out.

The postcode is also a good one, especially with larger or very energetic breeds. It can usually show you whether they have an ideal sort of garden as well as the type of area.

 

[Wagtail]

Quite often its the over excited ones who mither the life out of you who give up when the dog is 18months old and chewing!
To add, people like to feel wanted etc., if it is not in your nature to be overly enthusiastic and overkeen, you can find it hard to really behave like a superkeen, enthusiastic person about a pup without seeming insincere. Particularly men. Just a point.

You have a really good point there. I have known one girl who was a serial puppy keeper. She ended up having a string of dogs until they were a year old and either something befell them, some strange illness or she sold them, then moved onto the next breed to take her fancy.

 

[Wagtail]

I decided I wanted a dog on the friday am (please understand I have had dogs all my life and trained all my parents dogs, but never had one as my own), and by the friday night I was the proud owner of a bouncing ball of fluff, he is my complete baby (not sure what Id do without him now). I was very enthusiatic and wanted to make the breeder understand the sort of home I could offer one of her babies, he has the life of riley lots of walks and we have just started agility, he was the last pup left but we instantly clicked and I even managed to keep him semi calm and have a cuddle!!

Aw, that is lovely. Must have been fate.

 

[SusieT]

haha, I have just rehashed a conversation in my head with wagtail asking a lot of questions then suddenly saying, oh what a shame, last one just sold! I think have a crib sheet-ask all potential buyers these questions and go from there, then rule them out!

 

[EAST KENT]

I want to know right off lifestyle of proposing owners,I am not interested in the "how much" as a first question brigade.And the ones who interest me LEAST are those numpties who ask "can we negotiate a bit?" ..No I AM NOT A CAR DEALER .
And probably the very worst sort of enquiry are those who are unsuitable,get told so ,but argue that their "love" will make a square peg fit into a round hole.
As for they "how much" brigade I cheerfully direct them to puppies half our price ,no health tests vax or ID ..and advise them to enjoy,be my guest..but don`t phone me when it bites/drops dead or something ..which my too expensive puppies definitely will not do.

 

[Wagtail]

I want to know right off lifestyle of proposing owners,I am not interested in the "how much" as a first question brigade.And the ones who interest me LEAST are those numpties who ask "can we negotiate a bit?" ..No I AM NOT A CAR DEALER .
And probably the very worst sort of enquiry are those who are unsuitable,get told so ,but argue that their "love" will make a square peg fit into a round hole.
As for they "how much" brigade I cheerfully direct them to puppies half our price ,no health tests vax or ID ..and advise them to enjoy,be my guest..but don`t phone me when it bites/drops dead or something ..which my too expensive puppies definitely will not do.

I do often wonder though why people do not advertise the price?

I think the man I was talking about in my OP was probably angling for a reduction by 'making me sweat', erm no...I have plenty of people wanting a puppy from me and even if he was the only enquiry I had had, I would still have put him off.